Kia Soul Complaints (2015)

908 consumer complaints on file.

#11771908October 18, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL SC176 INCOMPLETE- WHILE DRIVING IN AN UNINCORPERATED AREA IN [XXX] ([XXX] IN [XXX] COUNTY) THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER AND DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP ON A DANGEROUS CURVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE CRUVE WAS SITUATED IN SUCH A MANOR THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO TRY TO PUSH IT INTO THE SIDE AS IT WAS A STEEP DITCH LEAVING THE VHICLE COMPLETELY DISABLED IN THE COMPLETE DARK. EVEN WITH THE FLASHERS ON OTHER MOTORISTS INCLUDING A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE DISABLED VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES. WHILE ESCAPING THE DANGEROUS SITUATION ON FOOT I NOTICED THE MUFFLER WAS EMMITING SMOKE AND A STRONG ODOR. I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN THE SERVICES OF A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE WHERE THEY HAD TO USE MULTIPLE UNITS WITH CONES AND AMBER LIGHTS AND FLAGMEN WITH STROBES TO SET UP A SAFTEY ZONE TO PROTECT ONCOMMING MOTORISTS WHILE THEY CLEARED THE IMMEDIATE SAFTEY HAZARD. THAT WEEK I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP CHECK ON THE NO START CONDITION. THEY REMOVED, CHARGED, AND BENCH TESTED THE BATTERY FINDING IT TO PERFORM AT AN ACCEPTABLE AMPERAGE. UPON INSPECTING THE NO START CONDITION FOUND THE MOTOR TO BE LOCKRD. THEY NOTED AN INCOMPLETE SAFTEY RECALL UPON CHECKING THE VIN AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO GO TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO AN OUTDOOR STORAGE LOT AND THE KEY RETURNED PENDING TRANSPORT. I TALKED TO A LADY AT THE KIA DEALER IN [XXX] WHERE IT WAS MENTIONED THEY ONLY HAD 2 TECHNICIANS AND IT WOULD BE A WHILE TO GET IT LOOKED AT, SO I CALLED THE NEXT CLOSEST DEALER WHICH IS [XXX]. ON THE PHONE THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR FOR RECALL INSPECTION. INSTEAD OF PROCESSING THE RECALL THEY TEXT ME MENTIONING DIAG FEES AND COSTS AND TRIED TO GET ME TO TRADE IT IN INSTEAD. I FEEL DUPED HAVING IT TOWED THERE FOR RECALL BASED ON THERE WORDS JUST FOR THEM TO TRY TO GET ME TO TRADE IT IN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771221October 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
An authorized Kia dealership (Car Town Kia in Lexington Ky) refused to complete federal safety recall SC334 after a technician snapped a bleeder screw, instead demanding a $3,022.83 payment for an unauthorized full brake overhaul. Citing rust buildup to deny the mandated safety repair violates federal regulations, prompting a request for an immediate NHTSA investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769993October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My husband purchased our 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI in 04/18. It was recalled under the NHTSA 19V120 & Kia SC176 in 04/19. The recommended fix? Update ECU Logic. Completed: 04/24/19. Check engine light came in 07/19. My appointment in 08/19, at #1 Cochran Kia showed a P0455 large leak code. Per invoice, manual leak test found no leak, but found gas cap not installed correctly after adding fuel, codes were cleared, & road test performed; "mileage in": 65582, "mileage out": 65583. Was that a road test? In 01/20, the Soul at the dealer for check engine light; P050A code was found & there was no resolution. They sent me home with the check engine light on. Auto Zone recommended catalytic cleaners. I used these because the illuminated check engine light created stress & still does. Auto Zone found another P0420 code for replace catalytic converter on 08/21. More cleaners. 01/22 Auto Zone found replace ignition coils & spark plugs. 04/22 extended warranty expire At dealer on 01/23, for a check engine light. A catalytic converter replace was recommended for $2,199.95. I could not afford that. More cat cleaner. Auto Zone found P0420 code on 06/23. Cat cleaner did not work. I found a cat for $379.80 & asked an auto tech to install. Codes cleared only for a little while. I kept using catalytic cleaner. Soul's mileage was greater than max of 150,000 during '23 settlement. On 09/28/26, the car slowed down when accelerating up hill & check engine light began blinking. Stressed, 3 friends & I were picked up by another friend. At home, P0300 led to spark plugs & ignition coils being replaced & a possible exhaust leak. An appointment is scheduled on 10/14/26 but the dealer plans to charge a diag. fee for $190. Kia released SC176Y an extension to SC176, directing dealerships to replace catalytic converters & parts of the engine if a car is exhibiting the P0420 & P0300 codes after the 2019 ECU logic update. Can my VIN have these replaced? The original cat converter is available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768949October 5, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine was inspected and it was determined that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was charged for the diagnostic test. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time, but no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Pep Boys, who diagnosed that the engine was leaking oil onto the exhaust system and catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a third time, where it was determined that the catalytic converter was clogged and the diagnostic trouble codes were cleared. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be performed until the rod bearings had failed. The vehicle later caught on fire near the catalytic converter and the contact extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765549September 19, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt on front passenger side locked up and continued to tighten until passenger had to release. Then seatbelt never returned to function. It locked up completely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761735September 2, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, with an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle and became aware that there was a line of fire on the main road leading to the bottom of the vehicle. The contact stated that a week prior to the failure, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from inside the vehicle. The contact called the Emergency Services, and the Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754821August 4, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dealer refusing to honor open recall remedy for SC200 / NHTSA 20V750000 on 2015 Kia Soul VIN [XXX], approx 100k miles. Recall shows "no unrepaired recall found" on NHTSA VIN lookup, but KSDS update and engine bearing test were never performed. Kia of Cheyenne states: 1) must pay for recall because update not done, 2) must pay for unrelated repairs first, 3) must provide all oil receipts, 4) will not perform free remedy. Second dealer Fort Collins Kia service phone rings no voicemail. Request NHTSA reopen recall and enforce free remedy per 49 USC 30120. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754309August 2, 2026
ENGINE
Please see attached documents. I have also put them in the US mail. One to KIA: Kia Customer Care Center, Kia Motors America, Inc., P.O. Box 52410, Irvine, CA, 92619-2410 and one to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washing, DC 20590.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753129July 27, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the inspection and no repairs were needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on a slightly inclined road, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, and other unknown engine failures. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752482July 23, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, bystanders notified the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The contact pulled over, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's boyfriend called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A Police report was not filed. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750114July 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
White paint chipping
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748191July 3, 2026
ENGINE
Engine went into limp mode on highway on June 30th 2026 and is available now for inspection. Partner and daughter were almost hit by a semi. VIN was registered on Kia website..Kia and dealership inspected and took responsibility for engine recall and deemed it safe on October 6th 2025. Check engine light came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746393June 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine light came on about 6 months ago because I was smelling a gas. I had it run on a code computer and it just showed a gasket needed changed. I didn't think that that was serious enough to address urgently because was unsure how much the cost would be. But was going over a big mountain about a week ago and car was on cruise control at 55 Mpr and all of a sudden it just started dropping down totally stopping on me in very active traffic had my grandchild in the car also, got off the road barely in ongoing traffic and called for roadside assistance, but my son showed up and got it to start I barely got it back to his house in Rogersville tn. Where I was staying for a visit , I Ran a code computer on it again and it said it was the Cadillac converter, I looked it up and there is a recall on this situation. Why your sight is saying it's 0 idk why. This is my report and I think u need to change that problem there . I am currently still at my sons house staying cause I can't get my car home cause it won't climb clinch mountain or any sharp hills. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745471June 21, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle burns an unreasonable amount of oil. This clogs tue catalytic converter creating risks of breakdown or fire. There are many documented cases of this on the vehicle models and yet Kia has not resolved. Instead we pay for the issue. Car ownership has been consistent on maintenance and yet this issue remains.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745262June 19, 2026
ENGINE
the car burns oil. I am having to put in 1 to 3 quarts a month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745028June 18, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with knock sensor failure, valve cover gasket failure, and an inoperable oil pan. The contact was informed that the knock sensor, valve cover gasket and oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was released to the contact. The contact stated that within two minutes after leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light illuminated and the engine sputtered. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a clogged catalytic convertor. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,981.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744129June 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The vehicle is a 2015 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine. The check engine light came on solid, and a dealer later confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0420, indicating the catalyst system efficiency is below threshold on bank 1. The catalytic converter and engine are still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. This condition matches the defect described in Kia’s SC176 safety recall for 2012–2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine, in which overheating of the catalytic converter can lead to internal engine damage and even a fire. My concern is that a failing catalytic converter or related engine damage could lead to sudden loss of power, engine failure, or fire while driving, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Kia dealer, which documented the solid check engine light and DTC P0420 on a written repair estimate. In that document, the dealer referenced recall SC176Y as the possible applicable recall and noted that it would need to contact Kia for coverage because the vehicle has a branded rebuilt title. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not yet performed any SC176‑style ECU logic update, compression test, or catalytic converter/engine inspection on this vehicle, and the manufacturer has declined to escalate or review recall coverage for this defect. The check engine light and P0420 code remain the primary warning indicators, and they first appeared shortly before the dealer visit on the repair estimate date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742369June 5, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the residence, then towed to a dealer, who stated that the failure was related to the active recall, although the diagnosis was unclear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740279May 27, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical engine knock, significant magnetic iron debris in the engine oil, and subsequently triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Bearing Wear Limit Exceeded). This indicates imminent connecting rod bearing failure, which is a known defect subject to lifetime warranty extensions and safety recalls under the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation. This defect poses a severe safety risk, as it can cause sudden engine seizure, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds, or an engine fire, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle was presented to an authorized Kia dealership service center for diagnosis. The dealership completed a static "Bearing Clearance Test" (BCT) which resulted in a procedural pass. However, the authorized service advisor explicitly stated on a recorded voicemail that the engine "is having issues" and that the dealership "can't put on the ticket that everything is completely safe". Voicemail recording can be provided. Despite acknowledging on the record that the vehicle is unsafe to operate, the dealership and manufacturer refused to authorize the necessary engine replacement repair, citing the static test result. Furthermore, dealership staff instructed the consumer (myself) to continue operating the admittedly unsafe vehicle in traffic until a catastrophic failure occurs on the road to force a diagnostic test failure. The manufacturer's reliance on a test protocol that fails to identify physically disintegrating components, combined with instructing consumers to drive vehicles admitted to be unsafe, constitutes an extreme and ongoing safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739274May 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
On the highway, not reaching speed at expected RPM, try increasing power and RPM stops climbing at 3500, and speed decreases suddenly, car starts bucking, check engine light flashing. I pull over, stop, and keep going after several minutes idling with no apparent issue continuing. I take the car to get a computer check of the engine light code, P0420 for catalytic converter efficiency. Take car to dealer, they diagnose the converter as being both melted and clogged, quote me $4200 to replace with OEM part. Go to get second opinion at another service center, they confirm converter diagnosis and additionally diagnose cause as relating to outdated ECU software causing converter overheating, something which was an active recall for Kia Soul vehicles from MY 2012-2016, but only the 1.6L models. My vehicle is a 2.0L model with the exact same issue causing the exact same result, but with no recall, the converter is shot and there is no accountability for replacing the damaged part and updating the faulty software, as well as for missing this faulty software in the first diagnostic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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