10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,759 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Kia Soul drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2015 Kia Soul Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #45

May 282023

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon research, he noticed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V389000 (Power Train, Electrical System) and 23V218000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- San Gabriel, CA, USA

problem #44

Jul 312021

Soul

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into park and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer once again and the crank shaft sensor was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, but no failure was found, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 77,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #43

Aug 012022

Soul

  • miles
The engine in my car needs replacing. The dealership and KIA corporation refuse to complete oil consumption tests. I am driving a car that cannot be inspected or repaired. They told me literally I have to drive the car into the ground to get the engine replaced. This is dangerous and foolhardy. Corporations with faulty products that have warranties they refuse to honor are putting all people on the road at risk. Getting through to either the dealership or the corporation is almost impossible unless you have no job. Please help KIA owners who are put in this unconscionable position. I own my car outright, I wish I had more options other than losing my investment as a poor person. Thank you for whatever help you can provide. Diane Fleming-Myers

- Phila, PA, USA

problem #42

Oct 172022

Soul

  • 138,489 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle began shuddering violently, with the check engine light alternating between blinking and staying lit. The oil light randomly lighting up for literally a fraction of a second despite oil levels in acceptable range. Excessive yet random consumption of oil. Severe loss of horsepower, especially upon acceleration from a dead stop. No/low compression on two cylinders. Catalytic converter needs replacing for 2nd time in 365 days. Safety Recalls not showing in system (VIN lookup), yet recently presented by dealership. Safety Recalls P12002B ECU Update KSDS 2.0L GDI, SA206 PS/EV Rear Center Seatbelt Cover, SC125 Pinion Plug Inspection Repair, & SC155 STR Gear Pinion Plug Group B. Some recalls not informed of in a timely manner. Kia Dealership & local muffler shop are the only ones to look at car. Kia Dealership stated didn't know what was wrong with Kia vehicle after a week of diagnostic testing, said to drive it elsewhere to have plugs, wires, packs & catalytic converter replaced, then return for further troubleshooting. Dealership continuing to "find" different reasons why vehicle isn't covered under extended warranty to replace engine. All issues confirmed by dealership & muffler shop, all warning lights remain on, driving vehicle as-is is a danger to self & other drivers due to engine stalling/random loss of power whilst turning, accelerating, etc. Safety Recalls not being presented in a timely manner could result in accidents and/or deaths.

- Calhoun, LA, USA

problem #41

Dec 102022

Soul

  • miles
Engine failure due to campaign 19120000. I was never notified via phone or mail back in 2020 when this was released. Now it-€™s not being honored. I-€™ve been placed on hold, spoke with someone who then put me on another hold and back out to the beginning of the hold process. My car is doing exactly this in this campaign # and while doing so multiple other failures are following.

- Springfield, OH, USA

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problem #40

Nov 142022

Soul

  • miles
Engine consumes excessive amount of oil before next oil change that causes catalytic converter to clog and the car not to perform well. This is a known Kia issue and everyone should be eligible for the engine recall. This is dangerous and cars have been catching fire over this issue. Kia knows and they refuse to fix the issue for 2015 Kia soul + owners.

- Indianapolis , IN, USA

problem #39

Feb 012022

Soul

  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes P007 and P008 and informed the contact that the camshaft sensors and crank shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who informed him that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain, sensors, camshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the engine would be check for possible metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

- Waynesville, OH, USA

problem #38

Oct 092022

Soul

  • miles
Cylinder misfire on 1 and 2. Loss of compression on one cylinder. Loss of power, frequent oil additions. Engine shuttering/stalling. Engine warning light alternating solid/flashing. Dangerous to drive due to unpredictable stalling, loss of power/acceleration. Local KIA Dealer claimed couldn't find a problem after a week, told to replace catalytic converter. Local muffler shop said cannot replace catalytic converter until engine issue(s) addressed. Appears to be a common problem that no one wishes to address, leaving me at a loss as to what to do.

- Calhoun, LA, USA

problem #37

Apr 062022

Soul

  • miles
oil light came on randomly while driving. Took to the shop to have checked out. Was found to be almost empty of oil. Oil was changed 2 months prior. Filled up with oil and left. Everytime the vehicle would sit adle the oil pressure would cause the oil light to come on. Took to the dealership and was told it needed a new engine. Dealership promised to replace the engine for no charge. Stated it would take appoximatley 3 weeks. Stated there was a recall and issue with these engines. After 3 weeks dealership called and stated the vehicle only passed 1 or 2 test required before replacing engine. The engine would not be replaced free of charge. the vehicle has 82,000 miles. Have record of every oil change that was serviced at the appropriate time. The dealership wanted $8700 for a engine.

- Tupelo, MS, USA

problem #36

Mar 192022

Soul

  • miles
The vehicle was taken to highway and after an uphill ramp (from Stringfellow to I-66E), the vehicle lost power, started to smoke, brake system lost power (foot brake did not work, so side brake was used to stop the vehicle), then caught on fire at Mile Marker 56.6. Yes, it is available for an inspection. I had to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of interstate highway that did not have an emergency lane. 3 out of 4 lanes had been blocked, so, yes, it did put others at safety risk as well. Problem cannot be reproduced as the vehicle will be deemed total loss (pending insurance company's inspection). However, please note that the engine was replaced at the dealer, under the warranty, 2 weeks prior to the incident. Insurance company is inspecting the vehicle and the captain of the fire brigade has stated that he will be filing a report in Fairfax County, VA. Excessive smoke and smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer the next day after the vehicle was picked up 2 weeks ago due to loss of power, transmission shift lags, blinking engine light, excessive vibration, etc. At the time of the incident, the dashboard did not indicate any engine lights nor the thermostat indicated overheating.

- Centreville, VA, USA

problem #35

Nov 202021

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Catalytic converter, slipping gears, slowing down on hywy putting me at risk for rear end collision. Has been inspected by manufacturer and been confirmed. Saw recall on this on cars.com Engine light started 1 yr ago.

- Hampton, GA, USA

problem #34

Jan 232022

Soul

  • miles
Brought car to dealer because of recall SC176 and engine making noise. Which kia refuse to honor.

- Miami Gardens, FL, USA

problem #33

Oct 032021

Soul

  • miles
Driving the car up the 101 Cuesta Grade and lost acceleration. The speedometer went to zero and as the car died I pulled to the right side of the freeway / grade. Smoke started to enter my vehicle. A car stopped in front of me and one behind and the people ran from their cars to tell me to get out of my car as my front engine underneath was on fire. I got out of the car and opened the back hatch to remove my belongings as the engine burst into flames. This car has been maintained by KIA and by a personal mechanic and we were up to date on all recalls. We were NOT included in the most recent engine fire recall. The car is completely destroyed.

- Paso Robles, CA, USA

problem #32

Jun 222021

Soul

  • miles
The connecting rod bearing failed resulting in the engine failing. The engine is still in the car at the dealership awaiting approval from KIA to replace it (they are currently refusing). The engine failing while the vehicle was being operated placed me and other motorist in danger had I not been able to get it off the road immediately. The connecting rod bearing failure was confirmed by the dealership. No, the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else besides the service techs at the dealership. It is unknown if any warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #31

Dec 062020

Soul

  • miles
Contract 100K miles/10 years. Current mileage 92388. Still within warranty contract. While driving, 12/6/2020, my car stopped running after a brief warning on the dash. Check engine and oil light came on. Within a few minutes, I heard a noise, and the engine shut down. There were no oil leaks or any fluids under the car. I towed the car home. I towed to ray brandt Kia in harvey la 12/7/20. A month later, I was told the engine failed. By 1/4/21, I was asked for permission to tear down the engine for inspection. 1/8/21 brian murray, svc mgr. Said valve cover to be removed for inspection. Fidelity warranty/ray brandt Kia approved repairs re: RO101874. Per vicky, the inspector directed the timing belt replacement. On 1/13/21, test runs done to see if it fixed the problem but no compression. No action taken on recall 20V750. Per vicky, ray brandt recommended replacing the engine. Used engine found for replacement with approx. 42K miles. Per vicky at ray brandt svc dept. I received recall letter dated 1/25/21 by mail. Called vicky about recall. She confirmed it on her computer. Ray brandt called days later to say fidelity denied my claim. They stopped all repairs. Told I had to call fidelity for documentation. Called but no response. After sending a certified letter 3/9 to legal. Nancy beausejour called. She sent a reply dated 4/7. first two inspections reveal oil and other fluids are good and no sludge in the engine. This was prior to two more inspections with different conclusions. Final inspection show engine warped. Due to ignoring the recall, no action on service department recommendations and test runs without repairs, the engine warped. Before this failure, I had no engine overheating. Since 4/22/21, after 5 calls to Kia consumer assistance ctr.,called. May 12, 2021

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #30

Apr 222021

Soul

  • 286,300 miles
Was driving the vehicle everything was normal all of a sudden the it began to smell like it was overheating. Then car started to lose power an stalled out. I pulled over let it set for a good 30 mins. I checked all the fluids everything was great. So I started the vehicle which was hesitant began driving did great for about 15 mins. And the same smell plus some other sounds crazy but egg smell occurred and I pulled over about 4 mins after I began to notice it was running strange. The check engine light came on an now this vehicle misses and does not run correctly. I check the fluids and tires every Monday and Thursday. I went to have the codes for the check engine light that came on after the incident happened. It gave me several issues that wasnt there at all before whatever happened happened.

- Dyersburg, TN, USA

problem #29

Dec 202020

Soul

  • 120,000 miles
My transmission is slipping and will not shift

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #28

Feb 282019

Soul

  • 111,000 miles
I had my car into the dealer for unknown oil loss, the car was not burning it or leaking. I was informed by the dealer that it was an issue but there are no recalls on it. They took the engine apart and took pictures to submit to Kia for advice. Kia refused to authorize them to fix the engine. On my way home on the highway with the car the engine started knocking when accelerating, the car lost power and the engine light came on. The car has about 111000 miles and it's been sitting for 2 years now because it needs the engine and catalytic converted replaced. I had to buy another car to drive. I have periodically called car to see if they were going to do a recall on the 2.0 engine like they did for the 1.6 because the 2.0 was doing the exact same thing. It been 2 years and finally I got a recall letter that they now have the recall. I had my car towed to suntrup Kia to get a new engine. I was told that the Kia computers had been hacked and they could not get approval to fix the engine. They hoped it would be up next week. Next week came and they called and said they fixed the recalls. I asked if they replaced the engine and catalytic converter that quick. They said no my car did not fail some test they did. I called Kia to get the issue resolved and they also told me they could not help me because there computer's were down and had no eta on when they would be back up. Now I have to pay to have my car towed home again. Suntrup Kia recommend me not to drive it.

- Hillsboro, MO, USA

problem #27

Jan 222021

Soul

  • 90,000 miles
Checked my oil and the dipstick was showing no oil at all, 2 quarts had been added 2 weeks prior. No sign of an oil leak anywhere. 2 days later I started the vehicle and it was idling very hard then died, I waited then started it back up. The engine light came on but it didnt die again. It has since continued to run very rough. This started at about 90,000, oil consumption is ridiculous. There is definitely a problem here, so many people are making complaints as well!!

- Brooksville, KY, USA

problem #26

Nov 012020

Soul

  • miles
At 88K miles car begins to drive sluggish causing a acceleration issue. You can also hear a whistling sound from the engine with a faint knocking sound. Took the vehicle in for inspection and it was said to be the catalytic converter and or transmission. Both were changed and vehicle is still driving sluggish.

- Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA

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