10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,830 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2015 Kia Soul Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #67

Jun 162024

Soul

  • miles

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

It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.

- Cantonment, FL, USA

problem #66

May 012023

Soul

  • miles
Vehicle recalled by Kia for potential for short and resultant fire from battery pack. Recall performed, traction battery found to be defective. Vehicle taken and held by Kia for six months while awaiting back-ordered replacement traction pack. Advised by Kia staff no timeline for pack due to shortage of parts. After 6 months vehicle returned with 'software update' because battery is unavailable and remains backordered.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #65

May 102024

Soul

  • 160,504 miles
Unknown. Engine or fuel mishap Car caught on fire as I was driving down the hwy with my 3 kids

- Fort Worth , TX, USA

problem #64

Apr 172024

Soul

  • miles

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

My catalytic converter failed just under 4 years after getting the SC176 recall done in July 2020. I believe it's possible there was a step missed in the replacement of my catalytic converter related to the recall, specifically the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic that may have caused the converter to fail. I do not detect that on the attached receipt from the repair that was done for the recall. Although there were no safety issues that happened, after reading the recall and what can happen as a result of the catalytic converter failing, I am concerned for my safety if I drive it any longer in that condition. The problem has been diagnosed by my local Kia dealership on Friday 4/19/24 and that is where the car is presently. I have attached the inspection report and the cost to fix it. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other the Kia dealership. There was a ticking sound when I accelerated that wasn't there before on 4/3. The service engine light came on Thursday 4/4 when I was getting my routine oil changed. I changed the PCV valve and the light went off until approximately 4/17 and then I called the dealership to schedule bringing it in for the diagnosis which was 4/19. This is the only information I have at this time. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #63

Feb 232024

Soul

  • miles
Car just started jerking and turning off while driving showing the engine light and oil light

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

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problem #62

Jul 142021

Soul

  • 124,613 miles
I have a complaint about my 2015 Kia Soul car service issue. Since I purchased the car in December 2021, my check engine and oil indicator light has been on. I took my car to a car repair shop, and was told that the engine oil is being sucked into the exhaust system and to take my car to a Kia dealership. I scheduled a service appointment on 07/14/2021 and paid about $145 for a diagnostic system check. I was told that my catalytic converter is blocked and the cost to replace the catalytic converter and labor would be about $2,000. I would have to pay another $145 for another diagnostic system check about the engine oil issue. The overall car issue is that the engine oil is going into the exhaust system and causing blockage in the catalytic converter. The extended warranty that I purchased with my 2015 Kia Soul from Bob Sight Kia does not cover these issues and I don't understand why. I did some research and there was a recall {2019-02-21}, {recall number SC176} on 2015 Kia Souls of the same car issues. I contacted Kia customer service to inquire about the recall. The Kia customer service representative stated that recall number SC176 was done on my Kia Soul in June 2019, but it is not stated anywhere on my car's CARFAX report nor on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) website. On the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website it states, "Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHSTA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety- related defect or noncompliance." As I am driving, my car will stop running while I am accelerating while driving down a street and/or highway. The car also stop running when I am stopped at a streetlight. I believe that the recall SC176 was not performed on my car.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #61

Nov 172023

Soul

  • miles

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

Car has an heavy gas smell like when the car is started, has to crank up and car shakes when it-??s started steering is off and etc.

- Jacksonville , FL, USA

problem #60

Nov 142023

Soul

  • miles
For the past two years my 2015 Kia Soul has been rapidly burning through oil. I-??m having to get full oil changes every 2 months with me also adding additional top offs every few weeks. I-??ve been getting the run around from KIA about this issue. I brought it in two years ago for an engine recall. The dealership in EAST MEADOW LONG ISLAND was a complete joke. They charged me a few because my check engine light was on, the reason I was there! They said my engine was fine and nothing was related to the recall. Lately I have been noticing a stalling when going up a hill and the car has trouble accelerating over 40mph. It stalled the other day while I was trying to merge on the highway. I am so sick of this car and will likely sell it at a loss. Currently has 99,000 miles on it.

- East Meadow, NY, USA

problem #59

May 042021

Soul

  • miles
I took my car to a Kia dealership after the engine recall in 2020, and again this year. In 2020, they told me there wasn't anything they could do without the code. It seems very much like Kia are manipulating these recall rules. My car is making the rod noises and squealing noises related to this recall. It often loses power around 65 miles an hour. They charged me $75 for a diagnostic, and attempted to charge me $2750 for a catalytic converter repair that they said was unrelated to my engine issues. They're wrong, it was absolutely related to my engine issues. Cat converters don't cause rod noises. I'm deeply upset and angry, because I feel like I've been chasing Kia for at least 2 of the 6 years that I've had this car, and I'm really tired of getting screwed by these big companies using our system against us. I have to pay the bank, the car dealership, and the government, but nobody has my back when KIA sells me a faulty engine? They're sponsoring every major sporting event with the value they're stealing from us. They lie about engine codes. They lie about their diagnostics. I've owned a bunch of cars. I know what an engine sounds like when it's dying. They told me "it's under warranty until 150k. Bring it back if it dies." THIS IS CRIMINAL. I've been forced to pay full value of this vehicle, for a vehicle with a faulty recalled engine. I can't resell it with this engine unless I take a massive loss. I already filed a complaint with the NHTSA about this in 2021. I am filing another complaint, because Kia hasn't resolved the issue yet. Someone is going to be responsible for this, and I'm never going to give up. I want my engine replaced, and I want criminal charges brought against the exes at this company. I'm deeply affecting my emotional state, and frankly, I'm saddened by the fact that I can get suckered into buying a 5 star vehicle (NHTSA rating) only to be met with this chaos.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

problem #58

Oct 102023

Soul

  • miles
I believe the recalls for the -??Engine-?? and the -??Engine and engine cooling: Exhaust system: Emission control: Catalytic convertor-?? apply to the continuouse issue I-??ve been having with my car. I was told it-??s not affected but I believe it is. I have an oil leak somehow but its not leaking outside the car, there are no oil stains in the driveway. When the oil starts to get just a little low the car starts wanting to stall and doesn-??t resolve when oil is put in. Days of not driving seems to resolve it. There have been burning smells and white smoke. This has been happening frequently for years and we get regular oil changes at the Kia Dealership. I-??m afraid if one of the recalls is actually the cause that we could be affected by it while we-??re being told our VIN isn-??t included in the recall

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #57

Sep 012023

Soul

  • miles

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

My engine has had many issues stemming from a bad engine Kia of Irvine has avoided fixing they have charged for fixes under warranty and ignored code p0420 since 2018. After much push Catalytic engine was replaced replaced in 2021. I had noticed burning smell from engine along with low oil but was denied an oil consumption and pushed out of extended warranty with minor fixes. Told repeatedly it was all wear and tear. Car is currently in shop with 157000 miles after going limp on the freeway luckily with slow traffic. After being -??fixed-?? on Tuesday 9/05/23 for a bad crank shaft sensor I drove it to pep boys straight out of the shop for scan and found ABS issue 1631 transmission failure and a failed emissions warning not fixed. Took car back right no explanation and asked that I leave my car once again. I have called to No communication from the shop And now I have just been informed they misplaced my key and have not yet inspected it.

- Anaheim , CA, USA

problem #56

Jun 272023

Soul

  • miles
NHTSA recall for reference number 19V120000. Engine and engine cooling exhaust system: Emission control: Catalytic convertor and my Kia Soul 2015 did not have this changed out. Kia is saying that is is not a recall but this issue is a recall because if my car blows up and some one dies I am sueing Kia for this issue/

- Aiea, HI, USA

problem #55

Dec 202018

Soul

  • miles
I bought this vehicle new (under 3k miles) from the dealer Kiefer Kia. The very next day I brought the car back as there were obvious problems with it immediately. The car would hesitate, almost as if it were about to die, while driving or even sitting at a light. When I took it in the repair person heard the problem but said "that's normal for a new car". I wanted to reopen the car but they said there were no returns. I came in 2 other times. On the 4th time they finally replaced the computer. It did nothing to fix the problem but from that time I had electrical problems. They denied the electrical problems. 2 more visits they replaced the computer again and some other recall. Both problems continued. I've had to replace the battery more than once a year. It still hesitates but covid happened and now I'm in a wheel chair and have problems getting around so brining it in is even more difficult. I don't trust any more repairs they're doing I just want my money back. I stopped driving it on the highway as I'm to afraid of the engine catching fire with how it eats oil. If I want to go out of town I have to rent a car!

- Eugene, OR, USA

problem #54

Mar 012023

Soul

  • miles
got an engine catalytic converter check engine light

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #53

Jan 162023

Soul 4-cyl

  • miles
My 2015 Kia soul engine light won't stay off so I'm trying to see if it's under warranty or recall so I can get it fixed or trade it in. Please somebody contact as soon as possible. [XXX] [XXX] is my name INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Rock Hill , SC, USA

problem #52

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 #51

Sep 172022

Soul 4-cyl

  • miles
My 2015 Kia Soul recently went out of service. One day last month my car randomly started stalling and shaking to the point of barely being drivable. There were no signs or dashboard lights. Thursday, September 15th, 2022, I took my car to a local repair shop and they ran a diagnostic that came back as a bad Catalytic Converter on Friday, September 16th, 2022. According to the mechanic, the converter nearest the engine had broken off and pieces of it had gotten into my engine and fuel line resulting in a need for a new converter and a complete engine flush. The mechanic pulled up a recall and suggested that the car be taken to the dealership as this particular issue should have been covered under that recall. He suggested that I no longer drive the car prior to getting it repaired for my and my children's safety as my engine could have blown up at any time and caught fire. Also on Friday, September 16th, 2022, I had the vehicle towed to the Kia dealership in Napleton Mid Rivers as advised by the mechanic. The car was towed to the dealership where I made them aware of the issue and I was advised they would have to perform a second diagnostic to confirm. Monday, September 19, 2022, I get a text message from Dennis Gearhart, a service advisor for Kia - who informs me that their diagnostic came back showing that I need a replacement Catalytic Converter, oil change, and minor tune-up. Dennis advised me that the repair would cost over $2800 and would not be covered under the recall because I'm no longer under warranty and the recall was marked as done. Upon further questioning - I was advised that the service advisor in May 2019 did NOT perform a replacement under the recall because it "didn't need it" yet here I am less than 7 years after getting a new engine from KIA and I'm being told to rectify an issue they were responsible for fixing and yet refuse to mitigate. They placed my and my family's life in danger due to the negligence of their staff!

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #50

Oct 142021

Soul

  • miles
Catalytic converter needed replacing at 100,000 miles! REALLY!! I have NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED BEFORE 200,000 miles! CHEAP PRODUCT installed!

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #49

Jun 132022

Soul

  • miles
My wife has a 2015 Kia Soul that developed a gasoline leak in the engine compartment. The Kia dealer said some of their other models have been recalled due to gas leaks and fires but this model has not. This model has the same engine and obviously has the same issue as the Kia model that was recalled. We were very lucky that her car did not catch fire or explode and that I was able to see the problem after she drove the car a short way. The fuel line was leaking gas where it connects to the high pressure pump on top of the engine and from the hose just behind the engine.

- Linthicum , MD, USA

problem #48

Apr 292022

Soul

  • miles
Engine light and ABS light always on, kia hasnt explained this issue or expressed concern about it.. Engine randomly started leaking oil, blowing out white smoke, stalling out upon accelerating causing safety issue in traffic. Kia has had car for 2 weeks now with no answers to resolve. Being told the recall issue is "fine" I use my car for work and this unresolved issue is affecting my livelihood. This all began on 4-29-22 and am now being asked to pay for further testing for diagnostic purposes. Told there are no loaner vehicles and to rent one at my own expense.

- Kalaheo, HI, USA

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