2015 Kia Soul EV
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2015
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2015: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
2 of 6 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Our 2015 Kia Soul EV has over heated the main controller and shut down in traffic and would not move. This happened twice in chandler (Phoenix ) Arizona after traveling just 10 miles. This is a major safety concern.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-06
Vehicle speed control
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was pulling into a parking space with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into a concrete pillar. I was driving in the "B" Mode. I was able to drive the car home, but later had it towed to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-02
Service brakes
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
I was pulling into a disable parking space. I push my brakes to stop the car and the car did not respond to the brake. The anti-lock brakes did not work my car continue to go without stopping.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-01
Engine
1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Owner was driving on interstate 80 heading east at apx 65 miles per hour.with no warning , oil light started flashing ,car seized up and started making a very loud banging.owner is a 22 year old new driver and was very lucky to have not been killed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-25
Electrical system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-01
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-11-16Steering17V608000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2020-08-07Electrical system, power train20V389000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-08-18Electrical system23V218000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected.
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2023-09-10Recall queryClosed 2024-01-16 Vehicle Rollaway
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2023-12-21Electrical system, power train23V724000 Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287.
Buy-smart checklist
2015 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V608000 · Steering
- Recall 20V389000 · Electrical system, power train
- Recall 23V218000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V724000 · Electrical system, power train
FAQ
- Is the 2015 Kia Soul EV reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul EV?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Soul EV have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.