2015 Kia Soul
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 660 |
| 2014 | 895 |
| 2015 | 896 |
| 2016 | 802 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2018 | 213 |
| 2019 | 135 |
| 2020 | 372 |
| 2021 | 228 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
70% of complaints: engine — 627 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260802
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 76 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car has an heavy gas smell like when the car is started ,has to crank up and car shakes when itâs started steering is off and etc.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231118
Also filed under STEERING and WHEELS
8% of complaints: electrical system — 75 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender and 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A NEIGHBOR ALERTED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180406
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171218
7% of complaints: power train — 60 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35-45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH SLIPPED AND LOST FUNCTIONALITY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180302
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and oil/lubrication.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
Campaign 15V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V608000 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged.
Campaign 19V120000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (627 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (76 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (75 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V123000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V608000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Kia Soul reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Kia Soul is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Soul have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.