2015 Kia Soul recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul and 908 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (632), unknown or other (109), fuel/propulsion system (77). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 26 mpg combined.
The 2015 has the most owner complaints of any Soul model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2015 Kia Soul. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Engine
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Steering
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Vehicle speed control · accelerator pedal
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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…
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.
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…
Safety ratings
2015 Kia Soul SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2015 Kia Soul.
Soul
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Soul ECO dynamics
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul, most recently for engine (12/02/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul?
Based on 908 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (632), unknown or other (109), fuel/propulsion system (77).
Is the 2015 Kia Soul safe?
The 2015 Kia Soul earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2015 a good year for the Kia Soul?
The 2015 has the most owner complaints of any Soul model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Soul get?
The 2015 Kia Soul is EPA-rated at about 26 mpg combined.
Own a 2015 Kia Soul in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SOUL, Soul.