2015 Kia Soul Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Soul years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2015 Kia Soul ranks worst of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 898 complaints, ranked #1 worst. Engine problems dominate at 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 94,000, plus 4 recalls including an engine fire recall.
- Complaints
- 898
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 34 / 83
- Injuries / deaths
- 32 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 24 city / 30 hwy
Top 2015 Kia Soul problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine673 (75%)
- Other107 (12%)
- Electrical System99 (11%)
- Fuel System78 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain60 (7%)
- Steering44 (5%)
- Brakes32 (4%)
- Airbags20 (2%)
- Structure & Body19 (2%)
- Seat Belts10 (1%)
What owners report
- Steering can lose power or lock up suddenly at highway speeds, causing loss of control and rollover.
- Some drivers report the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn without warning, leading to collisions with other vehicles.
- Airbags reportedly fail to deploy in moderate-to-high speed rear-end and frontal crashes, even when occupants sustain injuries.
- Owners describe the vehicle veering unexpectedly during turns, damaging the oil pan, subframe, and tires.
- Engine compartment fires have reportedly occurred while driving, in some cases linked to piston rod failure.
- Seats have reportedly broken or deformed backward during rear-end collisions.
2015 Kia Soul recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
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. 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.
- NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles
Engine
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.
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. 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.
- NHTSA 17V608000Sep 29, 2017Steering342,381 vehicles
Steering
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.
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. 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.
2015 Kia Soul fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Kia Soul reliable?
- Compared to other Soul model years, 2015 is the worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 898 owner complaints, the highest count and ranked #1 out of 16 years.
- What is the top problem with the 2015 Kia Soul?
- Engine problems account for 75% of complaints (673 of 898), with a median mileage at failure of 94,000 and 62 reported fires.
- Does the 2015 Kia Soul have a recall?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Soul, covering engine compartment fire risk, catalytic converter overheating, a steering pinion plug defect, and an accelerator pedal that may bend and fracture.
- How does the 2015 Soul compare to other years?
- The 2015 Soul has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any year from 2010 to 2025; by contrast, 2019 and 2024 score 13 and 0 and are rated Best.
- Are there fire risks with the 2015 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA complaint data lists 83 fire reports for the 2015 Soul, and one recall (20V750000) specifically addresses engine compartment fires.