2015 Kia Soul Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 673 of 898 complaints (75%) on the 2015 Kia Soul, the highest share of any model year in this range. NHTSA logs 62 fires, 6 crashes, and 11 injuries tied to this component, with failures reported at a median of 94,000 miles. Three separate engine-related recalls apply to this model year.
- Engine complaints
- 673
- 75% of 898
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 62
- Injuries reported
- 11
- Median mileage
- 94,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at highway speeds, often with no warning light illuminated.
- Smoke or flames appear from the engine compartment shortly after stalling, sometimes engulfing the vehicle within minutes.
- Fires have started while the vehicle was parked and not running, hours after the last drive.
- Some owners report an abnormal noise, clicking, or vibration from the engine just before smoke or fire appears.
- In at least one case the vehicle unexpectedly lurched forward while in reverse gear and the brakes did not respond.
- Failures have been reported across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
When 2015 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 29, 2015, latest Sep 2, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul
- 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 15V123000Mar 2, 2015Engine208,858 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
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.
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.
Engine complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2015 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA lists 673 engine complaints out of 898 total complaints for the 2015 Soul, a 75% share, the highest of any Soul model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Soul engine?
- Yes. Three engine-related recalls cover this model year: campaign 20V750000 for engine compartment fires, 19V120000 for catalytic converter overheating on GDI engines, and 15V123000 for an accelerator pedal issue.
- Do 2015 Kia Soul engines catch fire?
- NHTSA complaint data for this model year records 62 fire incidents tied to the engine, along with 6 crashes and 11 injuries.
- At what mileage do 2015 Kia Soul engine problems usually happen?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 94,000 miles at the time of the reported engine failure.