Severe Issues

2015 KIA SOUL Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Soul. This model year has 886 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

886
Complaints
36
Crashes
80
Fires
32
Injuries
1
Deaths
4
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2015 Kia Soul Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
671
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:4
Fires:59
Injuries:9
#2
106
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:14
Injuries:4
#3
76
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Fires:8
Injuries:1

Considering a 2015 Kia Soul?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2015 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems671459β€”
Uncategorized Issues106114β€”
Electrical Faults7618β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System7636β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain6018β€”
Steering Defects4481β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures36β€”1β€”
Brake System34102β€”
Unintended Acceleration3132β€”
Airbag Malfunctions2014β€”β€”
Structural Problems1557β€”
Seat Belt Issues94β€”β€”
Wheel Issues631β€”
Visibility/Wiper5β€”1β€”
Hydraulic4β€”1β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System3β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues33β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 400 most recent complaints of 886 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Engine ProblemsApr 9, 2026

My check engine light continues periodically turn on and off; diagnostics done by independent service centers shows the code indicating there's something wrong with my catalytic converter. I discovered the make and model of my vehicle has a recall for this issue, but upon contact…

Structural ProblemsApr 3, 2026

White paint is peeling off roof and back hatch. Had been washing car at automatic car wash and noticed edges were all chipping. Stopped wash in car as afraid it would get worse. Just hand washed the roof and now the whole roof is peeling chipping. This has been occurring for ov…

Engine ProblemsApr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lo…

Engine ProblemsMar 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle and driving to the residence, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC: P0420 (Catalytic Converter). The contact called the dealer and was inf…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 20, 2026

Anti theft ignition protector and another recall that makes the car have engine compartment fires. My car is at risk of being stolen as well as catching fire. Yes the problem has been confirmed from by Kia dealer. Yes the check engine light keeps coming on. It first appeared 02/1…

Uncategorized IssuesπŸ”₯ FireMar 5, 2026

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud "pop" sound followed immediately by visible flames originating from under the hood. No warning lights or indicators were illuminated before the fire. The vehicle was occupied by 2 occupants; the …

Engine ProblemsMar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, indicating a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic associated the failur…

Engine ProblemsFeb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but was sputtering and making abnormal sounds…

Engine ProblemsFeb 19, 2026

My 2015 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure: loud pop, knocking, and immediate loss of power. The engine has a hole in piston #2 and a hole in valve #3. This is a known safety defect included in the Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine settlement. My veh…

Brake SystemFeb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer for Service Campaign SC334 - Brake Line Corrosion. The vehi…

Engine ProblemsFeb 10, 2026

Owned vehicle for 1 year. On [XXX} the vehicle kept Stalling and wouldn't accelerate. Drove to service station. Had 4 coils and spark plugs replaced. Car was still not right- compression test confirmed engine failure. Had car towed to KIA dealer Matt Blatt rt 37 Toms River, …

Brake SystemJan 28, 2026

My car was returned to me in a dangerous condition following a recall repair. I have a receipt that says that my break system was operating as it should be after recall work was completed but as I was driving it home from picking it up from dealership my break system comply went …

Engine ProblemsJan 19, 2026

Despite receiving official recall notices and taking my vehicle to two separate Kia-authorized dealerships, I have not been provided with the necessary repairs, putting both my safety and livelihood at serious risk. At both dealerships, I was told that the issues, including a cl…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 13, 2026

The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while driving, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The problem involves the engine and powertrain. A Kia dealer inspected the vehicle and found a timing-related engine fault code (P0014). The …

Brake SystemDec 27, 2025

My brakes went out completely while driving my 2015 kia soul with my daughter in the car. It was traumatic and stressful for us both. I had just received a recall notice for break lines/ undercarriage spray. I called Fairfield Kia and I had my car towed to the dealership. They in…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 25, 2025

Code P1326 Popped up - my mechanic replaced the P1326 Knock Sensor for the Kia. Code P1326 Popped up 2nd time - replaced sensor again. Code P1326 popped up and now there is some knocking. Check engine light flashing - then went off for a while after part was replaced, and the…

Uncategorized IssuesDec 13, 2025

My Kia’s engine light came on. It was my catalyst converter verified by my mechanic and 2 other people. My my car lost power. I took to my mechanic. Well he told me it was a recall issue and I’d have to take it to Kia. In December 1 it was towed into Kia , central ave, Albany, N…

Engine ProblemsDec 10, 2025

On the way back from Missouri to Oklahoma, while on the turnpike the engine made a clanking sound and lost acceleration power. The car shook some, luckily the car was able to steer of to the right side of the shoulder just before a bridge. Car came to a stop and would not start. …

Steering DefectsπŸ”₯ FireDec 2, 2025

As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pul…

Engine ProblemsDec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot, where the engine o…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Kia Soul.

Recalls for 2015 Kia Soul

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

20V750000Feb 12, 2020
ENGINE

19V120000Invalid Date
ENGINE

17V608000Invalid Date
STEERING

15V123000Feb 3, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

2015 Kia Soul β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2015 Kia Soul reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2015 Kia Soul has 886 NHTSA owner complaints, 36 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (671 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (671 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (106 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (76 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

The 2015 Kia Soul has 36 crash-related complaints and 80 fire reports out of 886 total NHTSA complaints. 32 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2015 Kia Soul have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Kia Soul. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2015 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

The 2015 Kia Soul has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2015 Kia Soul

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.