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2015 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Drop the 5 stars clause or the recall count from the lead. in NHTSA crash testing[1][2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 908 complaints for the 2015 Soul[3]. Of those, 36 mention a crash, 84 a fire and 32 an injury, and 1 reports a death[3]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. They are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The engine group stands out. It has 663 complaints, 63 of them mentioning a fire, and a median mileage at failure of 97,407[5]. The other groups are much smaller:
| Component group | Complaints | Fires | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other[6] | 109 | 14 | 70,055 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[7] | 77 | 6 | 65,000 |
| Electrical system[8] | 76 | 8 | 65,000 |
| Power train[9] | 63 | 8 | 90,140 |
| Steering[10] | 44 | 1 | 34,750 |
| Exterior lighting[11] | 36 | 1 | 80,000 |
| Brakes[12] | 33 | 2 | 32,000 |
We read a sample of 12 complaint texts from each of four groups. In that sample, here is what owners describe:
- Engine. In 5 of 12 texts the engine failed, seized or knocked, and 2 of the 12 mention an oil warning light[5]. In 3 of 12 there was a fire in the engine area[5].
- Fuel and propulsion. In 5 of 12 texts the car hesitated or lagged when the driver pressed the gas[7].
- Electrical. In 4 of 12 texts the car had a dead battery or would not start[8]. In 4 of 12 the door locks or headlights acted up[8].
- Power train. In 3 of 12 texts the oil was very low and the engine rattled or seized[9]. In 2 of 12 a fire followed rattling or power loss[9], and in 2 of 12 a manual transmission or clutch was the issue[9].
Steering and brakes have fewer complaints, but they stand out for crashes. Steering has 8 crashes and 1 death among its 44 complaints, at a median of 34,750 miles[10]. Brakes have 10 crashes among 33 complaints, at a median of 32,000 miles[12]. Both groups are small, so treat this as a point to check, not a verdict.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2015 Soul[1]. Newest first. Each one states a free remedy, and none says the remedy is not yet available.
- Park mechanism, Soul EV (23V724). Covers 2015-2019 Soul EV cars. The parking mechanism may be damaged. The car could move on its own in Park when the parking brake is off and the car is powered on. That raises crash risk. Dealers update the control unit software. It expands and replaces 20V389, so cars fixed under that recall need the new fix[13].
- Traction battery, Soul EV (23V218). Covers certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles with an E400 battery[14]. The high-voltage battery may short-circuit while driving, which raises fire risk. Dealers update or replace the battery management system and software. If abnormal voltage is detected, the battery is replaced[14].
- Engine fire (20V750). Covers certain 2014-2015 Soul vehicles, among other Kia models. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving. Dealers inspect for fuel and oil leaks, run an engine test, and repair or replace the engine as needed. They also update knock sensor software[15].
- Park mechanism, Soul EV (20V389). Covers certain 2015-2016 Soul Electric vehicles. Shifting into Park before the car fully stops may damage the parking mechanism, and the car could then move unexpectedly. Dealers update the control unit software. Recall 23V724 expands and replaces it[16][13].
- Engine piston damage (19V120). Covers certain 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines[17]. High exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter and then the pistons. That can stall the engine, and a broken connecting rod can leak oil that may reach the exhaust and start a fire. Kia upgrades the engine control software, replaces the converter if damaged, and may replace the engine depending on the damage[17].
- Steering pinion (17V608). Covers 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV cars. A part called the pinion plug may let the pinion gear come loose from the steering gear, which can cause loss of steering., which can cause loss of steering. Dealers inspect and secure the plug or replace the steering gear. It supersedes earlier campaigns, so cars fixed earlier are recalled again[18].
- Accelerator pedal (15V123). Covers certain 2014-2015 Soul vehicles built between July 21, 2013 and January 8, 2015[19]. The pedal may bend and break, making it hard to accelerate. Dealers add a supporting rubber under the pedal stopper[19].
Recall coverage depends on the exact car, so check the VIN with NHTSA before you rely on any of these.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the gas versions we have data for at 26 MPG combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600[4][20][21][22]. That fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel prices, not prices from when the car was new.
| Version | City / Highway / Combined MPG |
|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6)[4] | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd[20] | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| ECO dynamics, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6)[21] | 24 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6)[22] | 23 / 30 / 26 |
The Soul Electric is rated at 105 MPGe combined, with 93 miles of range[23].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2015 Soul 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes[2]. The rollover rating is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 14.7%[2]. The Soul EV is not rated[24].
Engine and size
EPA test car ratings list 130 hp for the 1.6L 4-cylinder, 164 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder and 109 hp for the electric motor[25][26][27].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[28].
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 | 3 |
| 2011 | 194 | 3 |
| 2012 | 514 | 3 |
| 2013 | 667 | 3 |
| 2014 | 904 | 5 |
| 2015 | 908 | 7 |
| 2016 | 823 | 5 |
| 2017 | 290 | 3 |
| 2018 | 222 | 3 |
| 2019 | 140 | 3 |
| 2020 | 387 | 1 |
| 2021 | 238 | 2 |
| 2022 | 94 | 1 |
| 2023 | 54 | 4 |
| 2024 | 30 | 0 |
| 2025 | 12 | 0 |
Among Soul model years from 2010 to 2025, the 2015 has the most complaints (908) and the most recalls (7) on file with NHTSA[1]. The 2014 is right behind on complaints with 904 and has 5 recalls[1]. The 2016 has 823 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2013 has 667 complaints and 3 recalls[1]. Later years drop off. The 2017 has 290 complaints and 3 recalls, and the 2018 has 222 and 3[1].
These counts are not adjusted for sales, but they are all for the same model, so the comparison is fair as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2015 Soul?
The 2015 Soul has the heaviest complaint and recall history of any Soul year in our data, led by the engine group with 663 of 908 complaints[1][5]. Against that, it has strong crash ratings and a listed free remedy for every recall[2][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Before buying, run the VIN through NHTSA to see which recalls were completed, with special attention to the engine recalls 19V120 and 20V750[17][15]. Ask for service records, since several complaints in our sample involve oil and engine failure[5][9]. Complaints are unverified, so this is a reason to check one car carefully, not a reason to rule out the model.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA lists 908 complaints, and the engine group has 663 of them[3][5]. In a sample of engine complaint texts we read, owners describe engine failure and fires[5].
- Does the 2015 Kia Soul have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering engine fire, engine piston damage, steering, the accelerator pedal and Soul EV issues[1][15][17][18][19][13][14][16].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2015 Kia Soul?
- EPA rates the gas versions we list at 26 MPG combined, with 30 MPG highway[4][20][21][22]. City is 24 MPG, or 23 MPG for the non-ECO 2.0L automatic[4][21][22]..
- Is the 2015 Kia Soul safe?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[2].
- Is 2015 a bad year for the Kia Soul?
- It has the most complaints (908) and recalls (7) of any Soul year listed, with 2014 close behind on complaints at 904[1].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Soul model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 908 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Kia Soul (36 mention a crash, 84 a fire, 32 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Soul, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 663 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 63 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,407). NHTSA vehicle records
- 109 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 14 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,055). NHTSA vehicle records
- 77 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (3 crashes, 6 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 76 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 8 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 63 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 8 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,140). NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 36 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V724, filed October 26, 2023: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V218, filed March 29, 2023: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V750, filed December 2, 2020: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V389, filed July 2, 2020: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V120, filed February 22, 2019: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V608, filed September 29, 2017: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V123, filed March 2, 2015: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Soul, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Soul ECO dynamics, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Soul, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Soul Electric, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 105 MPGe combined, 93 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Soul with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 130 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Soul with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 164 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Kia Soul with electric motor: rated 109 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SOUL EV/EV LUXURY: length 163 in, width 71 in, height 63 in, wheelbase 101 in (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SOUL LX: length 163 in, width 71 in, height 63 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 2,714 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SOUL EX/SX: length 163 in, width 71 in, height 63 in, wheelbase 101 in, curb weight 2,837 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov