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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Soul will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the Kia brand score.

    The 2015 Kia Soul has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "One caliper frozen"

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim Unsure)
    Other brakes problem

    "brake lines corroded, line burst"

    Anonymous A., OH (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "When driver was braking hard, car pulled to right and skidded sideways. Only happened once. Took it to the shop and mechanic adjusted brakes--piston would not release properly. Brake pedal is sometimes mushy and goes down too far, but then recovers if pumped."

    Anonymous, MD (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Regular brake failure

    "New rear brakes were needed."

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim Unsure)

    "Rear brake lines rusted out and required replacement."

    Anonymous, VT (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "rear blinkers stopped working consistently"

    Anonymous, WI (2015 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Headlights

    "The headlight dim and brighten by themselves and the right side headlight Ive had to replace several times"

    Anonymous A., OH (2015 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "Was a factory recall, when I call to set up appointment they say they have none in stock at this time"

    Anonymous, (2015 Kia Soul EV 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The battery light lights up on the panel and the stereo blinks off"

    Anonymous A., OH (2015 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Key wouldn't turn"

    Anonymous A., (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Clogged, will need replacement"

    Anonymous A., NM (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "someone tried to steal it because some soul models can easily be stolen. mine wasn't one of those, but a lot of damage was caused."

    Anonymous, OR (2015 Kia Soul Base)

    "traction control failed on one wheel"

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Unsure of the cause of the problem,it started 10/24/23, only experienced it once, problem still not resolved, etc. We took car in to KIA dealer on 10/24/23 because check engine light came on. IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP!!! As I recall, it was 1st diaganosed as a computer problem - the part has been ordered, a month or so later the part came in. It still had a problem and they are still trying to fix it. About a month ago they gave us a loaner SUV. This is the car my daughter drove and she has been the contact so I do not know the details. Until this problem started, she realy loved the car and would have given it a 5 star rating. They now think there is a problem with another control unit. ??????"

    Anonymous, MO (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "clear coat/paint on driver's side door handles and top of mirror have peeled off (they are regularly in the sun)"

    Anonymous, MD (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The clear coat degraded on the top of car, hood, mirrors and door handles."

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "The green paint is fading away in sections of the car"

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "THREE TIMES, the KSDS recall repair failed to resolve the issue. After software updates x2 and knock sensor replacement x2, still has not been resolved since March 2023 to this date, April 27, 2024. I was told I needed a new engine replacement but, to date, Kia has refused to replace the engine. They stated that I was responsible for the oil burning issue, previously noted, There are over 1.3 MILLION Kia and Hyundai owners involved in this sane oil burning issue. My vehicle is incapacitated, and I am extremely displeased with Kia, on all levels, due to these two huge issues."

    Anonymous, (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Oil leaks

    "TWICE, Engine quickly burned ALL the oil from engine; ruined engine; no indications or warnings via dashboard warning lights or via the UVO app diagnostics. Also KSDS recall x3 which has also not been resolved."

    Anonymous, (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Other climate system problem

    "When driving in wet weather, the whole fogs up and you cannot see anything when I turn of the defroster"

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Put dye in systems, to keep searching for the problem"

    Anonymous, (2015 Kia Soul EV 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Clear coat peeling. It looks polka-dot."

    Anonymous, AL (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Sunroof

    "Sunroof is very sticky and does not open or close smoothly. KIA dealer applied some lube and said they fixed it. They did not fix anything, the stickiness returned. Once is almost was left stuck open... I finally got it to close and ever since I have not opened it fearing it would be forever stuck open."

    Anonymous, AL (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "Catalytic converter was clogged, probably because of a faulty O2 sensor. The converter had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, VT (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "High oil consumption"

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "It simply stops working and requires a reboot of the radio to start pairing/connecting with the phone."

    Anonymous, OH (2015 Kia Soul 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10*
    11
    12
    13
    14*
    15
    16
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    19
    20*
    21
    22
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    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
    Oct 26, 2023
    Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V724000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 6262
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Mar 29, 2023
    A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V218000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2689
    ENGINE
    Dec 02, 2020
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V750000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 294756
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
    Jul 02, 2020
    Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied.
    What should you do:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V389000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3714
    ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Feb 22, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V120000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 378967
    STEERING
    Sep 29, 2017
    If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V608000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 342381
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Mar 02, 2015
    If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V123000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 208858
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