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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2015 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    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.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "the check engine light comes on but the car drives fine but I have been warned that it will need to be replaced at a cost of $3000 and my car is only worth $4000"

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

    "2x theft due to no immobilizer"

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

    ""A failed crankshaft position sensor that would shut the car off with no advance warning. Happened once in freeway traffic creating a very dangerous stalled vehicle situation. On other occasions, the car would default into "limp mode". Restarting the vehicle would temporarily correct the malfunction. Local dealer was able to diagnose the failed crankshaft position sensor through our detailed descriptions, experience and collaboration between technicians. No stored code on this failure but, replacement corrected the problem to our complete satisfaction.""

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

    "Engine has known flaw. Dealer made us spend $4k on mystery diagnoses before Kia agreed to replace the engine"

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Kia Soul Base Electric)

    "Inability to find affordable insurance due to high theft occurance"

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

    "I have had battery problems since I've owned the car. It started about a year after I purchased it and my battery would go dead without warning. I would get back into my car after driving it and my battery would be dead. I would have to call someone to get it jumped, then take it to the dealership and they would say the battery was fine according to their tests. This has happened at least four times since I've owned this car and I bought it brand new. Recently, I've had issues with the trunk sensor after I've gotten my car washed. It acts like my trunk isn't closed and will keep the interior lights on. I think this is the reason my battery went dead most recently."

    Anonymous A., MO (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-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)

    "engine light evaporating system"

    Anonymous A., BC (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Fuel gauge/sender

    "Sometimes after filling the gas tank and then driving a short distance the check engine light would come on, this doesn't happen after every fill up. Checked the diagnostic code it read "fuel level sensor " problem. After driving further the check engine light will go out. Most of the time the fuel gauge was reading correctly, but a few times it would be erratic. The sensor is scheduled to be checked at the dealership,and replaced if necessary."

    Anonymous A., OH (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "The check engine light came on so first I replaced the sensors but the light came back on so I had to replace the catalytic converter."

    Anonymous, OR (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-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

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "Rearview Camera was intermitent"

    Anonymous A., VT (2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "7/25 stopped synching with my phone"

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

    "sometime in 2024 only one speaker works"

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

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    ""1 coil went out, leaks/burns oil....no dropping or smoking""

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

    "It has always had oil leaks. We just keep a close eye on it and keep oil in the car. Trying to figure out why it is leaking more oil than usual now."

    Anonymous, (2015 Kia Soul Unsure Unsure)
    Problem(s) fueling the tank

    "do not top off and fuel gauge"

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Coil

    "Engine misfiring. Spark plugs were fouled. Replaced all coils."

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

    "Replace 1 coil"

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Heated or cooled seats

    "Heated/cooled front seats will not stay on more than 5-10 seconds. The dealer is unable to fix it, and it is now out of warranty."

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "I have to change de breaks about every 2,5 years"

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

    ""The problem began about 6-8 months ago. It occurs whenever braking. An independent mechanic checked for safety issues and told me the brakes are safe, and that it is my choice whether to resurface the rotors or replace the pads and rotors. I will probably choose the latter, given the car has relatively low mileage and should last quite a bit longer.""

    Anonymous, AZ (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim Unsure)

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "The engine developed a knock and loss of power at 80k miles. Dealer denied warranty on a spurious basis (initially), and we had to join a class-action against Kia/Hyundai and eventually through legal action, forced them to honor the warranty and replace the engine, and subsequently received an additional settlement for their dishonest warranty handling."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Head gasket

    "Head gasket started to leak at around 98000 miles"

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Paint fades at different rates on each panel"

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    ""The rear lights require semi-routine replacement, which requires removing the housing. For some time afterwards they rattle considerably during operation of the vehicle. Its quite annoying and interferes with the ability to use the hands free Bluetooth phone feature.""

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

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    ""Compressor stopped working, replaced it.""

    Anonymous, AZ (2015 Kia Soul Plus 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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    Suspension/Steering

    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.

    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.

    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.

    2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    10*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    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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