2015 kia Soul engine problems

severe 515 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

515

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 20V750000 02/12/2020

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 increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

What owners are reporting 10 most recent

engine · filed 12/31/2020

THE CAR BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND BEGAN SHAKING AND THEN JUST SHUT DOWN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP. SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE HOLES IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. SERVICE DEPARTMENT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED AUTHORIZATION FOR SHORT BLOCK AND CYLINDER HEAD REPLACEMENT. KIA S…

engine · filed 12/31/2019

PURCHASED VEHICLE 4/22/2019 FROM JIM ELLIS VOLKSWAGEN KENNESAW. APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS LATER GOT IN CAR STARTED TO DRIVE OUT ONTO I- 515, LIGHT CAME ON, I STOPPED CAR IMMEDIATELY, OIL WAS ALL OVER BACK OF CAR, TOP OF CAR, UNDERNEATH CAR, ALL OVER UNDER THE HOOD I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED. CALLED JIM ELLIS SPOKE TO SERVICE MANAGER SAID TO GET IT TO JIM ELLIS KIA (NEXT DOOR), SO I TOWED TO KIA. SAID I H…

engine · filed 12/28/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and pulling into a gas station, she heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the engine and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle shut off after 10 seconds. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The vehicle was…

engine · filed 12/28/2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The conta…

engine · filed 12/28/2020

NO PRESSURE TO CYLINDER 2.

engine · filed 12/28/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN JUNE OF 2019 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER PRESCOTT VALLEY KIA (5600 MARKET ST, PRESCOTT VALL…

engine · filed 12/27/2023

The engine consumes excessive oil, dropping it into the catalytic converter. This clogs the catalytic converter and causes it to overheat, creating a fire hazard. The car is on its 3rd catalytic converter in 5 years. The current one clogged in 18 months. My research indicates that this is a common issue because the rings in the gdi engine do not seat well, causing the excessive oil consum…

engine · filed 12/27/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was upgraded under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. While driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently began to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. There were no warn…

engine · filed 12/27/2021

Engine smells funny like something burning and has oil consumption, it has been took in for all recalls and still continues to smell like it does and burn oil.

engine · filed 12/26/2020

INTERNAL ENGINE NOISES, NO ENGINE CODES OR IDIOT LIGHTS OF ANY KIND.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 kia Soul?

It's a meaningful issue. 515 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.