2015 KIA Soul Engine Problems
Owners have filed 630 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2015 KIA Soul, 70% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 93,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (21% of reports).
- 630engine complaints
- 93,000median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $3,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 131 of 630 complaints (21%)
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 56 of 630 complaints (9%)
- Oil change: mentioned in 55 of 630 complaints (9%)
- Knocking sound: mentioned in 35 of 630 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the 2015 KIA Soul at $3,800, and half of them between $1,250 and $7,750.
Based on 23 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 377 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 630 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 61 a fire, 5 an injury.
KIA Soul engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Soul | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2024 Soul | 5 | 17% | 7,000 |
| 2023 Soul | 14 | 26% | 8,872 |
| 2022 Soul | 53 | 57% | 27,000 |
| 2021 Soul | 137 | 58% | 41,000 |
| 2020 Soul | 241 | 63% | 24,037 |
| 2019 Soul | 87 | 64% | 50,045 |
| 2018 Soul | 140 | 64% | 70,812 |
| 2017 Soul | 191 | 70% | 82,000 |
| 2016 Soul | 561 | 69% | 86,000 |
| 2015 Soul | 630 | 70% | 93,000 |
| 2014 Soul | 553 | 61% | 103,052 |
| 2013 Soul | 285 | 43% | 117,000 |
| 2012 Soul | 209 | 41% | 119,150 |
| 2011 Soul | 24 | 12% | 107,000 |
| 2010 Soul | 9 | 7% | 65,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Engine; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My husband purchased our 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI in 04/18. It was recalled under the NHTSA 19V120 & Kia SC176 in 04/19. The recommended fix? Update ECU Logic. Completed: 04/24/19. Check engine light came in 07/19. My appointment in 08/19, at #1 Cochran Kia showed a P0455 large leak code. Per…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine was inspected and it was determined that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was charged for the diagnostic test…
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, with an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle and became…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2015 KIA Souls have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 630 owner complaints about engine for the 2015 KIA Soul (70% of the 900 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2015 KIA Soul engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 93,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the 2015 KIA Soul?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,800 (half paid between $1,250 and $7,750), from 23 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2015 KIA Soul?
The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 131 of 630 complaints, followed by “engine cooling” (56).
Other 2015 KIA Soul problems
See all 2015 KIA Soul problems or engine problems across all Soul years.