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EnginePart report

2015 Kia Soul Engine Problems

Complaints
631about this part
Share
70%of 902 total for the year
Median mileage
93,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 631 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Kia Soul, 70% of the 902 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 61 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When I hit about 65k on the vehicle the check engine light would come on. Each time this happens it's because there is no oil in the engine. I also notice the light comes on apprx. 1k before the car is scheduled for a oil change? There is no warning that I am low on oil until the engine light comes on. I'm afraid I'm headed for big trouble with this engine!”

NHTSA complaint #11389981, filed 2021-01, 81,000 miles

“Kia recalled my engine. The engine died yesterday. Kia is telling it's going to be multiple days until they can even scan the car. This is a scam. They need to offer a loaner or a rental in the meantime, otherwise, they're not fulfilling the requirements of the recall. My health and safety are greatly affected without my car. This is not a free and safe remedy.”

NHTSA complaint #11403266, filed 2021-03, 67,000 miles

“I was driving when a puff of smoke came from my engine. My car began to stall and I put the car in park and was about to make a phone call to my wife when two joggers nearby yelled that my car was on fire. I left the vehicle and ran across the street. The tow joggers had called 911. They told me that my car fire was started underneath my vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #11329139, filed 2020-06, 130,000 miles

“While driving 70mph on a highway, my Kia SOUL spontaneously burst into flames underneath a stranger stopped with a fire extinguisher luckily. Fire dept says had we not used the extinguisher, my car quite likely would have exploded. Prior to incident, I had no warning lights on, no oil leak, oil needed changing soon but wasn't too low. There was no collision.”

NHTSA complaint #11360853, filed 2020-09, 45,000 miles

“Engine abruptly failed on freeway and is no longer operating. I was operating the vehicle at approximately 60 MPH as I exited the freeway. Immediately the engine began making knocking noises and jerked. I pulled over and the vehicle had to be towed from directly off the freeway. This was a well maintained and operated vehicle with service records to prove it.”

NHTSA complaint #11355450, filed 2020-09, 130,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
2024517%
20231426%
20225457%
202113958%
202024563%
20198864%
201814265%
201719170%
201656169%
201563170%
201455461%
201328643%
201221041%
20112412%
201097%

Other parts of the 2015 Kia Soul

Other or unknown
108 complaintsFuel system
79 complaintsElectrical system
75 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
61 complaintsEngine cooling
58 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsExterior lighting
36 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBody and structure
16 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2015 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology