Problems · by component
2015 Kia Soul engine and engine cooling problems
58 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Soul cite engine and engine cooling, 6% of all 908 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
58
6% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the inspection and no repairs were needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on a slightly inclined road, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, and other unknown engine failures. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.”
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with knock sensor failure, valve cover gasket failure, and an inoperable oil pan. The contact was informed that the knock sensor, valve cover gasket and oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was released to the contact. The contact stated that within two minutes after leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light illuminated and the engine sputtered. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a clogged catalytic convertor. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,981.”
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #1 through #4; the ignition coils were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer determined that the failure was caused by a lack of vehicle maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,912.”
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle and driving to the residence, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC: P0420 (Catalytic Converter). The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); and four other recalls. The vehicle remained with the dealer for approximately 4 days before the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; however, the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.”
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, indicating a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA ID Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for the recall repair. Approximately 20,000 miles later, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the failure had reoccurred and informed the contact that the parts were possibly not repaired or replaced during the recall repair. The failure reoccurred three times. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,900.”
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but was sputtering and making abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the floorboard became very hot. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); prior to the most recent failure with the catalytic converter. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was replaced three times. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.”
Showing 6 of 58 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.