Problems · by component

2015 Kia Soul vehicle speed control problems

31 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Soul cite vehicle speed control, 3% of all 908 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
31
3% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the vehicle speed control

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“1- ENGINE It’s been about 3 months that when I depress the gas pedal the car skips or hiccups and I get a check engine light on I have to accelerate slowly this also happening while I am driving it’s worse if I try to pass a car”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2025Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11676406
“Subject: Possible Design Flaw in Accelerator Pedal – Kia Soul 2015 Dear Kia/NHTSA Representative, I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Soul and would like to report a concern regarding the design of the accelerator pedal. I have observed that when the vehicle is turned on and in “Park” mode, the accelerator pedal can be easily pressed unintentionally simply by moving the foot slightly while seeking a more comfortable position. This appears to be related to the low and forward positioning of the pedal, combined with the soft sensitivity of the electronic throttle system. As a driver, I believe this design may lead to unintended acceleration in certain situations, especially if one is not fully aware of their foot placement. There also seems to be no sufficient space to the right of the brake pedal to rest the foot without nearing the accelerator. While I have not experienced an incident as a result, I believe this characteristic may pose a safety risk to some drivers and could become a distraction either while driving or while the engine is idling. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed by Kia’s technical team and, if appropriate, considered for design…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2025Vehicle speed controlODI 11673545
“High temperatures catalytic converter code went on the car was stalling on the highway as soon as I hit 60 MPH as I was getting on the car will not accelerate like if the engine was going to come out which also caused my car to overheat which was smelling like burnt oil called the dealer regarding this issue and compared to the recalls on the other KIA which is exactly what's happening to my car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2025Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11651676
“I was driving my 2015 Kia Soul along a 4 lane highway when the Check Engine light came on and begun to flash. The Kia began to lose about 5 mph off and then return to the previous rate of speed a few minutes later. Then it would repeat the cycle. As the vehicle lost the engine power, the steering also became very tight as if the power steering was also malfunctioning. I could also hear a slight tapping sound, as the driver side window was open just a few inches. Since I had my mother whom is ailing with dementia and heart problems, I tried to remain calm and undisturbed by these issues. As soon as I arrived at the closest auto parts store that offered diagnostic readings (O'Reilys), I asked them to see what codes the vehicle was throwing. The codes were P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) and P1326 Knock Signal Range/Performance. I have seen these codes listed as recalls for other 2015 Kia Souls, but for some reason my VIN is not listed amongst those. So how do I get this repaired?? This car is extremely important and sentimental to me, as it was the vehicle my son drove before he passed away at [XXX]. Please, please help me keep this Kia running.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2025Steering, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11634251
“Description of Incident: The engine has experienced a failure that causes oil to blow back from the engine, covering components both under and outside of the engine cover. This has resulted in oil accumulating on the exhaust and other hot components, creating a significant fire hazard. Safety Risks: This malfunction poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others, as the oil leakage could lead to a fire while driving. Additionally, the vehicle stalls at various speeds, which increases the risk of accidents or harm to other drivers and pedestrians. There is also a strong smell of oil inside the car, potentially indicating harmful fumes entering the cabin. Inspection Availability: The component/system causing the issue is available for inspection upon request. Reproduction and Confirmation of the Problem: The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by two SAE-certified mechanics. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by two SAE-certified mechanics but not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Warning signs included consistently losing oil even after a fresh oil change, smoke from…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 23, 2024Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineFire reportedODI 11632078
“I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 12, 2024Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11630433

Showing 6 of 31 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Free remedy

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.

Vehicle speed controlReported Mar 2, 2015NHTSA 15V123000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.