general problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

The vehicle burns an unreasonable amount of oil. This clogs tue catalytic converter creating risks of breakdown or fire. There are many documented cases of this on the vehicle models and yet kia has not resolved. Instead we pay for the issue. Car ownership has been consistent on maintenance and yet this issue remains.

The vehicle is a 2015 kia Soul with the 1. 6l gdi engine. The check engine light came on solid, and a dealer later confirmed diagnostic trouble code p0420, indicating the catalyst system efficiency is below threshold on bank 1. The catalytic converter and engine are still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. This condition matches the defect described in kia’s sc176 safety recall for 2012–2016 Soul vehicles with the 1. 6l gdi engine, in which overheating of the catalytic converter can lead to internal engine damage and even a fire. My concern is that a failing catalytic converter or related engine damage could lead to sudden loss of power, engine failure, or fire while driving, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized kia dealer, which documented the solid check engine light and dtc p0420 on a written repair estimate. In that document, the dealer referenced recall sc176y as the possible applicable recall and noted that it would need to contact kia for coverage because the vehicle has a branded rebuilt title. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not yet performed any sc176?style ecu logic update, compression test, or catalytic converter/engine inspection on this vehicle, and the manufacturer has declined to escalate or review recall coverage for this defect. The check engine light and p0420 code remain the primary warning indicators, and they first appeared shortly before the dealer visit on the repair estimate date.

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 stated that when taking the vehicle to complete recall repairs for NHTSA campaign number 20v750 (engine) the contact was informed that due to the milage on the vehicle that the repaired did not have to be completed. The contact stated they have experienced knocking and oil leakage that is related to the mentioned recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate ,mileage 177,000.

On the highway, not reaching speed at expected rpm, try increasing power and rpm stops climbing at 3500, and speed decreases suddenly, car starts bucking, check engine light flashing. I pull over, stop, and keep going after several minutes idling with no apparent issue continuing. I take the car to get a computer check of the engine light code, p0420 for catalytic converter efficiency. Take car to dealer, they diagnose the converter as being both melted and clogged, quote me $4200 to replace with oem part. Go to get second opinion at another service center, they confirm converter diagnosis and additionally diagnose cause as relating to outdated ecu software causing converter overheating, something which was an active recall for kia Soul vehicles from my 2012-2016, but only the 1. 6l models. My vehicle is a 2. 0l model with the exact same issue causing the exact same result, but with no recall, the converter is shot and there is no accountability for replacing the damaged part and updating the faulty software, as well as for missing this faulty software in the first diagnostic.

The contact owned a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to make a knocking noise which became progressively louder and backfired. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust as the contact moved to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely. The vehicle then developed a small fire underneath the hood in the engine compartment, which quickly became engulfed in flames. The contact was approximately 30 to 40 feet away when this occurred. The smoke was described as having an electrical odor. The fire spread into the interior of the vehicle, resulting in damage to the dashboard, front seats and windows. No additional property damage was reported. Emergency services were contacted and the fire department extinguished the fire. The insurance company determined the vehicle to be a total loss. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number 20v750000 (engine). The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

My check engine light continues periodically turn on and off; diagnostics done by independent service centers shows the code indicating there's something wrong with my catalytic converter. I discovered the make and model of my vehicle has a recall for this issue, but upon contacting kia directly and speaking with services members & customer care I was told that my vehicle does not fall under the recall even though it is showing the same signs as the vehicles that have. It has not been inspected by anyone other than the hired mechanic and I'm not entirely sure when the problem first began, but has been an ongoing issue for the last few months.

The vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical engine knock, significant magnetic iron debris in the engine oil, and subsequently triggered diagnostic trouble code p1326 (bearing wear limit exceeded). This indicates imminent connecting rod bearing failure, which is a known defect subject to lifetime warranty extensions and safety recalls under the Hyundai/kia engine litigation. This defect poses a severe safety risk, as it can cause sudden engine seizure, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds, or an engine fire, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle was presented to an authorized kia dealership service center for diagnosis. The dealership completed a static "bearing clearance test" (bct) which resulted in a procedural pass. However, the authorized service advisor explicitly stated on a recorded voicemail that the engine "is having issues" and that the dealership "can't put on the ticket that everything is completely safe". Voicemail recording can be provided. Despite acknowledging on the record that the vehicle is unsafe to operate, the dealership and manufacturer refused to authorize the necessary engine replacement repair, citing the static test result. Furthermore, dealership staff instructed the consumer (myself) to continue operating the admittedly unsafe vehicle in traffic until a catastrophic failure occurs on the road to force a diagnostic test failure. The manufacturer's reliance on a test protocol that fails to identify physically disintegrating components, combined with instructing consumers to drive vehicles admitted to be unsafe, constitutes an extreme and ongoing safety hazard.

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.

Anti theft ignition protector and another recall that makes the car have engine compartment fires. My car is at risk of being stolen as well as catching fire. Yes the problem has been confirmed from by kia dealer. Yes the check engine light keeps coming on. It first appeared 02/10/2026. I purchased the car from b&g auto sales located at 3922 w indian school rd, phoenix, az 85019 and they installed an aftermarket ignition cylinder so the recalls that needed to be done couldn’t be done.

My 2015 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure: loud pop, knocking, and immediate loss of power. The engine has a hole in piston #2 and a hole in valve #3. This is a known safety defect included in the Hyundai/kia theta ii engine settlement. My vehicle has ksds update installed, but kia and the dealership are denying warranty repair unless a specific code (p1326) or rod-bearing damage is found. The engine failure occurred without warning and placed me in danger. Kia's refusal to cover a known safety defect leaves an unsafe vehicle unrepaired. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Owned vehicle for 1 year. On [xxx} the vehicle kept stalling and wouldn't accelerate. Drove to service station. Had 4 coils and spark plugs replaced. Car was still not right- compression test confirmed engine failure. Had car towed to kia dealer matt blatt rt 37 toms river, NJ. Their diagnostic shows 3rd cylinder failure top engine. Class action lawsuit on engine failure coverage is for bottom engine failure. Regardless the entire engine needs replacement. There's thousands of these cars with both top engine and bottom engine failure- yet they will not assist in replacement. It seems ridiculous to know the engines are bad and only cover the 1 area- when the entire engine needs to be replaced regardless of engine failure location. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the residence, then towed to a dealer, who stated that the failure was related to the active recall, although the diagnosis was unclear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,700.

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.

On the way back from missouri to oklahoma, while on the turnpike the engine made a clanking sound and lost acceleration power. The car shook some, luckily the car was able to steer of to the right side of the shoulder just before a bridge. Car came to a stop and would not start. It was snowing and a child was in the car. The closest person for help was 3 1/2 hours away. The hazard lights did work but the car was not started back up after the loud clunk and shaking. Was not sure what happened at that moment. Did not want any further damage to occur. Attempted to have the car towed closer to home was made. A decision was made to take it to the closes kia dealership. As we was trying to figure out what might have happened with the engine. We found there where multiple recall on the car. I was unaware of the recalls. 2 of the recalls are on the engine for piston rod damage. A family member whom is a mechanic believed that was what happened. I called kia they confirmed the recalls were made. They said there was a fix. I never received the recall notices. They also asked me if I knew someone by the name [xxx] something. If the mail was in this person name but sent to my address. I would not have opened it or paid any attention other then sending it back with the mail man. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot, where the engine overheated, and there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The contact stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pulled into a small corner. I realized my hood was on fire when I stopped. I grabbed my purse and keys and ran down the highway as fast as I could. By this time my car was engulfed in flames. A woman saw me in distress and helped me and allowed me to get in her car for safety as she called 911. That’s when the car blew up and we drove off the highway to safety.

Code p1326 popped up - my mechanic replaced the p1326 knock sensor for the kia. Code p1326 popped up 2nd time - replaced sensor again. Code p1326 popped up and now there is some knocking. Check engine light flashing - then went off for a while after part was replaced, and then back on again, and off again and back on. There are many kias listed for recall with this code, same year and model. Yet mine is not under recall. It says to reach out and ask for an ecu update and that kia should cover an extended warranty for this known issue.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 20 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that three cylinders were misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,410.

The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while driving, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The problem involves the engine and powertrain. A kia dealer inspected the vehicle and found a timing-related engine fault code (p0014). The dealer stated the condition is consistent with the kia engine bearing failure recall and referenced recall sc200ps, but said this VIN was not included. The vehicle has reduced power and cannot be safely driven. This creates a safety risk because the engine can lose power without warning while the vehicle is in motion. Warning lights were present before and during the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or accelerating, the vehicle started shaking at the front end near the engine. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine), and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact of dtc: p70300, which should have been resolved with the recall repair, which allowed the vehicle to pass the inspection as a successful repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not received any additional repairs. The contact found information on TSB: eng222, NHTSA id number: 11014912 (engine), which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, then opened a case and informed the contact that no additional assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,600.

I am submitting this report regarding an ongoing issue with my kia vehicle related to the recall for code p1326 (knock sensor detection system / engine bearing wear). The first time this issue occurred, kia documented the problem and kept my vehicle overnight to perform what they referred to as an “engine soak. ” I was informed that this procedure might resolve the engine performance and oil consumption problems. I was also advised that if the issue reoccurred within 15 years of vehicle ownership or before reaching 150,000 miles, kia would replace the engine under the recall warranty. Recently, the same issue has reappeared, but kia is now refusing to replace the engine, citing “gaps in maintenance” from the early years of my ownership. I explained that, at that time, my father performed all oil changes and maintenance at home to reduce costs, as I was a young driver living with my parents. Kia is requesting proof of oil or tool purchases from over ten years ago, which I no longer possess. Additionally, all vehicle-related documentation was left inside the car when it was stolen and broken into twice—incidents connected to the nationwide kia theft issue that has been subject to another class-action lawsuit. As a result, I no longer have access to those records. During my initial visit, the kia service representative, jake, assured me that if the engine failed again and I maintained the vehicle properly, I would be covered for a full engine replacement. I have made every effort to comply with those terms, yet kia corporate has denied my claim. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in resolving this matter and ensuring that kia honors its recall obligations and prior representations made to me as a consumer.

Kia Soul engines are known for burning through oil very quickly. The recall does not include my car because I have a 2. 0l engine. The excessive oil consumption of my engine completely melted the inside of my catalytic converter. My car only has 106,000 miles, so this shouldn't be an issue. I had my check engine light come on, so the mechanic told me to use different gas and turned the light off. My catalytic converter being completely blocked and melted is directly related to the oil consumption of the engine. I had two mechanics comfirm this. I experienced a major loss of power, and inability to accelerate normally, which can be very dangerous. I was trying to accelerate uphill on a road with little shoulder space or many places to turn around, and my car stopped and the check engine light started blinking. Very unsafe, if my car won't let me accelerate and I come to an unexpected dead stop, it could cause accidents. I can't believe my car isn't included in the recall, it has the same issues as the 1. 6l engine. I now have to put out thousands to get my catalytic converter replaced, and with the engine burning oil, it'll ruin a new catalytic converter faster than normal.

I am getting a code that indicates an issue with the catalytic converter. P0420 to be specific. The engine is continually misfiring and check engine light comes on and off randomly. Car broke down completely at one point in October and had to replace the battery but check engine light was still on when I got it to start. The car shakes uncontrollably every time I drive it and gets even worse when idling. I took it to a mechanic and they believe it to be amongst the 2011-2016 sc176 recalled kia Souls where high exhaust temperatures can damage the engine’s catalytic converter. Have attempted to take it for repairs/open recall and the manufacturers have consistently refused. Help in getting this issue sorted out would be much appreciated.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The rattling sound also occurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine would not be replaced due to the mileage exceeding the mileage limitation of 60,000 and other unstated reasons. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The car burns oil. I am having to put in 1 to 3 quarts a month.

The engine in my 2015 kia Soul was replaced under warranty in June 2025. Only 3,568 miles later, the replacement engine failed. The vehicle displayed code p1326 and quickly lost oil, leaving it unsafe and undriveable on the road. This sudden failure created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle stalled without warning and could not maintain safe operation. I was fortunate to be close to home and immediately turned back, narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation on a busy road. Provide any assistance. Instead, they declined to repurchase or replace the vehicle, leaving me with an undriveable car and a $9,900 loan balance. This second catastrophic failure has not been inspected by a kia dealership because kia refused to take responsibility or even arrange for evaluation. This was not an isolated incident. Problems began on 11/27/2024, less than 3,000 miles after I purchased the vehicle, and have been ongoing ever since, including prior emergency towing events due to similar safety issues. Kia’s repeated failures to provide a lasting fix or safe remedy have left me without reliable transportation and have put both myself and other drivers at risk. I have full documentation of the June 2025 engine replacement, the subsequent failure, and kia’s refusal to act. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Warning messages and engine lights appeared only after the failure had already occurred.

Despite receiving official recall notices and taking my vehicle to two separate kia-authorized dealerships, I have not been provided with the necessary repairs, putting both my safety and livelihood at serious risk. At both dealerships, I was told that the issues, including a clogged catalytic converter and a failing exhaust manifold, fell within the scope of the recall. However, instead of performing the recall work, they simply cleared the codes and returned the vehicle to me. As a result, I was forced to pay out of pocket for repairs that should have been fully covered under the existing recall. Most recently, my vehicle was diagnosed with a failing long block, which is also clearly part of kia’s recall campaign. Yet again, I was denied the proper repair. The vehicle is currently undriveable.

While my 80 yr old dad and 18 yr old daughter were driving on the highway to get to my uncle’s funeral. My dad had his cruise on, when he and my daughter started noticing a strange sound almost a knocking sound. But the next hill when the car went to go up the incline it kept reducing in speed. My dad took the cruise off and at that point had no power to keep traveling. So August 2nd the car threw a rod. My dad had a warranty plus an extended warranty with the company gwc. They missed my uncle funeral, sat on the side of the highway for an hour before the tow truck got there. A local Dodge dealership has gotten the vehicle and have done a complete inspection. The safety of my dad and daughter were at risk do to the car malfunctioning on the highway. As well as them sitting on the side of highway. And now the stress of all of this on my dad’s health has started causing him to not be able to eat, if he does eat he will throw it up. His mental health is declining due to kia and gwc denied to fix the car now. My dad has had to pay for towing, a u-haul res talk to get home, the Dodge dealership has gotten to do full inspection. Unknown if any warning lights or messages before hand. He bought the car with cash and it had 70,177 miles on it, when rod blew it had 78,784. He bought it used from a local dealership on or about sept 16th 2022. Extended warranty paid for was 36 months. 1month shy of the extended warranty expiring.

On [xxx] around [xxx], we were headed westbound on [xxx] toward boise when the car began making a clanking sound. In less than a minute, the car was pouring smoke, clanking stopped and car completely failed. I coasted to side of freeway, car would not turn over, I did not try more than once for fear of further damage or starting a fire. When tow driver came and car was moved, it exposed a giant puddle of oil and pieces of what looked like melted metal. The tow driver stated it was a connection rod piece and engine is likely shot. I immediately scheduled a service ticket to have it looked at my local kia dealership. They confirmed that I experienced a catastrophic engine failure and that it matched the exact recall sc176 issue. They attempted to contact and file a claim under both the recall and the powertrain warranty and were denied both by kia, due to negligence of the owner. I had a passenger with me who has severe medical conditions. It was in 90's in desert like heat. It took 4-5 hours to have it towed and get out of the heat. We almost got into an accident when the car malfunctioned. There were zero warning notifications or lights on the dashboard until the car completely went disabled while coasting to the side of the freeway. No warning chugs. No previous issues with smoke/warning lights/ nothing prior. This literally happened out of no where and now I am being told by kia they will not repair because its my job to look into recalls. I have lived at the same address for the whole time I owned the car. I have printed records and digital records from my local dmv to prove it. I have written and digital proof that I properly maintenance my vehicle on time and that I paid for synthetic oil rather than just the lowest possible choice they offered. I have proof that I was notified for the recall regarding the steering issue in 2017 and that I immediately made a service appt with my local dealership to have it address. I received no notice for any other recall information redacted pursuant to the freedom of in.

Engine started running rough, took it to a shop and was told that oil has been going through the exhaust and has clogged up the catalytic converter. Advised the engine must be replaced. Contacted a second shop and was told the same thing. Have been advised this is the same failure as the current recall for 2021 to 2023 but ours is 2015 and isn’t covered. Looking for guidance. Thank you.

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.

Excessive oil consumption noted at around 40,000 miles. No visible smoke coming from tail pipe but burnt oil smell coming from underneath car in region of catalytic converter. Had engine visually inspected and had pressure test done by repair shop; no engine seal compromise present. Took vehicle to dealer to report and was told that warranty did not apply to this issue. Car eventually burning 2-3 quarts of oil every 800 miles. Traded car in at just over 99,000 miles due to oil consumption and concern about failure. Private party mechanic and oil change facilities very familiar with this issue on kia Souls. Noted that class action lawsuit against kia for this very issue was initiated in California but was abruptly dropped. First vehicle I've ever owned that had to have oil added between changes. Noted that kia owners manual stated that up to 3 quarts of oil consumption between 7500 mile oil changes is normal. I had oil change service done predominantly every 3000 miles.

There was a knocking sound, so I pulled over and smoke started coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was a fire and the car was later deemed a total loss.

My 2015 kia Soul is experiencing ongoing, severe oil consumption. Despite having an extended warranty for rod bearing failure (15 years/150,000 miles), my kia dealership refuses to perform an oil consumption test because my vehicle has slightly exceeded 100,000 miles (currently at ~106,500). I brought the vehicle in multiple times for oil loss before reaching 100,000 miles, but no one informed me that a test existed or was needed. The car burns through oil every 3,000 miles or less, sometimes with no oil showing on the dipstick before the next change. It often chugs or knocks, but no warning lights currently appear. I previously received engine codes p1326, p0011, and p0014, and I did receive the ksds update. The dealership told me I must wait for the engine to fail to qualify for replacement. This is unsafe for me and other drivers. Kia consumer affairs has confirmed I’m under warranty, but no solution has been offered to prevent a dangerous breakdown. I am concerned that this is a widespread issue that is being ignored unless the vehicle fails completely. I’ve been instructed by kia service staff to continue topping off oil to avoid engine damage. However, by doing so, I am also preventing the p1326 code from triggering—effectively disqualifying me from warranty help. I’m forced to choose between protecting my car or triggering a code to qualify for repair. This puts consumers at risk and creates an unfair barrier to accessing the warranty coverage kia advertises.