general problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a second opinion, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the local dealer but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

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 under the hood, a strong oil smell inside the cabin, and the car stalling during operation. These symptoms have been ongoing and progressively worsening, with the vehicle now stalling more frequently.

Nhtsa recall:19v120 the esc light went on during high winds and stayed on. The car stuttered going up hill @40+ mph, so I looked for any outstanding recalls and decided to take it into lutherkia bloomington. There were other recalls I was unaware of that I checked boxes to fix. They examined my vehicle and told me that my catalytic converter was plugged/melted and needed to be replaced. That isn't related to esc as far as I'm aware, also I asked -why- it plugged and they were unwilling/able to determine. Other mechanics online told me that it is crucial to determine the root cause of why it plugged/melted and fix it. I looked closer at the recalls and pointed out that the various outstanding recalls called for engine tests, none of which they did. I then noticed that recall #19v120 directly mentioned catalytic converter damage. Lutherkia refused to check the engine, even though the other recalls stated they would. I called 5-23 and luther refuse to do anything except update computer codes since kia will not pay for it. The kia's catalytic converter is damaged and very possibly engine damage as well, but they refuse to check since they said kia wont cover labor costs.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle began decelerating and vibrating while driving at approximately 40 mph. When attempting to accelerate forward and or switch lanes the vehicle would display a hesitation before completing the desired action check engine light illuminated. The vehicle began overheating causing smoke to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and lost complete power. The contact waited till the smoke dissipated and the vehicle cooled down before moving the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no injuries. No medical attention was needed. There was no police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter and diagnosed the engine as failing. The engine needed to be replaced as well. The engine was not repaired and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis of the engine failing and needing to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Transmission leaking after a long drive , fluids replaced in the transmission then car leaked out the fluid after driving the vehicle it doesn’t leak when at rest.

About several months ago the car was skipping. I was told it was a coil. I had it replaced. It then drove fine. Then in christmas day it started again and the engine light came on once again. I took it to a mechanic and he thought it was the plug for the coil. They changed it and it did it again. He said that with kia and Hyundai cars there is always problems like this. He said he fixed a kia with the same problem as mine about a week ago. As a matter of fact last week when I went to get the oil changed at another place before I took to them (the last place) there was another man in there who also described his car was doing the same. I was surprised when he said he had a kia Soul. That’s why I took it to this last mechanic who could do the work. He said it would cost me anywhere from three to five thousand dollars because the motor would need to be replaced. So apparently this is a problem with kia Soul motors. My car app said something about the trans. I can get the form of where the coil was fixed. I just got the call and have not picked it up yet.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that after a software update was completed, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle went into safe mode. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v724000 (power train, electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the battery was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that upon research, he noticed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 20v389000 (power train, electrical system) and 23v218000 (electrical system) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine failure due to campaign 19120000. I was never notified via phone or mail back in 2020 when this was released. Now it’s not being honored. I’ve been placed on hold, spoke with someone who then put me on another hold and back out to the beginning of the hold process. My car is doing exactly this in this campaign # and while doing so multiple other failures are following.

Engine consumes excessive amount of oil before next oil change that causes catalytic converter to clog and the car not to perform well. This is a known kia issue and everyone should be eligible for the engine recall. This is dangerous and cars have been catching fire over this issue. Kia knows and they refuse to fix the issue for 2015 kia Soul + owners.

Vehicle began shuddering violently, with the check engine light alternating between blinking and staying lit. The oil light randomly lighting up for literally a fraction of a second despite oil levels in acceptable range. Excessive yet random consumption of oil. Severe loss of horsepower, especially upon acceleration from a dead stop. No/low compression on two cylinders. Catalytic converter needs replacing for 2nd time in 365 days. Safety recalls not showing in system (VIN lookup), yet recently presented by dealership. Safety recalls p12002b ecu update ksds 2. 0l gdi, sa206 ps/ev rear center seatbelt cover, sc125 pinion plug inspection repair, & sc155 str gear pinion plug group b. Some recalls not informed of in a timely manner. Kia dealership & local muffler shop are the only ones to look at car. Kia dealership stated didn't know what was wrong with kia vehicle after a week of diagnostic testing, said to drive it elsewhere to have plugs, wires, packs & catalytic converter replaced, then return for further troubleshooting. Dealership continuing to "find" different reasons why vehicle isn't covered under extended warranty to replace engine. All issues confirmed by dealership & muffler shop, all warning lights remain on, driving vehicle as-is is a danger to self & other drivers due to engine stalling/random loss of power whilst turning, accelerating, etc. Safety recalls not being presented in a timely manner could result in accidents and/or deaths.

Cylinder misfire on 1 and 2. Loss of compression on one cylinder. Loss of power, frequent oil additions. Engine shuttering/stalling. Engine warning light alternating solid/flashing. Dangerous to drive due to unpredictable stalling, loss of power/acceleration. Local kia dealer claimed couldn't find a problem after a week, told to replace catalytic converter. Local muffler shop said cannot replace catalytic converter until engine issue(s) addressed. Appears to be a common problem that no one wishes to address, leaving me at a loss as to what to do.

The engine in my car needs replacing. The dealership and kia corporation refuse to complete oil consumption tests. I am driving a car that cannot be inspected or repaired. They told me literally I have to drive the car into the ground to get the engine replaced. This is dangerous and foolhardy. Corporations with faulty products that have warranties they refuse to honor are putting all people on the road at risk. Getting through to either the dealership or the corporation is almost impossible unless you have no job. Please help kia owners who are put in this unconscionable position. I own my car outright, I wish I had more options other than losing my investment as a poor person. Thank you for whatever help you can provide. Diane fleming-myers.

Oil light came on randomly while driving. Took to the shop to have checked out. Was found to be almost empty of oil. Oil was changed 2 months prior. Filled up with oil and left. Everytime the vehicle would sit adle the oil pressure would cause the oil light to come on. Took to the dealership and was told it needed a new engine. Dealership promised to replace the engine for no charge. Stated it would take appoximatley 3 weeks. Stated there was a recall and issue with these engines. After 3 weeks dealership called and stated the vehicle only passed 1 or 2 test required before replacing engine. The engine would not be replaced free of charge. The vehicle has 82,000 miles. Have record of every oil change that was serviced at the appropriate time. The dealership wanted 8700. 00 for a engine.

The vehicle was taken to highway and after an uphill ramp (from stringfellow to I-66e), the vehicle lost power, started to smoke, brake system lost power (foot brake did not work, so side brake was used to stop the vehicle), then caught on fire at mile marker 56. 6. Yes, it is available for an inspection. I had to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of interstate highway that did not have an emergency lane. 3 out of 4 lanes had been blocked, so, yes, it did put others at safety risk as well. Problem cannot be reproduced as the vehicle will be deemed total loss (pending insurance company's inspection). However, please note that the engine was replaced at the dealer, under the warranty, 2 weeks prior to the incident. Insurance company is inspecting the vehicle and the captain of the fire brigade has stated that he will be filing a report in fairfax county, va. Excessive smoke and smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer the next day after the vehicle was picked up 2 weeks ago due to loss of power, transmission shift lags, blinking engine light, excessive vibration, etc. At the time of the incident, the dashboard did not indicate any engine lights nor the thermostat indicated overheating.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul+. The contact stated that while driving at a unknown speed the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him about codes p007 and p008 and replacement of the camshaft sensors and crank shaft. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who informed him the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted and, while driving, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the timing chain, sensors, cam shaft and engine replacement needed to be replaced. The dealer mentioned checking the engine for metal shaving. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

Brought car to dealer because of recall sc176 and engine making noise. Which kia refuse to honor.

Driving the car up the 101 cuesta grade and lost acceleration. The speedometer went to zero and as the car died I pulled to the right side of the freeway / grade. Smoke started to enter my vehicle. A car stopped in front of me and one behind and the people ran from their cars to tell me to get out of my car as my front engine underneath was on fire. I got out of the car and opened the back hatch to remove my belongings as the engine burst into flames. This car has been maintained by kia and by a personal mechanic and we were up to date on all recalls. We were not included in the most recent engine fire recall. The car is completely destroyed.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 mph the vehicle completely shut down, the contact shift the vehicle into park and shut down the vehicle and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer once again and the crank shaft senor was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, but no failure was found and advised to contact manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided and advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 77,000.

The connecting rod bearing failed resulting in the engine failing. The engine is still in the car at the dealership awaiting approval from kia to replace it (they are currently refusing). The engine failing while the vehicle was being operated placed me and other motorist in danger had I not been able to get it off the road immediately. The connecting rod bearing failure was confirmed by the dealership. No, the vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else besides the service techs at the dealership. It is unknown if any warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure.

Was driving the vehicle everything was normal all of a sudden the it began to smell like it was overheating. Then car started to lose power an stalled out. I pulled over let it set for a good 30 mins. I checked all the fluids everything was great. So I started the vehicle which was hesitant began driving did great for about 15 mins. And the same smell plus some other sounds crazy but egg smell occurred and I pulled over about 4 mins after I began to notice it was running strange. The check engine light came on an now this vehicle misses and does not run correctly. I check the fluids and tires every Monday and Thursday. I went to have the codes for the check engine light that came on after the incident happened. It gave me several issues that wasnt there at all before whatever happened happened.

Checked my oil and the dipstick was showing no oil at all, 2 quarts had been added 2 weeks prior. No sign of an oil leak anywhere. 2 days later I started the vehicle and it was idling very hard then died, I waited then started it back up. The engine light came on but it didnt die again. It has since continued to run very rough. This started at about 90,000, oil consumption is ridiculous. There is definitely a problem here, so many people are making complaints as well!!.

My vehicle has been having issues with the engine for months now. I have had to have parts replaced that clearly are related to the engine , can not drive it after having it towed to the kia dealership . They corrected two recalls , but did not check for problems with my engine. They did a dx test however did not drive it to clearly see it still has same issues as when I brought it in , but worse than before now. My vehicle is part of the campaign 20v750 with code sc200. My vehicle is also burning oil , two times I was told by a mechanic that they are sure it has to do with engine issues. I called them back and addressed my concerns after leaving with it the same problems as before and was treated as if I was making up the issues I am having with the vehicle . Due to I am the 2nd owner they did not want to use my warranty I have on the engine to repair or even check into the engine for problems . Now I am having to wait until the manager comes back to work in two days to get a resolution, I can not afford to keep paying for tow charges for the 2nd time.

At 88k miles car begins to drive sluggish causing a acceleration issue. You can also hear a whistling sound from the engine with a faint knocking sound. Took the vehicle in for inspection and it was said to be the catalytic converter and or transmission. Both were changed and vehicle is still driving sluggish.

When at complete stop idling is very rough and engine will cut off. When accelerating from a complete stop shifting is very delayed and hard, once gear shifts then it accelerates too fast at once. When makes a left turn from stop light check engine light came on and code was p0420 about catalytic converter.

Car while be delayed in shifting gears and then all the sudden accelerate too fast and jerks the car, oil keeps running really low after putting oil in but no visible leaks. Engine light continues to come on reading code is p0420 stating problems with catalytic converter. Recalls are in place for this year make and model for catalytic converter but my VIN number isn't showing up even though I'm having the exact problems as described in recall!!.

Vehicle out of nowhere while driving on expressway started to decelerate I immediately pulled over safely and noticed the lights on my dashboard were illuminated check engine light and engine oil light. I took vehicle to havoline oil express and they checked my codes changed spark plugs and ignition coils but car still sputters and power is low lights are dim I have it now at a kia dealership because I believe it to be the engine or something in the powertrain. Nothing like this has ever happened to the vehicle since I've purchased it.

In 2017 while going straight on highway uphill, my vehicle suddenly started loud pinging and lost power while driving, no warning lights. I pulled over and stopped, kia towed to dealership. Said no oil in engine and engine failed. This was serviced by same dealership 2 weeks prior. Kia replaced that engine. 2019 car in being serviced and after I was told same seal is bad again and was replaced. 2020 car in being serviced and was told same seal was bad a third time. Afraid to drive car when not lubricated due to fire issue with Souls.

2015 kia Soul + has just been checked by our dealership service department for not accelerating and shifting properly. Dealer performed transmission service at 106,768 miles on June 30, 2020, and this did not clear the issues, 2nd service inspectrion on July 1, 2020 resulted in service department saying the issues are with a plugged catalytic converter, which has been a potential contributor to the ongoing NHTSA investigation of all kia Soul models with the 2. 0l nu engine. We also noted excessive oil consumption to the service department on multiple occasions, but they have declined starting an oil consumption test. Neither the dealer nor extended warranty company will cover repairs, and allowed us to leave the dealership with the vehicle in potentially unsafe condition, with no remedy other than us paying for parts and labor to replace the catalytic converter. I want to have my complaint added to the ongoing investigation, and can provide and encourage other kia Soul owners to also add their similar issues,m which are well documented on line in forums and social media.

Car was in motion going down street then engine stopped froze shut off while driving through middle of intersection. Tried to restart car once it started again engine began a loud grinding noise like pistons were ready to explode. I drove home with the engine make the loud grinding noise and stalling creating unsafe driving condition. I see that there is a 2015 kia Soul recall for gdi engines but the kia headquarters are saying there is no recall. The car is at the kia service center now and the first thing they said is that we may need a new engine. I feel that this is a very unsafe in this car and I am afraid of knowm kia Soul engine defeacts could put my life in danger while driving.

Car burns oil excessively. Has started making bad engine noises. Visited a kia dealership mechanic. Was advised that the engine requires replacement due to damage. Noise is when in motion. Standard driving.

Had been driving on the highway for about 90 minutes/90 miles when we were coming to the summit of stevens pass on hwy 20 east-bound. The car suddenly started running rough so we pulled to the shoulder just in time for the engine to stall and all dash lights to come on. Tried to restart the engine when a puff of smoke erupted from the engine compartment and a bystander alerted us to visible flames. Thankfully, a passer by had an extinguisher and was able to put out the fire almost immediately.