general problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul

35 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2015 Kia Motor Soul. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul based on all problems reported for the 2015 Soul.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2025

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.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/11/2025

Hello, I own currently a car, kia Soul 2015 , I bought it from car auction, it was recovered after theft! the car is clean title! when I got it home a mechanic looked at it and told me the piston rod came out through the engine block and engine is seized up and this is a common problem for this model of kia, piston rod is damaging the block , oil spilling and catching fire and he told me I need to go to the dealership because some people get their cars fixed if they meet the criteria for recall! also I saw there is one more open recall this car has related to power steering that can lead to accidents if not fixed! I towed my car to kia dealership and they told me they can't fix my recalls because I bought the car from auction! and I paid 180$ for the inspection they did! they didn't even saw the piston rod came out of block and damaged the piston and the block! they told me I have a broken piston! so is it true if you bought a car from auction they don't fix the recals anymore ? this doesn't make any sense to me! the recall is not a warranty I guess, it shouldn't expire because it can create dangerous situations on the road! so I want to know what can I do in this case to have the recalls fixed! I also asked them for a note about inspection they did and they didn't gave me anything! thank you!.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2025

Electrical power steering.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2025

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. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2024

I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 kia Soul: 1. Vibration at idle: significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2. Electrical issues: • codes: b111216 (ignition voltage low), b17672f (OCS algorithm cut off), b251100 (head lamp high lh scg), b251300 (head lamp low lh scg) • symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission system problems: • codes: p0455 (evaporative emission system leak detected), p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) • symptoms: check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked evap hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag system issues: • codes: b151100 (buckle switch driver open or short to battery), b110200 (battery voltage low), b149000 (OCS defect) • symptoms: warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the occupant classification system. 5. Tpms issues: • codes: c1314 (sensor 3 radio frequency channel failure), c1662 (auto learning failure) • symptoms: tpms warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2023

Car has an heavy gas smell like when the car is started ,has to crank up and car shakes when it’s started steering is off and etc.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/29/2023

The car stalls constantly and has been going on for years. Kia had claimed to have fixed the problem that they had fixed the problem however they never did because the car has been continuing to stop in the middle of the road. This car is very dangerous and it has no recalls on it. The catalytic converter is a problem and even though it has been a problem for kia Souls mine is not listed in the recall. Needless to say that this has put me and my child in immediate life-threatening danger multiple times.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2023

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling noise heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was returned, the steering, air bags, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot to the touch without the heated steering wheel function being activated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed, and the heated steering wheel fuse was removed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,796.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2023

I have had several issues with my car. The check engine light is on, and now my traction control light comes on all the time now. When that happens my car won't tact. I had auto zone check out the check engine light, was told it was the catalytic converter. My mechanic changed my oil and told me to start checking my oil every 500 miles, that it was consuming oil. I paid kia 170. 00 to confirm what auto zone told me. So I average a quart of added oil every 750 to 1000 miles. I see no point in replacing the catalytic converter until we know what is going on with the engine. This started at 113,000 miles, my car has 127. 000 now. I have talked to the dealership where I purchased my car, basically they can't help me unless my check engine light flashes and the speed cuts down to 40 miles an hour. My car is having the same issues that are described in recall (sc176) and (sc200). I would appreciate it if you could tell me if my car should have been in the recalls. Thank you for your time and assistance.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2023

Safety recalls. Kia dealer in quincy, illinois refuses to fix recalls because of a flood title.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2022

We took our kia Soul to a kia service shop Dec 2022 because the steering is making a clicking sound when the wheel is turned from the 11 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position. This condition is consistent with a kia safety recall issued in November 2017, and has been confirmed by another source. We were told that by the dealership, brandon courtesy kia in florida that they would repair this dangerous steering issue for a cost of $1227. 97 because they excluded it from the recall and warranty. Unfortunately we are on a fixed income, and are not able to pay for the steering to be repaired back to safe operating conditions. In addition, the dealership would not release the vehicle back to us unless we paid them $189. 15 for a couple minute “steering inspection” which we were not told upfront that there would be a cost. The November 16, 2017, important safety recall notice states if the steering is not repaired the result may be “loss of steering and result in a crash. ” this warning has us terrified because this dealership and kia put profit in front of safety. We have not driven the car for 3 months fearing a severe crash and possible injury, including and up to death. We have been in constant contact with the dealership and the kia customer care center to try and resolve the steering safety concern with no luck. We have proposed a fair and reasonable settlement but continue to ignored . . . Here is our ask to kia . . . 1. Repair the kia Soul steering back to a safe and normal operating condition 2. Refund the $189. 15 charge related to a bogus inspection. Best regards.

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/02/2022

My car just shut down out of the blue. There was no warning of any sort as far as anything showing that needed repair with my vehicle. It just started jerking one day. I took it to the kia dealership and they confirmed that it was due to the recall part but will not fix the part.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2022

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that a clicking noise was present when turning the steering wheel in either direction. While driving approximately 25 mph, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to seize, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/06/2022

While operating the vehicle the power steering ubruptly stopped working for approximately 5 seconds making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2022

It doesn’t no shift correctly catalytic converter problems rmp so hight and delay to shift. I can’t go in the freeway the car no respond and don’t go up to 60 I was driving in the free I almost crash ?? and other people behind me to get off the freeway and now warranty not cover. The pass ower never took the car to the recall and I have to deal w all this.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2021

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.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2021

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v608000 (steering) and 20v750000 (engine). The contact stated that she attempted to contact jerry smith kia (101 n hill blvd, burlington, wa 98233) to schedule the recall repair however, the local dealer stated that the kia cyber system was hacked and the system was down. The appointment was not scheduled nor was the vehicle repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer who verified the dealer information. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

18 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/26/2020

Driving on highway 70 and noticed that my tire was getting low. I got off the highway just in time. The tire shop. At 9550 st charles rock rd, breckenridge hills, mo 63114 at 5pm. The two young men came out laughing and one changed my tire. Left the shop and 30 mins later my tire was on flat. Came back the next morning. Young man said he'll fix it. He didn't give me another but stated a nail was in it. He think I'm stupid. He know he sold me a bad tire with the nail in it already. He painted the tire then put it back on my car. I was suspicious about the paint and paint brush. Left the shop and went home. On my way to work the same day almost had two accidents. Tire was hard to steer and the wheel didn't turn. I was scared to death. I could of lost my life 😔. . People need good used tires. Finally I went to car x and they took care of my problem and I felt safe to drive again.

19 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2020

When using cruise control, car will randomly speed up or slow down and get very loud and also jerk forward. It will also occasionally jerk forward or backwards while driving normally.

20 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2020

This used car was sold to me with unfixed recall. Recall was not disclosed at time of purchase.

21 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, he heard an abnormal sound while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to his destination. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing an unknown steering component replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). The contact took the vehicle back to local dealer and had the recall repair completed. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at a slow speed, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an unknown steering component replaced for a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

22 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2019

In starting the car, I have had a dozen incidents where the ignition is frozen and I can not turn the key. I try wiggling the steering wheel, wiggling the gears, removing the key, waiting, etc. On several occasions it has been 5 minutes before I was finally able to turn the ignition on.

23 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2019

On the evening of July 22,2019 I was leaving targets parking lot put my vehicle in reverse and when I put in drive my 2015 kia Soul took off. The rpms were the highest it could go going 40 miles p hour in a busy lot all I could was honk my horn. I tried the breaks putting in park and turning the key off. My wife and I were in shock. We hit the curb fly across 3 lanes of traffic the median and hit two cars. My wife was pinned there was white smoke in the cabin. People got her out fire dept came. My wife was transported to uci trama and I went back the next day to concerned for my wife rather than myself. Wife had 8 broken ribs separated and a broken back myself 7 broken ribs and bleeding of the brain. One hour prior approx to this accident we were next store eating and when leaving to go to target the engine started making a loud clicking noise I tuned it off and waited a few mins tried again and still the same noise. Then the 3rd time it was fine proceeded to target. All maintenance has been done and on time prior to this terrible accident. Our lives have change dramatically.

24 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2018

In motion at highway speeds going straight for about 5 minutes steering gets hard to make small corrections to the point over correcting becomes a problem. Problem gets worse during rain / wet weather.

25 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2017

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted (helleen kia in north olmstead, OH, 440-777-2424) and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

26 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2017

The contact owns 2015 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (courtesy kia of brandon, 9205 e adamo dr, tampa, FL 33619) was contacted and confirmed that the parts would not be available for the recall remedy until January 4, 2018. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-333-4542 and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

27 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2017

I recibe recall for airbags, stering pinion . The fuel sending level unit is damage and the gauge fuel level is down. But that reason the system turn on the check engine light.

28 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2016

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph and attempting to make a turn, the steering lost power without any warning. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was kept for about two months but was unable to be diagnosed or replicated the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was about 39,500. The VIN was not provided.

29 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2016

Current issues with my car, lurches forward, loses power when accelerating. Kia is refusing to fix, do to me living on remote island in alaska. Case #¿s of calls with kia consumer assistance center: 3137576, k3234258. Recall information sa206 seat belt sc116 saftey recall accelerator pedal sc117 logic update sc125 saftey recall pinion plug options: kia buys back the defective car kia Soul VIN# kndjx3a58f7770149 2015 they sold me. Kia barges my defective car to washington, and pays for my rental car until my kia is fixed and returned. Kia sends tools to local all american auto repair, so they can fix this is not a game, my car has two major safety recalls, and two minor recalls having to do with software and seatbelt. I believe the kia manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy, and keep me and my two children safe from injury or death.

30 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2016

I was coming out of a red light intersection and when I tried turning to the left the car would not turn and kept going straight. It turned minimally and hit the curb scratching the 2 passenger side wheels (front and back). No airbags were deployed as I was only at maybe 20-30mph. As the car aligned with the road again I notice the steering is 90% impaired. I still manage to drive home as there were very few cars on the road but the car would randomly sometimes, very strongly veer to the right or left, making it extremely dangerous. I remember there was a recall letter I had received and when I got home I checked it out and it described exactly what had happened to "the pinion plug which secures the pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may loosen due to the use of adhesive with insufficient bonding strength during assembly. If the plug loosens sufficiently, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly which could cause loss of steering and result in a crash. ". I think in my case this pinion came completely loose and that caused the crash. The car was just towed to a kia dealership but now they will inspect and decide if that was the case or not. What if they simply decide they will say this was caused to something else and not the recall issue?.

31 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, and making a left turn, the vehicle veered to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle drove up onto a sidewalk, where all four tires were punctured, oil pan was damaged, the vehicle subframe was bent, and the frontal air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. There was no police report filed. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. Ah.

32 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2015

As two disabled persons who purchased our 2015 kia Soul just four months ago, we want to know when the nhsta knew or first became aware of this problem to include when kia first became aware of this problem. Kia corporate headquarters did not or would not tell me. I would have never puchased this car used specifically for our disabilites. I did not by a lemon, I bought a car that would last. Now our car will have second rate parts,I. E. Adding a bolt. I wanted a car that was built the way a car should be built with no problems nor dangers. We are saddened beyond belief that we wasted all of the monies on that car. A defect, is a defect . We purchased a defective product. Unknowingly.

33 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2015

Safety recall, (NHTSA recall number:15v736) I received a recall notice dated 12/8/15, and went to the dealer on 12/21. They didn't have the parts and/or tools to effect the repair. I have since called kia customer assistance once and the dealer two more times. I am to call back next Wednesday, 1/27/16. It doesn't seem to me that kia is taking this safety recall very seriously. They don't seem in the least concerned.

34 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/22/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving about 40 mph, the steering lost power and the wheel locked, causing the vehicle to roll over five times before crashing into a mailbox. All the air bags deployed. The local police, the fire truck and the paramedic were at the scene. A police report was filed. There were minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not do anything. The failure mileage was 3,000. Fe.

35 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2015

First occurred at 134 miles on my 2015 kia Soul. . . Bouncy vibrating shaky ride could be felt under my feet like something bumping the bottom of the car and in the steering wheel like someone was tapping on it continuously. Passengers front and rear can feel the vibrating shake. Has been returned to dealer five times with this problem and has not yet been repaired. It is so bad it's uncomfortable to ride in and drive. Two service techs have told me they feel it but don't know what it is. Local dealer refused service after the fourth time saying they would not try to "fix" it again so kia corporation sent to another dealership. The second dealership feels it but they don't know what it is either. A field tech is being sent with a new machine to determine the problem. New tires and wheels have been put on the vehicle. . . They made a difference but it still has the vibrating shaky feeling. Twice, when gas pedal is pressed, the car would not move. . . Service techs don't know why. The car shudders many times when sitting at a red light or stop sign or parking lot. . . It will be running smoothly, then suddenly begin the shudder and shake. After a few minutes, it runs smoothly again. And no, it is not the ac compressor kicking in. . . The vibrating shaky ride occurs on all types of pavement and road surfaces. When turning the steering wheel to go around a curve, the wheel shakes as if the axles are bad. It has been doing this since purchased June 24, 2015, new, and now has 4,000 miles on it and is still doing its vibrating shaky thing. Anybody else have these problems? this is the third 2015 kia Soul we have owned! the other two are great! no problems. . . Totally different from this one.


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