2015 Kia Soul transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My husband purchased our 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI in 04/18. It was recalled under the NHTSA 19V120 & Kia SC176 in 04/19. The recommended fix? Update ECU Logic. Completed: 04/24/19. Check engine light came in 07/19. My appointment in 08/19, at #1 Cochran Kia showed a P0455 large leak code. Per invoice, manual leak test found no leak, but found gas cap not installed correctly after adding fuel, codes were cleared, & road test performed; "mileage in": 65582, "mileage out": 65583.…

   NHTSA complaint #11769993 · source
2. Filed Jun 15, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11744129 · source
3. Filed May 21, 2026MNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11739274 · source
4. Filed Jan 13, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11710722 · source
5. Filed Dec 25, 2025NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11707050 · source
6. Filed Sep 23, 2025GAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11689294 · source
7. Filed Aug 6, 2025IDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11678913 · source
8. Filed Jun 10, 202577,000 miMIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11666048 · source
9. Filed May 21, 2025IAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11662441 · source
10. Filed Dec 23, 2024144,000 miARFireEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11632078 · source
11. Filed Jun 12, 2024133,000 miFLFireTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle began decelerating and vibrating while driving at approximately 40-45 MPH. When attempting to accelerate forward and switch lanes, the vehicle would hesitate to respond as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle began overheating causing smoke to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact waited until the smoke dissipated and the…

    NHTSA complaint #11593838 · source
12. Filed May 23, 2024MNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11590377 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology