2015 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 628 4 crash 59 fire 9 injury

“Unknown . Engine or fuel mishap Car caught on fire as I was driving down the hwy with my 3 kids”
NHTSA complaint #11588286, 2024 · fire · 4 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LATE AT NIGHT HEADING HOME FROM A CONCERT WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NO SOONER THAN. I COULD GET MY DOOR OPEN, IT BURST INTO FLAMES. I HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11288842, 2019 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“When driving this Vehicle my daughter was in a single car acciedent. The engine combusted. The piston rod went into engine. When we took it to the auto shop this is what they told us casued the engine to malfunction and my daughter run off the road. She is very luck she has not been hurt more than she has. We have tried to contact KIA. First we called Royal KIa in Tuscon then Jim Clickk Kia in Tucson. They told me it did not matter that the vehicke had a recalll. We would be financially responsable for fixing it. They would not even alow me to bring it in, THey asked us to csll Kia. Kia was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11501901, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 108 1 crash 14 fire 4 injury

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LATE AT NIGHT HEADING HOME FROM A CONCERT WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NO SOONER THAN. I COULD GET MY DOOR OPEN, IT BURST INTO FLAMES. I HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11288842, 2019 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“I was driving on freeway when another car got my attention a fire had started outside (backside) so I thought I better pull over and my brakes wouldn’t stop. By this time the fire was entering the vehicle. I saw it in my backside so I acted quickly and pulled emergency brakes and jumped out before car went up in flames. I am thankful to be alive and walk away from such a frightening scene. However this is not normal and feel like this could’ve been avoided. I am notifying you so other Kia Soul drivers don’t experience anything like this.”
NHTSA complaint #11426153, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I’m not sure what system failed and yes my car is available for inspection. My safety was severely put at risk because something started to let smoke fill the cab of my car and it was so bad that I had to roll all the windows down which still I could barely breath. My hands went purple as well as my arms. I felt very sick and weird. No one has looked at my car but I have an appointment on the 2nd of feb. 2022. There wAs a check engine light on and I took it to Kia and they said it was throwing a partial code for the emissions something.”
NHTSA complaint #11448545, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 76 1 crash 8 fire 1 injury

“MY SON WAS IN A REAR-END COLLISON IN HIS 2015 KIA SOUL, THAT ALSO PUSHED HIM INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HIM. MY SON WAS AT A STOP AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, WHEN A MID SIZED SUV DOING APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND REAR ENDED MY SON. THE SOUL'S BUMPER WENT UNDERNEATH THE CHEVY TAHOE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN POLICE AND EMS SHOWED UP AND ASKED HIM IF HE COULD DRIVE IT OFF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT WORK. THEY PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO THE BODY SHOP, THE OWNER SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY THE AI…”
NHTSA complaint #10766295, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The engine warning light and catalytic converter malfunction. The car is not currently available for inspection. The car exploded after turning the engine over. The car became disabled on the busy highway while driving at night and the car exploded in flames thereafter. Yes the problem was confirmed by the dealership The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives, fire dept and police Yes the check engine light appeared several times, was checked and reappeared several times thereafter. I made a purchase of a car 9/15/23, The warning lamp appeared a few days later.”
NHTSA complaint #11557354, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while parked, the entire instrument panel had become inoperable and the vehicle had started to smoke. The origin of the fire was unknown. The check engine and electrical warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to New York Auto. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to an electrical issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available”
NHTSA complaint #11556121, 2023 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 76 3 crash 6 fire 5 injury

“Unknown . Engine or fuel mishap Car caught on fire as I was driving down the hwy with my 3 kids”
NHTSA complaint #11588286, 2024 · fire · 4 injury(ies)

“Now when I just went to check my engine oil it smelled of gas and was starting to get pretty low. I just checked it 2 weeks ago and it Was fine. No one has ever inspected the vehicle and yes it is very available for inspection. Still my fuel consumption is terrible and now my oil is low low with a gas smell to it. No warning lights have ever came on and it seems to drive fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11447686, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELT SMOKE FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED UPON TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN DEPRESSED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT FLAMES AROSE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE HEADREST AND UP TO THE DASHBOARD AND WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS THEN ABLE TO UNBUCKLE HER SEATBELT AND JUMP OUT THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING. THERE WERE NO CRASH OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTA…”
NHTSA complaint #11406849, 2021 · fire

Power Train 62 1 crash 8 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, SHIFTER, AND BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTI…”
NHTSA complaint #10897902, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AFTER HORRIBLE RATTLING NOISE. DRIVING IN THE CITY GOING AROUND 25 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11194156, 2019 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 o…”
NHTSA complaint #11632078, 2024 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 58 2 fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his son was driving at 55-65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated his son saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle, however, he could not exit the vehicle as he was in the middle of the highway. The contact stated his son was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of the highway police patrol. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11430730, 2021 · fire

“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,…”
NHTSA complaint #11745028, 2026

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11727424, 2026

Steering 44 8 crash 1 fire 6 injury 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, VEERED LEFT, AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES, WHICH INCLUDED A SEVERED AORTA AND FRACTURED CERVICAL SPINE. THE CORONER INDICATED THAT THE FATAL INJURIES MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 02/02/16 *BF UPDATED 02/05/16*L…”
NHTSA complaint #10818664, 2015 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11282007, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, SHIFTER, AND BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTI…”
NHTSA complaint #10897902, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 36 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PLUGS WERE MELTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11021789, 2017 · fire

“When I signal a lane change, the lights flicker or turn off completely. Happens often.”
NHTSA complaint #11685149, 2025

“When using the blinker, the headlights turn off completely or temporarily. I’ve seen this as a normal thing on Reddit and other sites”
NHTSA complaint #11678659, 2025

Service Brakes 32 10 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11282007, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, SHIFTER, AND BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTI…”
NHTSA complaint #10897902, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHEN APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE BRAKES FAILED ON MY WIFE'S 2015 KIA SOUL. SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY NEVER PRESSURIZED. FORTUNATELY THE AIRBAGS WORKED WELL, AND SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE LEFT IN AN AMBULANCE. I TESTED THE BRAKES ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BODY SHOP, AND THEY DID NOT PRESSURIZE THERE EITHER. THE CAR IS 9 MONTHS OLD, HAD ROUGHLY 9,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS NOT HAD ANY MECHANICAL WORK PERFORMED ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #10851455, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 31 3 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“Unknown . Engine or fuel mishap Car caught on fire as I was driving down the hwy with my 3 kids”
NHTSA complaint #11588286, 2024 · fire · 4 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11282007, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 o…”
NHTSA complaint #11632078, 2024 · fire

Air Bags 20 14 crash 11 injury 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, VEERED LEFT, AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES, WHICH INCLUDED A SEVERED AORTA AND FRACTURED CERVICAL SPINE. THE CORONER INDICATED THAT THE FATAL INJURIES MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 02/02/16 *BF UPDATED 02/05/16*L…”
NHTSA complaint #10818664, 2015 · crash · 1 death(s)

“AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. At 4-way intersection w/ traffic light other driver going northbound blew through their red light (maybe on phone or other distraction) at what seemed like a high speed. I was driving westbound at about 30/35mph with a clear green light. Was able to avoid getting t-boned in my door, but couldn't avoid t-boning other car's passenger door (older 2 door F150). My insurance company going to total my car (see pics). My airbags didn't deploy. Friends/relatives have told me their air bags went off in crashes at lower speeds. I hit my head on the left side frame and my head i…”
NHTSA complaint #11587547, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WHICH STOPPED ABRUPTLY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURY FROM THE SEAT BELT STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WENT TO AN URGENT CARE THE NEXT DAY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED A WHIPLASH. THERE WAS NO FURTHER DETAIL ON THE INDIVIDUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11233877, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Structure 16 5 crash 7 fire 4 injury

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR LATE AT NIGHT HEADING HOME FROM A CONCERT WHEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NO SOONER THAN. I COULD GET MY DOOR OPEN, IT BURST INTO FLAMES. I HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN THIS HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11288842, 2019 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“When driving this Vehicle my daughter was in a single car acciedent. The engine combusted. The piston rod went into engine. When we took it to the auto shop this is what they told us casued the engine to malfunction and my daughter run off the road. She is very luck she has not been hurt more than she has. We have tried to contact KIA. First we called Royal KIa in Tuscon then Jim Clickk Kia in Tucson. They told me it did not matter that the vehicke had a recalll. We would be financially responsable for fixing it. They would not even alow me to bring it in, THey asked us to csll Kia. Kia was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11501901, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“MY SON WAS IN A REAR-END COLLISON IN HIS 2015 KIA SOUL, THAT ALSO PUSHED HIM INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HIM. MY SON WAS AT A STOP AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, WHEN A MID SIZED SUV DOING APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND REAR ENDED MY SON. THE SOUL'S BUMPER WENT UNDERNEATH THE CHEVY TAHOE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN POLICE AND EMS SHOWED UP AND ASKED HIM IF HE COULD DRIVE IT OFF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT WORK. THEY PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO THE BODY SHOP, THE OWNER SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY THE AI…”
NHTSA complaint #10766295, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Seat Belts 9 4 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 30 MPH, after becoming briefly distracted, the vehicle ahead dramatically reduced speeds, and as a result, he collided with the rear of that vehicle. After this, the seat belt failed to restrain him, and he hit his head on the windshield, causing him to lose consciousness. The force of the impact forced the vehicle off the road and into a ditch, where it came to rest after colliding with a tree, at which point the air bags deployed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11532770, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HIRED THIS CAR FROM THRIFTY RENTAL CARS, AND WAS IN A COLLISION ON THE I80 FREEWAY, WHEREIN I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT DURING STOP-START TRAFFIC, I WAS TRAVELLING WAY BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME IN PLACE, AND I FLEW FORWARD OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND HIT THE WINDSCREEN. I SUFFERED MILD CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, AND BRUISING DOWN THE FRONT OF MY BODY. I MAY HAVE ALSO PERMANENTLY DAMAGED MY NECK. I HAVE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO THRIFTY, BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE ANY ACTION.”
NHTSA complaint #10960215, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“This is a supplement to the earlier filed report. The brakes on this Kia Soul did not appear to be working, no matter how hard I pressed on it. Further, I flew forward in this accident, causing me to hit my head. It was like the seatbelt was not working at all. I had to be checked for a potential concussion at the local hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #11533050, 2023 · crash

Wheels 6 3 crash 1 fire

“ON 11/19/18 OUR 2015 KIA SOUL WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AT APPROX 4:30 PM AFTER ARRIVING HOME FROM WORK, 4 HOURS LATER IN EVENING WHILE WATCHING TV AT APPROX 8:33PM WE HEARD A LOUD POP OUTSIDE, WE BOTH RAN TO FRONT DOOR TO SEE THE KIA SOUL FRONT END INGULFED IN FLAMES RISING SO HIGH HITTING ROOF OF OUR GARAGE. I CALLED 911 WHILE BACKING OUR OTHER CAR OUT OF DRIVEWAY AWAY FROM FLAMES, WHILE MY HUSBAND TRIED TO PUT OUT FIRE WITH EXTINGUSER AND WATER HOSE. THE FIREMEN ARRIVED AND FINISHED PUTTING OUT FIRE BUT KIA SOUL WAS TOTALED. KIA DEALERSHIP IN SARASOTA FL HAS NOT OFFERED ANY HELP OR ANSWERS. WE…”
NHTSA complaint #11153421, 2018 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11555795, 2023 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10822052, 2016 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 5 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, ICE FELL ONTO THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED THE WIPER BLADES TO STOP FUNCTIONING. MOMENTS LATER, ELECTRICAL SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER REMOVING THE ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10836581, 2016 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING SPEEDOMETER DROPS FROM. 65 TO 20 WAS TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CLOGGED NEEDS REPLACED ONLY HAS 66,000 THE YEAR IS 2015”
NHTSA complaint #11270085, 2019

“KIA USES SOY BASED COATING/INSULATION ON ALL THEIR WIRING & HOSES, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING DAMAGED BY RODENTS. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER HOSE ON MINE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO RODENTS. AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH ONLINE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT MORE IMPORTANT COMPONENTS BEING DAMAGED BY RODENTS AS WELL, AND KIA STATING IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY, AND/OR IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT. MY CAR WAS DAMAGED BY THESE RODENTS WHILE SITTING PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING.”
NHTSA complaint #11052610, 2017

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dea…”
NHTSA complaint #11504663, 2023

“My wife has a 2015 Kia Soul that developed a gasoline leak in the engine compartment. The Kia dealer said some of their other models have been recalled due to gas leaks and fires but this model has not. This model has the same engine and obviously has the same issue as the Kia model that was recalled. We were very lucky that her car did not catch fire or explode and that I was able to see the problem after she drove the car a short way. The fuel line was leaking gas where it connects to the high pressure pump on top of the engine and from the hose just behind the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11473507, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,600. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER. UPDATED 03/30/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10822508, 2015

Seats 3 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAIN BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT WHERE THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATED FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10810812, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND WAS REAR ENDED WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD, BREAKING BACKWARD. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING @RAY SKILLMAN, 1300N. SHADELAND, INDIANAPOLIS, IN. THE SEAT IS BADLY DEFOMED AND BROKEN. I FEEL SOMEONE SHOULD CHECK THIS SEAT TO MAKE SURE NO ONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE IT IS DESTROYED. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT ADDITONAL INFORMATION.”
NHTSA complaint #10747824, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN FAIRMOUNT BLVD. I HIT A POT HOLE, CAUSING MY TIRE TO GO FLAT AND THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10650225, 2014 · crash

Suspension 3

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dea…”
NHTSA complaint #11504663, 2023

“I TOOK MY 2015 KIA SOUL TO MIAMI LAKES KIA TWICE IN DECEMBER 2019, TO CHECK A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, MORE CONSISTENTLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT. I'M NOT SURE BUT I HAVE AN INKLING THAT THIS NOISE MAY BE RELATED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN, CV JOINTS OR THE AXLE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THE 1ST TIME, AS I MADE A RIGHT TURN, I HEARD THE SAME CLICKING NOISE. I CALLED SERVICE AND LET THEM KNOW THAT I STILL HEARD THE NOISE. I RETURNED MY CAR A WEEK LATER AND TOOK A TEST RIDE WITH TWO TECHNICIANS, ONE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE THE NOISE NEEDED TO BE LOUDER FOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11317399, 2019

“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 CO…”
NHTSA complaint #10786212, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“1. I EXPERIENCED THIS TWICE NOW. DRIVING DOWN AN ALLY THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF ON ME. THE SECOND TIME I WAS PARKED RAN INTO MY HOUSE CAME OUT AND IT WAS OFF. LUCKILY I WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME OF THIS HAPPENING. ALSO IN SOMEHOW LOCK MY KEYS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I CAME OUT TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM THE TRUNK . 2. YOU'D THINK A 2015 VEHICLE WOULDN'T LET YOU DO THAT ESPECIALLY WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY. 3. ALSO I'M NOTICING A VIBRATION IN THE IDLE WHEN SITTING PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON. 4. WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOES NOT STAY AT A CONSISTENT SPEED ESPECIALLY GOING UP…”
NHTSA complaint #11360069, 2020

“THE VEHICLE STIBILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT WANT , WHICH IS THE PART OF THE (ABS). THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK. THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. I DO ALSO HEAR A CLICKING NOISE FROM TH DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE FOR COUPLE OF FEET BUT WENT AWAY. NO CODES PRESENT AT ALL A CORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN THEY CHECKED. DOE TO THE PHOTOS WHICH MY WIFE AND I HAVE TAKEN DURING THE PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO CHECK THE AUTO. THE WIFE AND I HAVE WAITED SEVERAL HRS. AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT STILL NO LUCK FOR THE LIGHT OR THE C…”
NHTSA complaint #10956729, 2016

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR WINDSHIELD INADVERTENTLY SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10807229, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10712442, 2015

Back Over Prevention 1

“put car in reverse and camera worked normal. when placed in drive camera contuined to stay on so i was drivieng with the camera showing me my back end . i feel this is dangerous. arrived at destnation and placed in park, turned car off and camera still was on with no key. i was in disbelife so i took a pic of the camera and me holding the keys up dealership stated on 7-19-21 fixed recall sc176 which after speaking with them they stated they updated the system per the recall, however i believe that they did not check out what was requested by kias recall . purcheesd car 7-31-21 2 days later c…”
NHTSA complaint #11430411, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THERE'S A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL”
NHTSA complaint #11396421, 2021

Tires 1 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2016 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE LINE: CP671, TIRE SIZE: 205-60-R16(NA), DOT NUMBER:021320S2WR2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CURB THREE TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HALT. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE SPARE TIRE WAS PLACED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MICHEL TIRE PLUS (750 NW WASHINGTON BLVD, HAMILTON, OH 45013, (513) 454-6724) TO HAVE A NEW TIRE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11245864, 2019 · crash