What 898 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Soul EV

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal revving sound would emit from the vehicle as it hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. Despite the failure, her daughter managed to drive the vehicle home; the next day, the contact started the vehicle and experienced the same failure. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

NHTSA ODI 11510796

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that piston #3 was damaged and that the catalytic convertor had failed. The contact was informed that the piston failed from not enough compression. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that due to the mileage the vehicle was not eligible to be repaired under recall and had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509908

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509530

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 112,878.

NHTSA ODI 11505308

Vehicle has begun burning oil excessively and has a smell of gas in the oil. The oil is changed regularly with the correct oil. This did not begin to occur until the vehicle had a recall issue resolved at the dealership. The vehicle has 113,000 miles on it, a engine service light is on and and is throwing a P420 code. My mechanic provided me with the recall notices for the vehicle based on year however, a call to Kia indicates my VIN is not included in the second recall. I have noted there are mutiple compaints for the same issue on Kia owner sites on the web. The vehicle is beginning to have poor fuel comsumption, and is beginning to "drag" on occasion while driving at varied speeds both city and highway.

NHTSA ODI 11503439

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to steer the vehicle off the roadway and then stopped the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter, and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11499270

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497202

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle shutoff with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was overheated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to the determine the cause of the failure. Prior to the failure, the contact stated that the oxygen sensor, water pump, alternator belt, and battery were all replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496027

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, the front passenger’s side wheel suddenly malfunctioned rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side lower control arm had fractured due to faulty ball joint. The control arm was replaced but the vehicle started to experience vibration and shaking. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact also indicated that the vehicle had experienced engine oil consumption issues. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11481169

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently and would not accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the catalytic convertor was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11480110

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions and the knock sensor, O2 sensor, engine pistons, and other engine parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000

NHTSA ODI 11477749

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and rod bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11476972

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and stalled. The TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic convertor, engine, and pistons. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11473899

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated the vehicle was being driven to the dealer for an oil change when the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) needed to be completed before the engine would be replaced. The contact stated that she also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 19V101000 (Engine) however, the dealer and manufacturer declined repairs for both recalls. The contact stated that she received the recall notifications in April of 2022. The contact stated that the dealer was notified of the recall and stated that if there were no issues with the vehicle that there was no reason to take the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 103,629.

NHTSA ODI 11471161

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her spouse driver was driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal functionality was inoperative. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty; however, the vehicle was then towed to the dealer who determined that the failure was caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467130

The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor were defective. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed by her daughter that an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change and informed the mechanic of the knocking issue. The contact's daughter was informed by the independent mechanic that there was no available service technician to inspect her vehicle. Soon after the oil change was completed and driving at an undisclosed speed, the rod bearing punctured the engine block. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where an estimate was provided for replacing the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that since the ECU upgrade was not performed; the cost for a new engine would not be covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464021

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal loud sound coming from the hood before the vehicle stalled. The contact was unsure whether there were and warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband was unable to restart the vehicle and might have pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. Upon opening the hood to determine the cause of the failure, the driver noticed there was smoke. The contact's husband and her father replaced the alternator and battery on site however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assisted the contact with towing the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as the vehicle mileage was over 150,000. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the dealer information. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464069

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while she was driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed, and the vehicle was not drivable and was unsafe to drive. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the engine warranty or NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) without service records; however, the contact provided the six service records that she had available at the time to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,834.

NHTSA ODI 11450293

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was upgraded under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. While driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently began to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he continued to drive the vehicle, but the vehicle would not exceed 5 MPH. The contact pulled to the nearest parking lot and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed to cause an oil leak. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 116,579.

NHTSA ODI 11445073

The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 30 MPH, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and she heard abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact stated that as the vehicle began to stall, his daughter veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle but did not inform the contact of the diagnostic result. The dealer advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle as he had failed to complete the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer and assist with the repair of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since July 12th. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 99,600. Parts distribution disconnect. Car is still at the dealer hickory hollow Kia in Tennessee as of March 15 it will have been there for 8 months Kia says parts still on back order.

NHTSA ODI 11444675

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds there was heat emerging from underneath the dashboard. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438934

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that the check engine waring light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to inspect the vehicle however, the warning light was off prior to arriving at the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they would not be able diagnose the failure if there was no warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and continued to drive the vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH independently and failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for several minutes before driving back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11434249

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the vehicle was working as designed and that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11432295

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 failure was related to the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE). The dealer also informed the contact that they could not complete the recall repair as the contact was a second vehicle owner. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,890.

NHTSA ODI 11430730

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE SOUNDED WITH A LOUD BANG WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,000. *BF*JB

NHTSA ODI 11329387