What 898 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Soul EV

My 2015 Kia Soul ! has been losing power upon acceleration for around 6 months now. We have had two different mechanic shops attempt repairs. First repair found a broken spark plug. Kia Soul continued to lose power upon acceleration and a second repair shop found a bent engine valve. All engine valves were repaired/replaced. After the engine valve repairs, around a month later, Kia Soul loses all power upon acceleration over 4,000 rpm or at an incline, absolutely no power when pressing the accelerator and this caused an instant safety issue for the owner/driver. The owner/driver was on the highway driving around 70 mph when the Kia Soul lost power and she had to maneuver onto the side of a busy highway three times to shut off the Kia Soul and re-start it to get power again. (Shutting off the vehicle and re-starting it temporarily fixes the power issue.) The owner/driver was almost hit by other cars twice trying to get to the side of the highway since there was absolutely no power and no way to accelerate. There were and are still no warning lights, no engine lights, no codes, absolutely nothing stating that anything is wrong with this Kia Soul. This Kia Soul also dumps 100% of its oil at random times. It will throw engine codes of O-ring 1 and 3 at random times not at the same time as the oil dumping. The owner has checked the oil level if the Kia Soul right before driving the vehicle and she has had the vehicle dump its oil during a drive and go into "limp mode" where it loses its power and will not go over a certain RPM to protect the integrity of the engine. The owner has had this happen twice since a KIA dealership did computer reprogramming after the latest recall. There is absolutely no warning, engine codes with this as well. The last time happened on a highway as well and safety was also and issue trying to get off the highway at 45 mph. There is no warning for when it loses power putting its driver in danger of getting hit by other cars.

NHTSA ODI 11515531

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive 5 MPH to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515634

The engine keeps burning oil, and is clogging up the catalytic converter causing the car to lose power. The car can’t go above 50mph and cannot go up inclines without the rpm at around 5-6. It has been going on since April 2022 and I bought the car in November 2021 from Paramount Kia of Asheville @ 80,000miles. They have done 5 oil consumption tests and 2 overnight soaks which has still yet to fix the problem. The car needs a new engine, and catalytic converter which would be around $10,000. They sold me the car for $17,000 and I still owe $11,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515132

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.

NHTSA ODI 11514917

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the dealer stated that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 77,424.

NHTSA ODI 11514752

Check engine light came on with a p0420 code. After checking the oil, I realized it have used 1.5quartz of oil since my last oil change about 2months ago. I have had this car for only a year and have kept up on maintenance as suggest by the manufacturer. I called the dealership and they say it's normal for kias to burn oil. In my opinion it doesn't see normal nor does it seem safe. They told me it is safe to drive and to bring it in for a suspected exhaust leak.

NHTSA ODI 11514244

Oil consumption problems

NHTSA ODI 11514102

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning light was illuminated on March 19, 2023. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513056

My oil is burning and it's been changed several times and is BLACK the next day plus my electrical system is messed up

NHTSA ODI 11511408

Engine is not holding oil

NHTSA ODI 11511300

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

While driving home from work late at night, the car just stopped without warning and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership where I was informed that there would be a $750 diagnostic fee, but that Kia would probably not replace the engine under warranty because the recall had not been taken care of. I am the second owner of the vehicle and bought it the same year that the recall was issued. Kia consumer affairs department states that it was sent to my address, but I did not receive the notification. I cannot afford to pay $750 to find out that I will not be reimbursed and I cannot afford to have the engine replaced in a car that is worth the value of the engine. I had just changed the oil and had a valve cover gasket replaced. There was no check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11509906

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

Shucks was taken to Kia Country of Savannah for recall repairs. ECU update and seat belt cover repaired, however, I explained that car was burning oil (but not leaking) and engine was on and car was making a knocking sound. I had taken my car to a local mechanic while informed me that my car’s engine was bad. I even showed Pat Foran the printout that I was given. The local mechanic I found that I would qualify for the engine replacement based off of his inspection. So I took the car to Kia (barely made it because the car would not go over 60 mph. At Kia, I was told my car passed bearings test and that I would need to pay for a fuel consumption test to determine what was wrong with my car. I was told I would know if my car needed a new engine because it would sound like rocks in a milk carton, which it did but the folks at Kia said they drove it and didn’t hear anything. I find it very strange that my engine light was also off when I got the car back but 20 miles down the road, as I putted my way back home, it came back on. I feel this was there attempt to not fix the car, they were too busy trying to get me to trade it in because I only had 93000 miles on it at the time.

NHTSA ODI 11507773

Kia soul is burning oil it has 82k miles and I’ve already went through the oil consumption test once with dealer and they said it wasn’t loosing any more oil so I had a oil change done drove it the 3000 miles for next oil change and it was loan again I’m now back to do the oil consumption test again I don’t think I should have to do it The dealer just needs to put a new motor in car

NHTSA ODI 11506834

Engine light stays on, it’s says on the instrument that I used that it’s the catalyst converter but when you take it to the shop they can’t find anything wrong. Also my car shakes when pressing on the brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11506127

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.

NHTSA ODI 11505797

My 2015 Kia soul engine light won't stay off so I'm trying to see if it's under warranty or recall so I can get it fixed or trade it in. Please somebody contact as soon as possible. [XXX] [XXX] is my name INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11505832

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) in 2019. The contact stated that after the recall repair was serviced, while driving up mountainous roadways, the low-pressure oil light would become illuminated. The contact stated he checked the oil level and found no oil on the dipstick. The contact stated that oil was added and after several weeks the failure recurred. The contact stated that he replaced the engine drain plug however, the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, it was 4 weeks before the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be cleaned or replaced. The parts were replaced. The engine started to knock and was towed to the dealer. The report from the dealer was unknown; however, the contact stated that he was informed that the engine would be replaced under an extended warranty. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11505332

Safety recalls. Kia dealer in Quincy, Illinois refuses to fix recalls because of a flood title.

NHTSA ODI 11505099

I have a check engine light on vehicle. Have started to notice drag and acceleration problems, loss of fuel mileage since check engine light appeared. Had code diagnosed and got a failed catalytic converter code. Also a previous Mass Air Flow code. There are recall notices based on this issue. My VIN is not populating that this is an issue however in a search. There are multiple complaints for this code. My fuel consumption has gone from 32 to 26 on highway and jerky acceleration, and hood is very warm to touch after turning off engine.

NHTSA ODI 11504934

Catalytic converter failed. Car cannot go above 10mph. I am the second owner. Original owner allegedly replaced catalytic converter in December 2021, 2 weeks before trading it in. I purchased in February 2022. Catalytic converter failed in January 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11504570

Misfire ignition coil engine shaking it was fine then I turned and out of no where it started shaking I wasn’t going fast at all

NHTSA ODI 11504579

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

I heard there was a recall last year on knock sensors is the souls and so I went to a Kia dealership they said my car was no longer under warranty which it had to be under 150,000 miles and it was only 1000 miles over so I paid $736 and some change for it to go bad again and now I have to get it fixed again and take it to a Kia dealership I think it’s so dumb how we have to pay for recalls when that’s not our faults

NHTSA ODI 11503525