What 898 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Soul EV

Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Service Campaign Hazwewdiouse may cause colition or vision impairment. from ongoing traffic and or insufficient illumination While driving lights will flicker, causing drivers to high beam you, it does not matter if the high beams are on or not, the light will randomly flicker and turn off, very dangerous in southern and eastern areas, there is limited to no street/road Lights It has been noted that For some 2014 Kia Soul models, Kia issued a warranty extension and a service bulletin (SC330) to address intermittent flickering of the low/high beams. This is caused by wear on the contact points inside the multi-function switch, which controls the headlights and turn signals. Kia has extended the warranty on this specific component from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited mileage from the date of the vehicle's first service. If your headlights are flickering, you can have a Kia dealer diagnose and replace the switch at no cost to you under this warranty extension. This malfunction is not just happening to the specific year, Component: Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Problem Description: The vehicle's headlights and/or high beams intermittently flicker and turn off while driving. This is a severe safety hazard, as it causes momentary vision impairment and can lead to a collision. Hazardous Condition: The flickering and sudden deactivation of the headlights cause temporary blindness for the driver and can lead to a loss of control or a collision. The erratic light behavior causes a "high-beam" effect on oncoming traffic, causing other drivers to react by flashing their high beams in an unprovoked manner. This issue is extremely dangerous in areas with limited or no streetlights, where visibility is already compromised. History: I have experienced this issue on multiple occasions. I am aware that Kia has issued a service campaign (SC330) for certain Kia Soul models regarding this issue, but my vehicle is not included in

NHTSA ODI 11693181

When I signal a lane change, the lights flicker or turn off completely. Happens often.

NHTSA ODI 11685149

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 ODI 11678659

My headlights turn off when I use my blinkers. They also flicker sometimes.

NHTSA ODI 11648970

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the high-beam headlights and turn signals were not working as needed. The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: ELE093 (Headlamp Bulb Connector Replacement); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11602899

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver's side headlight became inoperable and while using the turn signal, the driver's side headlight would shut off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,014.

NHTSA ODI 11597212

2015 Kia Soul Intermittent headlight Flashing at random Months ago the KIA dealership could not replicate. Contacted KIA-Customer-Care and they cared less. I have a car I am afraid to drive at night or in heavy rain. Youtube movie of problem at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11593174

Headlights flicker off and sometimes just for a second, sometimes stay off and will usually come back on if i turn them off and on again. But then it happens again. I took it to my mechanic who could not figure it out. Couldn't afford to do much so i have not been able to drive at night for a year as it's very dangerous. I called Kia and since my car is out of warranty and apparently no sort of recall for this (despite me seeing lots of complaints with the same issue) i can't afford to do anything. I'm beyond upset. I love the car otherwise. Date below is when it started, but it is ANYTIME it's driven.

NHTSA ODI 11551687

Headlights turn off after using the turn signal switch. Started happening once in a while but now it happens not only after using the turn signal switch but the headlights will turn off for a few seconds and then turn back on. Other times they will just flicker for several seconds. This is a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. The headlights turning off or flashing at night is not a safe way of driving. There are many reported cases of this issue on the Kia Owners Portal so they can't say they didn't hear about it. I would think I could take it into Kia to have them replace the turn signal switch since that is the only thing that makes sense. And I can recreate the issue by wiggling the switch. (This is not related to the light sensor since I do not have automatic headlights.) Why hasn't there been a safety recall issued??? This has been happening for over a year and I just try to drive only during the day until Kia is forced to fix the problem. That is no longer possible as I am now working nights. What are my options to have this resolved without costing me any money??? Please have someone reach out to me at [XXX] to assist me in my research. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11544399

I would like to report that my 93,632 2015 Kia Soul headlights flicker. The headlights (both) even go out for seconds and then they come back at the same time. It's an electrical issue, not a matter of changing the bulbs. I contacted Kia Motors to report this and check if there are recalls or extended warranty on this issue and they said no. There are plenty of other users on online forums reporting this same issue. Maybe it's time to investigate if this is a defect since from what other users described, is the same situation as with my own car headlights. Sounds very dangerous having a vehicle losing the headlights suddenly on a highway, I spoke with 2 CSR from Kia on 6/7/23 regarding the headlights and none of them were interested in this specific matter.

NHTSA ODI 11525854

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the headlights on auto, the headlights would flicker and turn on and off independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11466258

4 times within 16 months, my passenger side headlamps low and high beam burned out with a melted headlamp connector plug. My 2015 Kia Soul was purchased in June 2016 and now has less than 38,000 miles. I have seen that there was previously (2016) a safety Recall SC149 Halogen Headlamp Low Beam Connector for 2015 Kia Soul but Danbury Connecticut Kia dealership denies this. I am concerned about a fire as well as cost of repairing this dangerous defect. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11442288

WHEN DRIVING WITH THE NEED OF HEADLIGHTS, THEY WILL FLASH/FLICKER OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN WHEN USING MY TURN SIGNAL PRIMARILY. I THOUGHT IT WAS A ONE OFF WHEN IT HAPPENED ONCE, BUT IT HAS NOW HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE AND I HAVE FOUND OTHERS ONLINE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THANKFULLY IT HASN'T BEEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, BUT IT IS ON BACK ROADS THAT DON'T HAVE MUCH LIGHTING.

NHTSA ODI 11413480

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE STREET AND ON THE FREEWAY, THE HEADLIGHTS BEGUN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL, AND WILL TURN OFF COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN TURN BACK ON. ALSO, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY FLICKER. I REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS BUT IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11377980

MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEGUN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT TURN ON AT ALL. THIS RESULTS IN ME DRIVING FOR ANYWHERE BETWEEN 1 SECOND AND 15 SECONDS AT NIGHT WITHOUT LIGHTING. THE LIGHTS ARE DISTURBED WHEN I TRY TO USE MY BRIGHTS OR TURN SIGNAL. THE DOCUMENTATION IS TAKEN WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT NOW WITH UNRELIABLE HEADLIGHTS. FROM AN INTERNET SEARCH I CAN SEE THAT MANY OTHER KIA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11364136

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF, WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,500.

NHTSA ODI 11351322

HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF IN A 3 FLASH AMBER LIGHT SEQUENCE. DASH LIGHTS WERE ON. KEYLESS ENTRY WOULD NOT WORK. MANUAL KEY ENTRY REQUIRED. CAR WOULD NOT START AND LIGHT MALFUNCTION CONTINUED UNTIL ALL SYSTEMS ARE DEAD. PLANNING TO TAKE TO MECHANIC TODAY IF JUMPING BATTERY WILL START CAR. CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN NEIGHBOR BROUGHT MY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHTS.

NHTSA ODI 11350420

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, IF YOU TWIST WIRES A CERTAIN WAY, THE HEADLIGHT TURNS ON. SUSPECT THE CONNECTOR OVERHEATED AND MELTED PREVENTING IT FROM MAKING A SOLID CONNECTION TO BULB.

NHTSA ODI 11344302

THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF OR TURN OFF WHILE STOPPED OR DRIVING. WIGGLING THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WILL USUALLY BRING THE LIGHTS BACK ON TEMPORARILY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CONTACTS IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. KIA HAS ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS ISSUE FOR MY2014 AND PRIOR, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR MY2015 EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11342513

DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN SUDDENLY MY KIA SOULS HEADLAMPS IN LOW BEAMS STARTED FLICKERING ON AND OFF IN FRONT OF A POLICE CAR NO LESS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329123

I WAS DRIVING DOWN CHUCKANUT DRIVE. WINDY ROAD, I CAME TO A CORNER GOING 15 MPH THEN IT FELT LIKE THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. SO I PULLLED OVER TO SEE. WHEN I STOPPED THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON SO I PUT IT IN PARK TURNED THE CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD CHECKED OIL EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE START DRIVING AGAIN I NOTICED IT WAS VERY TOUCHY ON GAS PEDAL YOU COULDN'T REALLY ACCELERATE. I GET LIKE 2 MILES DOWN THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED THEN IT JUST HAD THE WORST NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE AND THE DASH LIGHT SAID OIL WAS BLINKING ! I COULDN'T GO ANY FURTHER! I SAT THERE FOR A COUPLE HOURS FINALLY GOT A HOLD OF CAB COMPANY THAT BROUGHT ME OIL I PUT IT IN AND STILL THE WORST SOUNDING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. MY FRIEND CAME AND GOT ME AND MY CAR IS STILL ON CHUCKANUT! AS WE SPEAK I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO NEXT CHUCKANUT IS ON HIGHWAY 11 IN WSHINGTON STATE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND NOW IS PARKED ON PULLOUT ON CHUCKANUT DRIVE

NHTSA ODI 11323058

WHILE GETTING READY FOR A 160 MILES TRIP, A FRIEND OF MINE CHECK THE ENGINE OIL AND FOR OUR SURPRISE IT WAS OFF STICK..NO OIL BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD NEVER GOT ON AS A WARNING. I TOOK IT TO WALMART AND YES, THEY MADE THE OIL CHANGE WITH THE NOTE ON PAPERS THAT IT HAD LITTLE OIL ONLY...WHY THIS HAPPENED ON A KIA SOUL 2015 WITH ALMOST 50,000 MILES?..I DON'T UNDERSTAND AND WHAT MIGHT HAPPENED IF I WERE GOING INTO THE 160 MILES TRIP WITHOUT OIL?..VERY RISKY..I THINK

NHTSA ODI 11297130

MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE STARTING TO FLICKER OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT (ON HIGHWAY, STREET, TURNING, ETC). I AM ABLE TO GET THEM BACK ON BY TURNING THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES. THE CAR DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS, BUT PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. THOUGH THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE KIA SOUL HEADLIGHTS (AND KIA HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO INCLUDE THE HEADLIGHTS FOR SOME AND HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT FOR IT), KIA REFUSES TO COVER MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE, THOUGH 2015 IS ONE OF THE YEARS COVERED (I CAN ONLY ASSUME THERE IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT).

NHTSA ODI 11277207

WHILE DRIVING, HEADLIGHTS WILL INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT.

NHTSA ODI 11268252

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR KIA EAST (LOCATED AT 27700 JUBAN RD, BLDG. 2, DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 70726, (225) 490-7679) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING UNIT OF THE HEADLIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED THE ATTACHED PICTURE IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSING UNIT. THIS IS A ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER 'S PART. THE PICTURE SHOWS WHERE IT HA MELTED, NEVER HAD ANY PART OF THE HEADLIGHT BEEN CHANGED ALL PARTS ARE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER PARTS.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11267949