Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2015 Kia Soul recalls
Engine
NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 294,756 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- The risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, catalytic convertor · Engine
NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · reported February 22, 2019 · Kia Motors America · 378,967 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
- The risk
- Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 17V608000 · reported September 29, 2017 · Kia Motors America · 342,381 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
- The risk
- If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
NHTSA campaign 15V123000 · reported March 2, 2015 · Kia Motors America · 208,858 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
- The risk
- If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 18, 2026 · Engine
RECALL SC176 INCOMPLETE- WHILE DRIVING IN AN UNINCORPERATED AREA IN […] ([…] IN […] COUNTY) THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER AND DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP ON A DANGEROUS CURVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE CRUVE WAS SITUATED IN SUCH A MANOR THAT IT WAS…
Oct 14, 2026 · Service brakes
An authorized Kia dealership (Car Town Kia in Lexington Ky) refused to complete federal safety recall SC334 after a technician snapped a bleeder screw, instead demanding a $3,022.83 payment for an unauthorized full brake overhaul. Citing rust buildup to deny the mandated safety repair violates federal regulations…
Oct 8, 2026 · Power train
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…
Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · 145,000 miles · fire reported
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine was inspected and it was determined that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was charged for the diagnostic test. While driving at an…
Sep 19, 2026 · Seat belts
Seatbelt on front passenger side locked up and continued to tighten until passenger had to release. Then seatbelt never returned to function. It locked up completely.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 18, 2026.