2015 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 908 owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Soul. The EPA rates it 26 MPG combined.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
908
Crashes / fires reported
36 / 84
EPA combined
26 MPG

2015 Kia Soul recalls

  • EngineDec 2, 2020 · NHTSA 20V750000+

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    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.

    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.

  • EngineFeb 22, 2019 · NHTSA 19V120000+

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • SteeringSep 29, 2017 · NHTSA 17V608000+

    Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

    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.

  • Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2, 2015 · NHTSA 15V123000+

    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.

    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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2015 Kia Soul problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Engine632
  • Unknown or Other109
  • Fuel/Propulsion System77
  • Electrical System76
  • Power Train63
  • Engine and Engine Cooling58
  • Steering44
  • Exterior Lighting36

2015 Kia Soul gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Soul1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)243026$2,450
Soul2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)233026$2,450
Soul1.6 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd243026$2,450
Soul ECO dynamics2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)243026$2,450

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2015 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul, most recently for the engine (Dec 2, 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2015 Kia Soul problems?

Owners filed 908 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (632), unknown or other (109), fuel/propulsion system (77).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Soul get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Kia Soul at 26 MPG combined (best version: 24 city / 30 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.