2015 Kia Soul EV: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 6 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that after the repair was completed, the vehicle went into "Reduced Power" and "Power Limp Mode" while driving at various speeds and initially after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the recall repair was completed the recall repair; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,400.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2023
“I was pulling into a disable parking space. I push my brakes to stop the car and the car did not respond to the brake. The anti-lock brakes did not work my car continue to go without stopping. I push my brakes many times, pushing it as far as I can. The only way it stop is when the car hit the fat round cement pole. I know there have been previous complaints regarding brakes. I'm just happy that I was not on road. Please review, this a dangerous issue,which may cause lives.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2018
“Owner was driving on interstate 80 heading east at apx 65 miles per hour.with no warning , oil light started flashing ,car seized up and started making a very loud banging.owner is a 22 year old new driver and was very lucky to have not been killed. Vehicle has been towed to an authorized kia dealer.the same dealership owner purchased car. Mileage is 78.000 miles and oil changes have been done at recommended intervals.owner is waiting to hear from dealership service department.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2018
Show 3 more owner reports
“Our 2015 kia soul ev has over heated the main controller and shut down in traffic and would not move. This happened twice in chandler (phoenix ) arizona after traveling just 10 miles. This is a major safety concern. The car cannot handle the heat in arizona, georgia or other hot southern states. The batteries and bms also fail after 2-3 years.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2017
“As I was pulling into a parking space with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into a concrete pillar. I was driving in the "b" mode. I was able to drive the car home, but later had it towed to the dealer. Unfortunately, they reported that they couldn't duplicate the problem or figure out what caused it.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2017
“Nexen tires do not pass state inspection and they have less than 23,500 miles on them, these tires are coming apart gouges down to tell steel belts.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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 America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Soul EV years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Soul EV by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Kia Soul EV reliable?
NHTSA has 6 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2015 Kia Soul EV. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 2015 Kia Soul EV have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.