2015 Kia Soul Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2015 model year · 1,079+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,079+ owner reports, the 2015 Kia Soul has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage ($0-$6,000 repair) and Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage with 678 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

678 owners

On the 2012-2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI, the 1.6L GDI engine in 2012-2016 Souls can produce excessively high exhaust gas temperatures that damage the catalytic converter. The damaged converter can cause abnormal engine combustion, leading to piston damage and connecting rod failure. NHTSA recall covers over 350,000 vehicles. Kia will inspect and replace the engine if damage is found.

This issue also affects: BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series

Common Symptoms

Check engine light with catalyst efficiency codes (P0420)
Rattling noise from catalytic converter area
Engine misfires and rough running
Loss of power during acceleration
Sulfur smell from exhaust
Knocking noise from engine (if piston damage has occurred)

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall eligibility. Dealer will inspect the catalytic converter and engine for damage. If catalytic converter is damaged, it is replaced free of charge. If piston or connecting rod damage is found, complete engine replacement is performed under recall. Dealer also installs KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 678+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteIf you hear any knocking from the engine, stop driving and have the vehicle towed. Continuing to drive can cause catastrophic connecting rod failure
UpgradePremium radiator provides improved cooling capacity (Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator)
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UpgradePre-mixed coolant ready for top-off or full flush (Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze Coolant)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $6,000

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678+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified678 reportsLast reported by owners Jul 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

267 owners

On the 2014-2016 Kia Soul, a faulty pinion plug in the steering rack can cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering assembly, resulting in a complete loss of steering control while driving. NHTSA recall covers approximately 340,000 Soul vehicles. This is a critical safety defect requiring immediate attention.

Common Symptoms

Steering wheel suddenly becomes loose or disconnected
Complete loss of steering control
Clunking noise from steering rack before failure
Steering play increases gradually

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall immediately. Dealer will inspect the steering rack pinion plug and replace the steering gear assembly if necessary, free of charge. This is a critical safety recall - do not delay repair.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 267+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is a critical safety defect. If you notice any increase in steering play or clunking from the steering rack, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to a dealer
UpgradeInner and outer tie rod ends for steering precision restoration (Moog Tie Rod End)
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UpgradeRemanufactured power steering rack for complete steering system repair (Cardone Remanufactured Steering Rack)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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267+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified267 reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

134 owners

On the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric, the Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has replaced drive motors under warranty for some owners.

This issue also affects: Audi Q8 e-tron, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro

Common Symptoms

Whining noise from front of vehicle at low speeds
Grinding sound during acceleration
Noise increases with speed but masked by road noise above 30 mph
Vibration felt through floor

How to Fix

Have dealer inspect electric drive motor bearings. If worn, the drive motor assembly is replaced under powertrain warranty. Aftermarket repair involves pressing new bearings into the motor housing ($400-800 at an EV specialist). OEM motor replacement is $2,000-4,000 if out of warranty.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 134+ owners who fixed this issue

TipHave the dealer document the noise on the work order even if not yet severe enough for replacement. This creates a warranty claim trail if it worsens
UpgradeMobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for differential and transfer case (Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90)
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UpgradeFel-Pro gasket kit for drivetrain service (Fel-Pro Gasket Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

Research This Issue

134+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerified134 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,079+ owner reports, the 2015-2015 Kia Soul has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2015-2015 Kia Soul has 3 known issues documented across 1,079+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage and Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, typically costs $0-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

The 1.6L GDI engine in 2012-2016 Souls can produce excessively high exhaust gas temperatures that damage the catalytic converter. The damaged converter can cause abnormal engine combustion, leading to piston damage and connecting rod failure. NHTSA recall covers over 350,000 vehi… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

A faulty pinion plug in the steering rack can cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering assembly, resulting in a complete loss of steering control while driving. NHTSA recall covers approximately 340,000 Soul vehicles. This is a critical safety defect requiring immediat… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.

2015 Kia Soul Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2012-2016 Kia Soul: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2014-2016 Kia Soul: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2020 Kia Soul: Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?