2015 Kia Soul EV recalls and problems

The 2015 Kia Soul EV has 4 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 Kia Soul EV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 Kia Soul EV recalls

Recall 23V-724: Power Train, Electrical System

Reported Oct 26, 2023 · 6,262 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 23V-218: Electrical System

Reported Mar 29, 2023 · 2,689 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-389: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Jul 2, 2020 · 3,714 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-608: Steering

Reported Sep 29, 2017 · 342,381 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

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.

2015 Kia Soul EV problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	2
Unknown or Other	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Engine	1
Service Brakes	1
Electrical System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2015 Kia Soul EV complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 111,400 miles · reported Mar 1, 2024

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…

Service Brakes · at 83,980 miles · reported Jan 1, 2019

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.

Engine · at 78,000 miles · reported Apr 25, 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.

Power Train · at 23,500 miles · reported Mar 6, 2018

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.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 36,566 miles · reported Jun 2, 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.

Other Kia Soul EV years

2019 2018 2017 201620152014

Compare all Kia Soul EV years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Kia Soul EV have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul EV: 23V-724 (power train, electrical system), 23V-218 (electrical system), 20V-389 (electrical system, power train), 17V-608 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Kia Soul EV?

Owners report power train problems most often (2 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.