2015 Kia SOUL EV problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2015 Kia SOUL EV have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia SOUL EV. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

2015 Kia SOUL EV at a glance

Safety recalls4

Owner complaints905

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2015 Kia SOUL EV recalls 4

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) NHTSA Campaign #23V724000 · manufacturer #SC287 · 26/10/2023

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.

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 prev…

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery NHTSA Campaign #23V218000 · manufacturer #SC267 · 29/03/2023

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.

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 o…

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #20V389000 · manufacturer #SC191 · 02/07/2020

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.

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.

Steering NHTSA Campaign #17V608000 · manufacturer #SC155 · 29/09/2017

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.

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 su…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 9 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2015 Kia SOUL EV common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 905 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Fuel/propulsion System

Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2015 Kia SOUL EV vehicles on record

Other Kia SOUL EV model years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014

2015 Kia SOUL EV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Kia SOUL EV have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia SOUL EV. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia SOUL EV?

Across all 905 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.