2015 KIA SOUL EV — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
7
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
22
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
The 2015 KIA SOUL EV has received a total of 7 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 22 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (2 complaints), Electrical System (1 complaint), and Engine (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV, potentially affecting up to 385,613 vehicles.
Recall 23V724000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
| 6,262 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 23V724000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
| 6,262 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 23V724000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 6,262 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 23V724000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 6,262 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 23V218000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
| 2,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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,...
View full details →Recall 23V218000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
| 2,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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,...
View full details →Recall 23V218000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
| 2,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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,...
View full details →Recall 23V218000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
| 2,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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,...
View full details →Recall 20V389000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
| 3,714 vehicles affected
Defect: 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'...
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 20V389000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
| 3,714 vehicles affected
Defect: 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'...
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 17V608000 — STEERING
| 342,381 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2015 KIA SOUL EV in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
Kia America, Inc. has issued 22 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SC310A_OWNR1517 — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC310A) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) software to the latest version in certain 2015-2017 MY Soul EV vehicles. Our records indicate that you own or lease...
SC310A_OWNR1517 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC310A) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) software to the latest version in certain 2015-2017 MY Soul EV vehicles. Our records indicate that you own or lease...
SC310A_DP — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC310A) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software on certain 2015-2017 MY Soul EV vehicles manufactured from July 15, 2014 through July 4, 2017 that...
SC267A_DPSM — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC267A) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software to the latest version on certain 2015-2017 MY Soul EV vehicles...
SC267A_QA — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC267A.
SC267A_QA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC267A.
SC310A_TSB — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BMS SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SC310A) - This bulletin provides information to update the BMS with new software on certain 2015-2017MY Soul EV (PS (EV) vehicles manufactured in the dates listed below, which have an older software ROM ID version installed completed under TSB ELE310.
SC267Z_TSB_R1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (SC267Z) - This bulletin provides information to replace the high-voltage battery pack assembly (HV BPA) on certain 2015-2019MY Soul EV (PS EV) vehicles produced from July 15, 2014 through September 28, 2018. After completing SC267 with the latest battery...
TSB_CLI049 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV/EV), Soul (PS EV) and Niro (DE HEV/PHEV/EV) vehicles.
TSBELE134_R1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
TSB - Combination TSB/SA: Battery Management System (BMS) Logic Improvement (ELE134/SA297) (Rev 1) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Battery Management System (BMS) logic improvement for some 2015-2016MY Soul EV (PSEV) vehicles, produced from July 15, 2014 through May...
Showing 10 of 22 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2015 KIA SOUL EV
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2015 KIA SOUL EV.
Investigation RQ23005 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL Closed
Opened:
Vehicle Rollaway
Investigation PE19004 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY Closed
Opened:
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Other Model Years of the KIA SOUL EV
- 2014 KIA SOUL EV — 2 complaints
- 2015 KIA SOUL EV (current)
- 2016 KIA SOUL EV — 8 complaints
- 2017 KIA SOUL EV — 23 complaints
- 2018 KIA SOUL EV — 4 complaints
- 2019 KIA SOUL EV — 6 complaints
- 2020 KIA SOUL EV — 0 complaints
Other KIA Models
- KIA SORENTO — 13,451 total complaints
- KIA OPTIMA — 10,045 total complaints
- KIA SOUL — 7,147 total complaints
- KIA SPORTAGE — 6,540 total complaints
- KIA FORTE — 3,450 total complaints
- KIA SEDONA — 3,334 total complaints
- KIA SEPHIA — 3,080 total complaints
- KIA TELLURIDE — 2,109 total complaints