2015 Kia Soul Service and Repair Manual
This factory service and repair manual covers the 2015 Kia Soul as Kia documented it — matched to this year's engines and trims, so the figures and sequences you follow are the ones written for this exact car, not approximations borrowed from another Soul generation.
Engines covered
- 1.6L inline-four (97 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 2.0L inline-four (122 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 4-door hatchback
Trims covered
- Base
- EX
- Exclaim
- LX
- Plus
- SX
Known issues on the 2015 Soul. Four recalls are on federal record for this model year. The first concerns the steering gear: the pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly, and if the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The second applies to cars with the 1.6L GDI engine, where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, and piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The third is also an engine recall: an engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. The fourth involves the accelerator pedal: a section of the pedal may bend, and with a bent or broken accelerator pedal the driver may have difficulty accelerating. Owners have reported 1,206 complaints for the year and Kia has issued 145 technical service bulletins. The factory diagnostic and repair procedures behind each of those systems are in this manual.
From a steering gear inspection to diagnosing a stall on the 1.6L GDI engine or an accelerator pedal replacement, it keeps the work on Kia's published procedure and the exact specification for your 2015 Soul.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
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.
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indi
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC176Y) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are i
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2002B FL701) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2014-2016 MY Soul vehicles equippe
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder pro
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicate
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components, including inspection/replacement of the
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC334) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC334.
Showing the 8 most recent of 163 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
When driving this Vehicle my daughter was in a single car acciedent. The engine combusted. The piston rod went into engine. When we took it to the auto shop this is what they told us casued the engine to malfunction and my daughter run off the road. She is very luck she has not been hurt more than she has. We have tried to contact KIA. First we called Royal KIa in Tuscon then Jim Clickk Kia in Tucson. They told me it did not matter that the vehicke had a recalll. We would be financially respons
ON THE EVENING OF JULY 22,2019 I WAS LEAVING TARGETS PARKING LOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WHEN I PUT IN DRIVE MY 2015 KIA SOUL TOOK OFF. THE RPMS WERE THE HIGHEST IT COULD GO GOING 40 MILES P HOUR IN A BUSY LOT ALL I COULD WAS HONK MY HORN. I TRIED THE BREAKS PUTTING IN PARK AND TURNING THE KEY OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE IN SHOCK. WE HIT THE CURB FLY ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC THE MEDIAN AND HIT TWO CARS. MY WIFE WAS PINNED THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE GOT HER OUT FIRE DEPT CAME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, SHIFTER, AND BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WHICH STOPPED ABRUPTLY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURY FROM THE SEAT BELT STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WENT TO AN URGENT CARE THE NEXT DAY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED A WHIPLASH. THERE WAS NO FURTHE
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. At 4-way intersection w/ traffic light other driver going northbound blew through their red light (maybe on phone or other distraction) at what seemed like a high speed. I was driving westbound at about 30/35mph with a clear green light. Was able to avoid getting t-boned in my door, but couldn't avoid t-boning other car's passenger door (older 2 door F150). My insurance company going to total my car (see pics). My airbags didn't deploy. Friends/relatives have told me th
WHEN APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE BRAKES FAILED ON MY WIFE'S 2015 KIA SOUL. SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY NEVER PRESSURIZED. FORTUNATELY THE AIRBAGS WORKED WELL, AND SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE LEFT IN AN AMBULANCE. I TESTED THE BRAKES ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BODY SHOP, AND THEY DID NOT PRESSURIZE THERE EITHER. THE CAR IS 9 MONTHS OLD, HAD ROUGHLY 9,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAS NOT HAD ANY MECHANICAL WORK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, VEERED LEFT, AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES, WHICH INCLUDED A SEVERED AORTA AND FRACTURED CERVICAL SPINE. THE CORONER INDICATED THAT THE FATAL INJURIES MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UND
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAIN BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT WHERE THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATED FAILURE MILEAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FIVE TIMES BEFORE CRASHING INTO A MAILBOX. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE LOCAL POLICE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THE PARAMEDICS WERE AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FA
MY SON WAS IN A REAR-END COLLISON IN HIS 2015 KIA SOUL, THAT ALSO PUSHED HIM INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HIM. MY SON WAS AT A STOP AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, WHEN A MID SIZED SUV DOING APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND REAR ENDED MY SON. THE SOUL'S BUMPER WENT UNDERNEATH THE CHEVY TAHOE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN POLICE AND EMS SHOWED UP AND ASKED HIM IF HE COULD DRIVE IT OFF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT WORK. T
I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND WAS REAR ENDED WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD, BREAKING BACKWARD. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING @RAY SKILLMAN, 1300N. SHADELAND, INDIANAPOLIS, IN. THE SEAT IS BADLY DEFOMED AND BROKEN. I FEEL SOMEONE SHOULD CHECK THIS SEAT TO MAKE SURE NO ONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE IT IS DESTROYED. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT ADDITONAL INFORMATION.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 30 MPH, after becoming briefly distracted, the vehicle ahead dramatically reduced speeds, and as a result, he collided with the rear of that vehicle. After this, the seat belt failed to restrain him, and he hit his head on the windshield, causing him to lose consciousness. The force of the impact forced the vehicle off the road and into a ditch, where it came to rest after colliding with a tree, at which point
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN RIBS, A PUNCTURED LUNG, FACE INJURIES, AND A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,709. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ *CN
I HIRED THIS CAR FROM THRIFTY RENTAL CARS, AND WAS IN A COLLISION ON THE I80 FREEWAY, WHEREIN I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT DURING STOP-START TRAFFIC, I WAS TRAVELLING WAY BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME IN PLACE, AND I FLEW FORWARD OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND HIT THE WINDSCREEN. I SUFFERED MILD CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, AND BRUISING DOWN THE FRONT OF MY BODY. I MAY HAVE ALSO PERMANENTLY DAMAGED MY NECK. I HAVE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO THRIFTY, BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE A
I was involved in an accident where my 2015 Kia Soul was struck from the rear end at a high rate of speed, left the roadway, hit a concrete culver, became airborne, jumped/rolled across a driveway and went through two crosstie corner posts with no airbag deployment. My seat broke 3/4 of the way up due to impact. Unknown as to reason why airbags failed to deploy with frontal impacts and unknown as to component inspection as insurance took car away to auction. I feel that the failure of these it
Showing the 15 most serious of 902 complaints filed with NHTSA.
