8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
83,600 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace engine (4 reports)
  3. of course not (1 reports)
2015 Kia Soul engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Kia Soul Owner Comments

problem #11

Sep 142023

Soul Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,708 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At just over 62,000 miles, my 2015 Kia Soul just had its second problem related to oil, both of which resulted in a rattling noise in the engine.

The first time (Fall 2022): I noticed a slight rattling sound in my engine on acceleration. When I could pull off into a gas station, I checked the oil and the dipstick read more than a quart low, so I bought a quart of oil. When I poured the oil in, the crankcase overflowed, and oil spilled onto the parking lot. A few days later, the check engine light came on. I called the dealer and made an appointment to bring the car in the next day. They replaced the oil pump under warrantee. After that I looked up oil usage in 2015 Kia Souls and found lots of complaints about inexplicable oil disappearance and many resulting melted engine blocks in 2015 Souls. Since the dealer had repaired the car,I assumed that the problem has been resolved.

2,000 miles later, the engine rattling sound returned. A couple of days after that, the oil light came on. I was a mile away from the dealership, so I headed straight there. The service manager told me that there was NO OIL in the crankcase, and they admonished me for not checking the oil level regularly. I would have checked the oil with every tank of gas if they had told me that this could be a reoccurring problem. There had been no oil on the garage floor or driveway and the car wasn’t blowing visible black smoke. I’m the daughter and sister of gearheads. I drove stick-shift Hondas and Mazdas for 25 years. My early used cars were high milage, so I’ve learned about what goes wrong in at 80,000 or 100,000 miles, but it’s never been anything this serious. So I’m rather offended to be treated like a silly girl who doesn’t know to check the oil in my car. Anyway, I’m instructed to check the oil each time I fill the gas tank, to keep track of any oil I need to add, and to bring the car back to the dealership when I’ve put exactly 10,000 more miles on the car. So, I’ve got my trip meter set. And I’m really wishing that I would have bought a used Mazda instead of a new Kia.

I’d had no significant problems with the Kia Sedona I had when my kids were still in car seats. I miss the great pick-up of that 6-cylinder engine, gentle ride, and the lack of mysterious disappearance of engine oil. I just wanted to drive a smaller car again, so when Kia offered 0% interest for five years on the Soul, I bought one. I thought that it would be a car I’d have for 9-10 years and then let my kids learn to drive in it and have it as the teen/young adult car when I bought a car for myself. Instead, I’ll probably end up selling this one for cheap (if the engine doesn’t blow) and buying a more reliable used car that that my kids will need to borrow until they can finish school and buy cars.

- juliac15, Saint Cloud, US

problem #10

Apr 152022

Soul Plus 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I have A Kia Soul plus 2.0. Between 70 and 80000 miles I was experiencing large oil consumption issues. To be honest I have always had to top off the oil more than all the cars I ever owned.

There was a recall on this car for the knock sensor, because these engines were a faulty design. I had the recall items taken care of in February in 2022. It said on the letter that they would check for any oil leaks. When I brought my problem to their attention, they said they would. They never did. The following April I took a drive to Louisiana to visit my daughter. I was almost there when I started experiencing deacceleration when I would reach a slight incline. I originally thought I was having transmission problems. My vehicle continued to lose performance. I barely made it to my destination.

I was forced to go to a Kia dealership for a diagnostic check. They told me my catalytic was clogged almost solid and it needed to be replaced. They told me it was from fouled plugs. I argued and informed them about the oil usage 1 quart every 300 miles. Nobody down there cared. When I told him about the warranty about the engine he said with a laugh, "That's only if it blows up. I gave them a set of platinum plugs and had them change the converter. It cost me a whopping 2600.00 .

Now it's March of 2023 and my catalytic converter is clogged again with only 10000 additional miles. My car is at the dealership again. They told me my car is out of warranty at 102000 miles and the extended warranty after the recall only covers the lower bearings. Right now I am trying to at least get the converter replaced for nothing because it is less than a year old. All I can say from here is I am pissed and will never even consider buying another Kia again. I purchased this car brand new and was hoping it would take me to retirement. Obviously, that is not going to happen. I work hard for my money. Looks like I will be working past retirement if I am not reimbursed for this bogus vehicle.

- Paul W., Cleveland, OH, US

problem #9

Dec 192021

Soul

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,707 miles

I have been a loyal Kia car owner for over 12 years. My husband and I have leased/bought 4 cars. The 2015 Kia Soul is my second Soul. I found out after my last oil change that my engine was burning oil. After going to the dealership 3xs to do consumption testing, I found out its an existing engine problem within Kia Souls. My car is still under warranty so I thought I was fine...Welp, no we are not.

Because I couldn't find all my oil change receipts for the past 2 years and couldn't prove I took care of my car (even though the dealership said my car looked fine - no sludge or anything) they denied my claim. How can Kia be this unethical? There are thousands of comments online about this issue. I can honestly say that I will NEVER purchase another Kia (and we are looking to buy 2 new cars).

- steffyren, New Milford, US

problem #8

Dec 312021

Soul

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought the car in October of 2021 from Parks Chevrolet Huntersville. In December we noticed a knocking sound when you accelerate. Checked the oil and it was extremely low (barely a trace on the dipstick). Put in oil and continued to drive. Sound was gone but I was still worried, where did the oil go? It wasn't leaking anywhere and not burning oil.

After about 200 miles, we had to add 1/2 quart of oil. Took to a mechanic and he told us about the problems some Kia's had with oil and that most resulted in the Engine being replaced. So I had a 90 day warranty on the car so I took it back to Parks. They wouldn't help me at all and said my warranty wouldn't cover that. Also, my oil light blinks when the car is idling and I don't know where to go for help. I will be contacting Kia Corporate as soon as possible. I love my Kia and I worked hard and saved for my down payment only to have this happen. I was told since my car was a 2015, it wasn't under recall. WTF, it has the same problems.

- Deborah H., Albemarle, US

problem #7

Sep 242019

Soul Plus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,300 miles

Car started making clanking sounds. Planned to take it in since oil change was due soon. Then one evening my oil light flashed on a few times while turning a corner and stopping. Got home, checked oil and there was absolutely no oil on dipstick. That oil light certainly is not a strong indicator of an issue. It should have come on and stayed on a lot earlier. I put in 3 quarts of oil the past week. I have an appointment with the dealership Monday.

I will be doing an oil consumption test. If its indeed burning oil, which I highly suspect (and don't know how its burning oil...no evidence that I can see), I was told I needed a new engine. And of course I am 2nd owner which means the power train warranty is void. Will not be buying Kia again.

- Jen P., Mount Airy, MD, US

problem #6

Feb 212020

Soul EX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,758 miles

At 101,000 kms, my engine started knocking and sounded like there were rocks rolling around in it! I check the oil to find it is bone dry even though it has no known oil leaks? I know that oil is the life blood of a car and would neglect it... Where did the oil go? OIL doesn't just evaporate or does it???

I am now on the hook for a rebuilt engine at the cost of approximately 4000 dollars! What the F#*! Kia? I am so angry but also disappointed as I loved this little car!

The worst part was when i googled the problem and found so many others with the problem. and its not being addressed by Kia.

I will tell anybody and everybody I know of to not invest in a Kia. I'm actually thinking of getting one of those advertising magnets for my Car that says ask me about my 5 year old Blown Engine!!!! BUYER BEWARE.

- Donna C., Etobicoke, ON, Canada

problem #5

Sep 122020

Soul Plus 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In Sept. of this year, I was traveling home in my 2015 Kia Soul+ and I slowed to make a turn. There was a terrible noise. I knew there was an auto parts store a mile or so up the road, so I drove to that store. When I turned into the parking lot, there was another terrible noise and horrible clacking from under the hood.

When I popped the hood, the first thing that I did was check the oil. It wasn't even showing on the dipstick!

I went into the parts store and bought a quart of oil. The young lady followed me out and put it in, then informed me that I would need another quart and that I probably had a leak. I bought another quart and she put that one in. My car is not leaking oil from underneath, and it is not burning oil through the exhaust. I had a scheduled oil change the following Saturday, so when I arrived at the Kia dealership, I talked to the manager about my problem. He put me on an oil consumption test, told me not to add any oil, and I return tomorrow morning for a 1,000 mile check. The dipstick showed less than full yesterday, and the lifters are making tapping sounds. I won't let it get 2 quarts low again, though. I can't afford to have the engine lock up.

I am not the original owner of this car. I purchased this car in 2017 and it had a little over 24,000 miles on it. I decided to buy this Kia because a co-worker owns a 2010 Soul and still has it with no problems. I am enraged that I am having this kind of a problem with this car when I still owe 3 years of payments!

My former car was a 2006 Toyota Corolla, and when I traded it in for this Kia, it had over 200,000 miles on it and never used oil!

I have records of scheduled oil changes and have always had maintenance done when recommended. I have had all the recalls done. I have been frantically checking my oil over the past few weeks and worrying about how reliable this car is for my 90 mile daily commute. I am afraid it is going to catch on fire or cause me to have an accident. I understand that catalytic converters were replaced as a recall on 1.6 engines, but not the 2.0. Why not? It is apparently a problem from my research and so is the oil consumption problem! I cannot afford another car at this point when there is still an outstanding loan on this one. Since I am not the original owner, the 100,000 mile warranty does not apply and the extended warranty just expired. I am at such a loss and this is not right.

- V. S., Clinton, US

problem #4

Jun 012019

Soul ! 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Took vehicle to dealership for oil consumption test. First dealership came out with 1300 worth of recommended maintenance which was deceptive. Went back to have oil changed for oil consumption, has used 1 1/4 of oil in about 3500 miles. Had to pressure the dealership for what will be done. Was told this is normal consumption. On second trip to have the oil checked..... the wonderful Kia told techs to check PCV valve, no issues. Not once did they scope the engine. Kia said it’s normal consumption. I have had vehicles with 200,000 miles that have not used a drop of oil. Kia is waiting on NHTSA for report. At this point I will never purchase another Kia.

Fast forward. Purchased a 2019 Kia Optima EX to find out there is an active investigation for airbags, this investigation was opened prior to purchasing the vehicle from Hagerstown Kia. They should have notified the consumer and let them make a decision on the Purchase.

Kia is a fraud and I am so angry. Their warranty is false advertisement because they don’t honor it!

Update from Aug 18, 2019: Have to check oil everyday too make sure oil doesn’t get to low. I have looked through the owners manual once again and see nothing about its normal to have to add oil.

I have also filed a complaint with the BBB and it seems like Kia of America does a cut and paste that someone will be in contact. Still waiting for someone to call. In about another 500 miles it looks like I will have to add oil again. Do not buy a Kia there warranty is a joke and they should not be aloud to say 10 year 100000 warranty. They should state, “we don’t cover anything under warranty. We just say that so you buy a vehicle so you are stuck.”

Update from Aug 25, 2019: Kia said they would contact me through the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Haven’t hear a word. Meanwhile I will have to add oil. BBB hasn’t even responded.for a response after I rejected complaint.

- Terry H., Clear Spring, US

problem #3

Jun 062019

Soul Plus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,808 miles

On June 6th 2019 my Kia Soul Plus suddenly died on the highway. The car drove perfectly the day before, there were no warning lights on the dash indicating a problem. I called Geico roadside assistance and had the car towed to a local shop that I use for regular oil changes and maintenance. Later that day the manager called to to give me the results of the diagnostic ($125). Apparently the engine had burned oil to the point where it was practically gone. They found metal shavings after pulling the dipstick so I needed an engine($8000). Who has that kind of money laying around. Upon further research, it was found out that this is a commonly reported issue with Kia Soul engines. I decided to look into it myself and sure enough, so many complaints were out there from owners who had the same experience some with vehicles with less mileage than mine. I

called Kia Customer Assistance to see what they would do, and after speaking with 4(FOUR) different people, I finally spoke with Zach. He was very very apologetic and tried to help. He arranged for the vehicle to be towed to an authorized Kia dealer, since they wouldn’t accept the diagnosis from a “third party “. The dealership ran a diagnostic test and came to the same conclusion. Now although this should be covered under warranty(10 years/100k) miles, my car is still sitting at the dealership. I have called the several times and keep getting the same response, “ We have opened an incident report and waiting on Kia Corporate to tell us how to proceed.” I don’t understand this, there are multiple citations of this issue, you diagnose the issue the same way the other repair shop did, it is clearly covered under warranty, so what’s the hold up.

Meanwhile, I have no way of getting around, I’m paying for a vehicle that I can’t drive and everyone seems to be passing the buck. Oh, I can no longer get in touch with Zach as he is no longer returning any of my calls or voicemails. If anyone has had a similar experience, please let me know how you were able to resolve the issue.

- Terrence S., Woodbridge, VA, US

problem #2

May 212019

Soul 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,670 miles

THE CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISES AND LOSS OF POWER. I WAS CLOSE TO A PARKING LOT PULLED IN THERE AND THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED FOR HALF A SECOND. I CHECKED THE OIL...BONE DRY. LIKE WTF I HAD AN OIL CHANGE NOT EVEN 2 MONTHS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. GOT IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC SINCE IT WAS ALREADY COSTING $100. THEY SAID I NEED A NEW ENGINE.

CALLED KIA AND THEY BASICALLY SAID I WAS THE SECOND OWNER SO THE 100000 MILE WARRANTY IS VOID AND THEY NEED ME TO TOW IT TO THEM FOR A CERTIFIED DIAGNOSIS. I AM SURE THEY WILL CHARGE A LOT MORE TO HAVE IT FIXED. I EVEN CALLED TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY BLEW ME OFF AS WELL. I DO NOT REALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE THIS FIXED, FRIENDS ARE HELPING BUT I WILL HAVE TO PAY THEM BACK. I AM SO DONE WITH KIA.

- Cheryl J., Fayetteville, NC, US

problem #1

Feb 032019

Soul 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,327 miles

While driving car, I noticed a noise like an old sewing machine coming from top of engine. I checked the oil and found no oil on the dipstick. I added 3 qts of oil. When I got home I changed the oil and filter and the engine quieted down somewhat. I could not find any leaks at all on the engine, and there was no sludge found in the tail pipe. I do not know where the oil went. I also checked the engine water for oil, and none found.

I should note that I regularly change the oil and filter every 5k miles, and I use recommended grade oil. This will probably be my last Kia car, since I have found out that Kia has had reputation for bad engines. Such a shame, since the Soul is a great car to drive. I’ve found it to be as much or more comfortable a car, than many larger cars. And comfort is important to me since I am 6’ 3” tall and found this car very roomy. Also in over 50 yrs of working on engines, this is a first for me to not find any trace of where the oil went to.

- breedlovetom, Walland, US

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