repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
2015 Kia Soul EVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Soul EV, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-724 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 1, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Kia Soul EV has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Power train
1Electrical system
1Engine
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2015 Kia Soul EV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Steering
Risk. If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other Soul EV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Soul EV median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2015 Kia Soul EV safety ratings
2015 Kia Soul Ev SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Kia Soul EV, and the recalls they led to.
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 18V-907
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresLed to recall 20V-088
- Vehicle RollawayLed to recall 23V-724
In owners' words
What Soul EV owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.…
Own a 2015 Soul EV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.