2015 Kia Soul

The 2015 Kia Soul is a compact hatchback known for its quirky design, spacious interior, and value proposition. It comes with two engine options: a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine producing 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. Owners generally like the Soul’s distinctive styling, ample cargo space, and comfortable ride. However, some common complaints include lackluster acceleration with the base engine, especially when fully loaded, and less-than-stellar fuel economy compared to some competitors. Some owners also wish for more advanced safety features, which were not as prevalent in this model year.

Engine

1.6L GDI Four-Cylinder

• Engine Knocking/Piston Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking noises, particularly under load. This can be caused by excessive wear on the piston or even piston failure. This is often preceded by oil consumption.
  • Solution: Engine replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
  • Solution: Piston ring replacement or engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L GDI Four-Cylinder

• Engine Knocking/Piston Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking noises, particularly under load. This can be caused by excessive wear on the piston or even piston failure. This is often preceded by oil consumption.
  • Solution: Engine replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
  • Solution: Piston ring replacement or engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine light illuminated, often accompanied by a P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold). Can cause reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts between gears. Transmission may slip during acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, or transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failure to Shift
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission will not shift into gear.
  • Solution: Transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear suspension, bouncy ride, and reduced handling stability.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• TPMS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light stays on, even with proper tire pressure. Faulty sensor(s) may need replacement.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty TPMS sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or displays incorrect information.
  • Solution: Software update, or head unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Can cause a wide range of issues including but not limited to the vehicle not starting, lights malfunctioning, and the vehicle throwing random codes.
  • Solution: Repair the affected wiring, or replace the entire harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks become erratic or fail to lock/unlock.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail Light Assembly Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tail light assembly begins to fill with moisture or the light emitting diode fails
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof will not open or close properly. Grinding or clicking noises during operation.
  • Solution: Lubricate sunroof tracks, repair or replace sunroof motor, or replace the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Kia Soul, while offering a distinctive design and practical interior, does have some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, such as knocking and oil consumption, appear to be significant concerns, particularly with both engine options. Transmission issues, although less frequent, can also be costly to repair. Electrical and suspension problems are relatively common and should be inspected before purchase. Overall, while many Souls provide reliable service, a thorough inspection, service history review, and potential pre-purchase inspection are highly recommended, especially considering the potential for expensive engine repairs.