2015 Kia Soul: misfire or rough idle

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · VT

Sudden engine misfire and stall in major metropolitan area in high traffic. Diagnosis from my mechanic was failed valve and complete loss of compression to 2nd cylinder. Symptomatic of repeat catalytic converter issues leading to engine damage. Catalytic converter has been replaced twice-- once out of pocked and once under extended warranting for SC176/the federal safety agency 19V-120000 at a kia dealership. Engine light turned on just minutes before failure. I am now beyond the extended 150,000 warranty-- engine failed at 167,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · 99,912 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #1 through #4; the ignition coils were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer determined that the failure was caused by a lack of vehicle maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,912.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · 164,410 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that three cylinders were misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,410.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · CA

I am getting a code that indicates an issue with the catalytic converter. P0420 to be specific. The engine is continually misfiring and check engine light comes on and off randomly. Car broke down completely at one point in October and had to replace the battery but check engine light was still on when I got it to start. The car shakes uncontrollably every time I drive it and gets even worse when idling. I took it to a mechanic and they believe it to be amongst the 2011-2016 SC176 recalled Kia Souls where high exhaust temperatures can damage the engine’s catalytic converter. Have attempted to take it for repairs/open recall and the manufacturers have consistently refused. Help in getting this issue sorted out would be much appreciated.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Engine · 105,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The engine misfired and the transmission shuttered. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

Multiple cylinder misfires detected. Knocking/clacking present when symptoms occur. Inspected engine oil and found metal precent, engine has an internal failure and would need to be replaced.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine · GA

The component that malfunctioned is the catalytic converter, which became clogged due to excessive oil consumption from the engine. The oil consumption likely resulted in oil entering the exhaust system and contaminating the catalyst, causing it to lose its efficiency. The dealer replaced the engine but failed to inspect and replace the catalytic converter, which was clogged due to oil consumption from the engine. Yes, the catalytic converter is available for inspection and can be physically examined by a mechanic or technician to confirm the issue. The clogging of the catalytic converter resulted in poor engine performance, to include reduced acceleration, high rough idling and risk of fire. This lead to dangerous driving conditions, the vehicle stalled and had trouble accelerating. The issue of a clogged catalytic converter due to oil consumption has been confirmed by dealer. They performed diagnostic tests and read the vehicle's diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that indicated problems with the catalytic converter. No, the dealer relayed that they did not inspect the catalytic converter. Yes, I noticed symptoms prior to the catalytic converter clogging. Check engine light coming on. Reduced engine performance, sluggish acceleration. These symptoms occurred the day the vehicle became incapacitated. Rough idling was happening over time, during winter months.

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Engine · VA

The car has consistently burned oil, and I’ve had several engine-related repairs: 09/2022: Camshaft replaced. The check engine light came on again, but I was told the camshaft was fine and that the car just needed an oil change. 04/2023: Check engine light came on, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2023: Check engine light on again, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 09/2023: Check engine light on again AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2024: Check engine light came on AutoZone diagnostic code P0014. 07/2024: check engine light on-taken to Firestone Auto for an oil change 07/2024: check engine light on- car to Christian Brothers Automotive, where the camshaft and timing chain belt were replaced. Documented a knocking sound in the vehicle. 09/30/2024: Vehicle shook violently on the highway, sputtering as if the engine would fail. Check engine light came on after car began to shake. 10/2024: We Care Auto diagnosed the car. I was told the engine needs replacement due to misfires, low compression, and no oil in cylinders 2 and 3. Safford Kia Brown of Manassas recommended replacing the ignition coil, spark plugs, and conducting a fuel induction service, diagnostic, and synthetic oil change. Given the car’s engine history, I don’t believe this will resolve the root problem, and it’s likely the car will need more repairs soon. Driving under these conditions compromises my safety and the safety of others, increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening situation. Per Motor and Wheel and Fast Company, the December 2020 recall addressed engine issues and fire risks in Kia Souls from 2014-2016. Owners reported hearing knocking noises before their engines failed or caught fire while driving. Some saw smoke before safely stopping, highlighting the dangers of unnoticed warnings. CarMax's warranty acknowledges the issue and is willing to authorize repairs, so I would like to know why Kia will not honor this as well. I ask Kia to reconsider and investigate further.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Engine · 178,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev up loudly emitting a vibrating noise. About 3 months after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the battery warning light and the oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. After waiting for a while, the contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the contact was only able to drive for a short while before the failure recurred. The contact stated after having the vehicle inspected, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the tailpipe intermittently that dissipated while driving. A loud vibrating noise was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a muffler shop after noticing the loud vibrating sounds and it was determined that the muffler was loosened and needed to be reattached. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic due to the vehicle continuing to run roughly and it was determined that cylinder #1 was misfiring. Additionally, the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic was unable to determine where the leak was coming from. The ignition coils were replaced. The contact stated that a friend diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code that cylinder #4 was misfiring after the coils were replaced. The friend also informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that VIN was not included in a recall nor covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 178,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · NY

While driving at 55 miles per hour, the engine suddenly ceased, emitting black smoke, causing components to melt and necessitating the replacement of the short block. Consequently, the catalytic converter is now malfunctioning, likely due to the misfires the engine experienced.

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Engine · NC

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine(yes) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine has the same knocking noises) which indicated the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear in the engine. And it sent the vehicle into a limp mode which was the same as the 2.4 liter engines. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO, unable to get in contact with corporate as of 11/22 which is when the problem was identified. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not recently Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, but the code was for a misfire, which a mechanic changed with OEM parts before the next code.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Engine · PA

Misfire ignition coil engine shaking it was fine then I turned and out of no where it started shaking I wasn’t going fast at all