2015 Kia Soul: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · 145,000 miles · SC · fire

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine was inspected and it was determined that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was charged for the diagnostic test. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time, but no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Pep Boys, who diagnosed that the engine was leaking oil onto the exhaust system and catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a third time, where it was determined that the catalytic converter was clogged and the diagnostic trouble codes were cleared. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be performed until the rod bearings had failed. The vehicle later caught on fire near the catalytic converter and the contact extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Engine · IL

Engine went into limp mode on highway on June 30th 2026 and is available now for inspection. Partner and daughter were almost hit by a semi. VIN was registered on Kia website..Kia and dealership inspected and took responsibility for engine recall and deemed it safe on October 6th 2025. Check engine light came on.

Filed May 22, 2025 · Engine · WA

Vehicle Information: 2015 Kia Soul Issue Summary: My 2015 Kia Soul experienced a sudden engine failure while I was driving. The check engine light began flashing, and the vehicle went into limp mode, drastically reducing power and creating an immediate safety risk on the road. The dealership diagnosed the issue and found a knock sensor code (P1326), which confirmed the need for an engine replacement. This was especially alarming because the knock sensor had already been replaced during a previous service, as part of Kia’s known effort to address this widespread engine defect. Despite this, my extended warranty claim was denied by Kia due to a lack of full maintenance receipts. These records, along with my original sales contract, were stored in the glove compartment and stolen when the vehicle itself was stolen and later recovered — a theft tied to the well-documented vulnerability of this vehicle model, which is now the subject of a class action lawsuit. This complaint is now part of an open file with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (File #[XXX]). From my research and the many comments I’ve received online, this is not an isolated issue — it appears Kia is denying a growing number of valid warranty claims in similar ways, despite clear evidence of engine failure tied to a known defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Engine · CA

I was making a left turn onto a street and the check engine light started flashing and the car immediately went into limp mode. Code is showing p1326

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine · MA

My daughter was driving my car on [XXX] when suddenly there was a pop and the car stopped working. Honestly she could have been killed but by the grace of God nobody was behind or aside her and she was able to coast over to the breakdown lane. This could have been a very different story. An independent mechanic notated engine failure codes, a worn crank shaft which triggered a sensor to seize the engine or go into “limp mode” then heavy metal in the engine oil. Maintenance was performed and AAA unaccompanied towed the vehicle to Wagner Kia in Shrewsbury MA the next day after a storm passed. Wagner Kia then refused to service the vehicle or acknowledge any responsibility. I contacted Kia America and opened a claim and again they denied any responsibility closing out the claim within 48 hours although the company has had class action lawsuits against this make/model and year of car. This is truly a nightmare where the little man wallet takes a hit while being bullied by a large corrupt corporation. I then accepted an offer on the car for what it is worth in its current condition and took a loss of over $4,000.00 on an auto loan that I had to pay off the balance of and hundreds of dollars of repairs over the past few months. This vehicle also suddenly had an evaporation leak prior to the event which cost myself even more money. I do believe when you engine suddenly shuts off with no warning on a highway and could have killed everyone in the car that it should be reported and taken seriously by the manufacturer and dealership. Thank you for hearing our family’s story- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2024 · Engine · 104,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Engine · NC

I own a 2015 Kia Soul. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I was notified by KIA of a service bulletin for having the software update to the ECU done to allow the knock sensor to put the car in limp mode if it detects knocking. I had the update done and now 1 year later the car went into limp mode and the notification was a P1326. I took to local dealer and they performed a bearing clearance test. The car passed the bearing clearance test but lower engine knocking is still present causing the P1326 Code / Limp Mode. The Local dealer said that the engine should be replaced. The Local Dealer and KIA Customer Service said the only way that KIA would replace engine is by failing the test. I do not feel safe putting my daughter back in this car and I do not think that I should have to pay for an engine that has known issues with metal shavings potentially blocking oil ports as described in the Kia Bulletin. Please assist!

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 Jun 30, 2023 · Engine · GA

Yes before my car went to limp mode on the interstate it stalled several times and had a flashing gear wrench sign flash several times .I looked for recalls after telling the dealership what happened,and all the did we was update the flash on the ECU . I had a local manager from midas in Decatur tell me that this 2015 model 1.6 liter engine were catching fire from an intake manifold malfunction to the engine and out the exhaust system . I really feel like the dealership should of replaced all of this or gave a total new replacement vehicle and or replaced my engine. They fixed nothing but charged me over 2 thousand dollars to fix the check engine light repair that didn't come on until they flashed my ECU . My vehicle still stalls and makes a funny loud rattling noise every time it starts to ingage in driving or downshifting as I decrease my speed to come to a complete stop . It uses more oil and gets hotter than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I really need this investigated and would like to be reimbursed for the pain and agony of this whole vehicle buyimg.experience.the kia corporate office actually sent me am extended warranty for 150 thousand miles but to be honest I don't think this motor has that much life in it because of the prior damage done by the 3 recalls . Thanks sincerely please help .

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · 77,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic who diagnosed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle due to excessive oil consumption. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the knock sensor was replaced. The dealer then added oil in the vehicle and completed the oil consumption test after the contact had driven 1,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle failed the oil consumption test because half of the oil that was added had been consumed. Upon performing the second oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the test. The contact stated that he was concerned and believed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2023 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and KSDS sensor warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not responsive and shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan. Additionally, there was and no oil in the engine. The mechanic related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The dealer refused to replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Engine · MO

My 2015 Kia Soul ! has been losing power upon acceleration for around 6 months now. We have had two different mechanic shops attempt repairs. First repair found a broken spark plug. Kia Soul continued to lose power upon acceleration and a second repair shop found a bent engine valve. All engine valves were repaired/replaced. After the engine valve repairs, around a month later, Kia Soul loses all power upon acceleration over 4,000 rpm or at an incline, absolutely no power when pressing the accelerator and this caused an instant safety issue for the owner/driver. The owner/driver was on the highway driving around 70 mph when the Kia Soul lost power and she had to maneuver onto the side of a busy highway three times to shut off the Kia Soul and re-start it to get power again. (Shutting off the vehicle and re-starting it temporarily fixes the power issue.) The owner/driver was almost hit by other cars twice trying to get to the side of the highway since there was absolutely no power and no way to accelerate. There were and are still no warning lights, no engine lights, no codes, absolutely nothing stating that anything is wrong with this Kia Soul. This Kia Soul also dumps 100% of its oil at random times. It will throw engine codes of O-ring 1 and 3 at random times not at the same time as the oil dumping. The owner has checked the oil level if the Kia Soul right before driving the vehicle and she has had the vehicle dump its oil during a drive and go into "limp mode" where it loses its power and will not go over a certain RPM to protect the integrity of the engine. The owner has had this happen twice since a KIA dealership did computer reprogramming after the latest recall. There is absolutely no warning, engine codes with this as well. The last time happened on a highway as well and safety was also and issue trying to get off the highway at 45 mph. There is no warning for when it loses power putting its driver in danger of getting hit by other cars.