RoadVitals

2015 Kia Soul Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Feb 3, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
2%
of 896 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
14
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
12

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Kia Soul submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 20 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Airbags
Filed Feb 3, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

Involved in wreck air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID
11640273
Incident
Dec 28, 2024
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Nov 26, 2024
Crash reported

November 26, 2024 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2015 Kia Soul. On [XXX], I was involved in a severe car accident. Despite the significant impact, the airbag system failed to deploy. I have attached photos of the vehicle damage for your reference. This incident is particularly alarming as the vehicle had recently been serviced for recalls at Phil Smith Kia (4250 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064). The failure of the airbag system to deploy raises serious concerns about the safety and quality control of Kia vehicles. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this incident thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all Kia vehicle owners. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11627470
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
AirbagsEngineSteering
Filed Jun 16, 2024

I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: • Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) • Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: • Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) • Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: • Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) • Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: • Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) • Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID
11594618
Incident
Jun 16, 2024
Airbags
Filed May 7, 2024
Crash reported2 injuries reported

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. At 4-way intersection w/ traffic light other driver going northbound blew through their red light (maybe on phone or other distraction) at what seemed like a high speed. I was driving westbound at about 30/35mph with a clear green light. Was able to avoid getting t-boned in my door, but couldn't avoid t-boning other car's passenger door (older 2 door F150). My insurance company going to total my car (see pics). My airbags didn't deploy. Friends/relatives have told me their air bags went off in crashes at lower speeds. I hit my head on the left side frame and my head is still sore. The seat belt pretensioner system did work as designed as passenger in my car and I are both sore w / bruises on collar bone, chest, and hip where seat belt clips in so we know it worked. But lots of other bruises/soreness. Air Bags seem defective.

NHTSA ID
11587547
Incident
May 2, 2024
Airbags
Filed Mar 1, 2024
Crash reported

My vehicle was stolen and crashed but the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID
11574970
Incident
Dec 8, 2023
Airbags
Filed Feb 7, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was involved in a head on collision with a F250 truck and the airbags did not deploy. I did hit my head on the steering wheel and have a bruise above my eye and some scratches on my knee. I had pain in my shoulder from seat belt. I took off from work on 2/2 to take care of car getting towed and I went to care now to be checked out and they sent me to the ER for a possible scan, but once doctor checked me out they decided there was no need for a scan. I do not have any more information from my insurance company other than the body shop were car was towed to said it was a total loss and there is no reason they could find that the air bag did not deploy. I have owned the car since may of last year and have been to sent 2 safety recall 1 for the catalytic converter and 1 for try to stop kia soul from being stolen. these are the only one I have received

NHTSA ID
11570550
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Sep 4, 2023

Abs and airbags not working!

NHTSA ID
11542514
Incident
Sep 4, 2023
AirbagsSteering
Filed Apr 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling noise heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was returned, the steering, air bags, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot to the touch without the heated steering wheel function being activated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed, and the heated steering wheel fuse was removed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,796.

NHTSA ID
11519529
Incident
Apr 27, 2023
Mileage
4,796 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 24, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was involved in an accident where my 2015 Kia Soul was struck from the rear end at a high rate of speed, left the roadway, hit a concrete culver, became airborne, jumped/rolled across a driveway and went through two crosstie corner posts with no airbag deployment. My seat broke 3/4 of the way up due to impact. Unknown as to reason why airbags failed to deploy with frontal impacts and unknown as to component inspection as insurance took car away to auction. I feel that the failure of these items to deploy intensified the injuries I received in the wreck.

NHTSA ID
11508975
Incident
Jan 25, 2023
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 13, 2022

I’ve had my check engine light come on ever since I bought the vehicle and the code is for catalytic converter, my car overheats and does not properly shift right engine is very shaky and unstable while driving on the road. I don’t know why my Kia doesn’t qualify for the recall when it’s having the exact issues that the recalls state

NHTSA ID
11489119
Incident
Oct 13, 2022
Airbags
Filed Oct 12, 2020

I WAS GOING 65 MPH, WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHILE IT WAS RAINING. I HIT SOME STANDING WATER, WHICH CAUSED ME TO HYDROPLANE. I COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, SO I ENDED UP SPINNING AND HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THANKFULLY I WASN'T SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED EITHER WAY.

NHTSA ID
11363845
Incident
Oct 11, 2020
Mileage
89,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 22, 2019
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WHICH STOPPED ABRUPTLY. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURY FROM THE SEAT BELT STRAP ON THE LEFT SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WENT TO AN URGENT CARE THE NEXT DAY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED A WHIPLASH. THERE WAS NO FURTHER DETAIL ON THE INDIVIDUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

NHTSA ID
11233877
Incident
Jul 12, 2019
Mileage
97,000 mi
AirbagsFuel systemSteering
Filed Dec 5, 2017

I RECIBE RECALL FOR AIRBAGS, STERING PINION . THE FUEL SENDING LEVEL UNIT IS DAMAGE AND THE GAUGE FUEL LEVEL IS DOWN. BUT THAT REASON THE SYSTEM TURN ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

NHTSA ID
11052451
Incident
Nov 15, 2017
Mileage
30 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 9, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE BROKEN RIBS, A PUNCTURED LUNG, FACE INJURIES, AND A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,709. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ *CN

NHTSA ID
10873398
Incident
May 15, 2016
Mileage
4,709 mi
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed May 24, 2016
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE REVERSE GEAR, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THIS RECALL PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

NHTSA ID
10870591
Incident
May 23, 2016
Mileage
18,000 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Jan 7, 2016
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, VEERED LEFT, AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES, WHICH INCLUDED A SEVERED AORTA AND FRACTURED CERVICAL SPINE. THE CORONER INDICATED THAT THE FATAL INJURIES MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 02/02/16 *BF UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING SYSTEM WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSE THE ACCIDENT. UPDATED 02/10/16.*JB..UPDATED 03/16/16 *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
10818664
Incident
Dec 10, 2015
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Dec 16, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAIN BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION LOT WHERE THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATED FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID
10810812
Incident
Sep 2, 2015
Mileage
10,500 mi
AirbagsBody & structureElectrical
Filed Sep 21, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

MY SON WAS IN A REAR-END COLLISON IN HIS 2015 KIA SOUL, THAT ALSO PUSHED HIM INTO THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HIM. MY SON WAS AT A STOP AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, WHEN A MID SIZED SUV DOING APPROXIMATELY 30-40MPH SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND REAR ENDED MY SON. THE SOUL'S BUMPER WENT UNDERNEATH THE CHEVY TAHOE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN POLICE AND EMS SHOWED UP AND ASKED HIM IF HE COULD DRIVE IT OFF THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT WORK. THEY PUSHED IT OFF THE ROAD. AFTER TOWING TO THE BODY SHOP, THE OWNER SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY THE AIRBAGS HADN'T DEPLOYED BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN SEVERED IN THE CRASH. THE TOWING COMPANY WAS HESITANT TO TOW BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID IT MAY GO OFF. THE SOUL HAD AN ESTIMATE OF $15,753.75 IN DAMAGE AND THEREFORE TOTALED...BUT HIS AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF.

NHTSA ID
10766295
Incident
Sep 4, 2015
Mileage
6,743 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Apr 22, 2015
Crash reported

CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE AS IT PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. ENDED UP STOPPING IN A STOREFRONT. NO SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. ALL THREE PASSENGERS (INCL ONE 3 YR OLD) WERE COMPLETELY UNSCATHED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10712114
Incident
Apr 18, 2015
Mileage
4,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 27, 2014
Crash reported

WHILE DRIVING DOWN FAIRMOUNT BLVD. I HIT A POT HOLE, CAUSING MY TIRE TO GO FLAT AND THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10650225
Incident
Oct 25, 2014
Mileage
300 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .