2014 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 902 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 34 involved a crash and 69 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalFeb 18, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the front impact sensors.
Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC229.
Campaign 22V096000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineFeb 22, 2019
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringSep 29, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Campaign 17V608000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalMar 2, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
Campaign 15V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 18, 2018
DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE HEAD LIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF AND BACK ON, SOMETIMES JUDT FOR A SECOND AND SOMETIMES LONGER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 15, 2018
THE LIGHTS IN MY KIA SOULS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ARE FLICKERING AND GOING OUT COMPLETELY SOMETIMES. VERY UNSAFE WHEN I AM ALREADY DRIVING. HAPPENS TO MY HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR ROOF LIGHTING. IT HAS ALSO CAUSED MY LIGHTS TO STAY ON SOMETIMES AND CAUSES MY BATTERY TO DIE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR IS IDLE OR DRIVING OR OFF COMPLETELY WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPEN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2018
AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD GOES OR FLICKERS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. OTHER PEOPLE GOT THE SAME PROBLEM OF IT HAPPENING. WE ALL GET TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T MAKE THE PROBLEM HAPPEN SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2018
HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED/ WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON INTERSTATE. HAD TO BREAK SUDDENLY, RAINY ,HAD THE WIPERS GOING, RADIO ON, GPS PLUGGED IN TO AUXILIARY PLUG. 7PTURNED THE NOB ON THE STEERING COLUMN ON /OFF, HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON. WENT TO THE NEXT EXIT. STOPPED AT TRAFFIC STOPLIGHT, RIGHT BLINKER, FOOT ON BRAKE, TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE TO MAKE RIGHT TURN, MADE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO RIGHT, LIGHTS FLICKERED AGAIN. HAPPENED ON 3-23-18 9:30PM . TOOK TO MY MECHANIC TODAY 4-1-18 - TCB AUTO IN DALLAS GA, BATTERY FINE,BULBS FINE, FUSES FINE, 3 WEEKS AGO HAD OIL CHANGE, NEW TIRES. COULD NOT DIAGNOSE IT..ADVISED ME ONLINE MANY REPORTS ,EVEN KIA DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT, IFAFTER BULLETIN,NO RECALLS YET...PUT IN THIS REPORT..
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2018
I BOUGHT MY 2014 KIA SOUL USED WITH ONE PREVIOUS OWNER. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY AFTER PURCHASING IT MY LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER. AT TIMES THEY WOULD GO OUT FOR A FEW MOMENTS. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND HAVE MY HUSBAND DRIVE IN FRONT OF ME WITH OUR OTHER VEHICLE IN FEAR THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. I COULD OF BEEN IN A SERIOUS CRASH. ALSO CAME HOME TO A DEAD BATTERY ONE DAY BECAUSE MY LIGHTS WHICH WERE OFF WHEN I LEFT THE HOUSE RANDOMLY WERE ON WHEN I GOT HOME THAT NIGHT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2018
RIGHT HEADLAMP BEGAN FLICKERING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS SINCE FAILED COMPLETELY. BULBS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND THE ISSUE PERSISTS. DOES NOT MATTER IF VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR DRIVING. APPROXIMATELY 65000 MILES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 31, 2017, fire
ON 10/25/2017 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2014 KIA SOUL CAUGHT ON FIRE - SPONTANEOUSLY AND WITHOUT WARNING (NO APPARENT ISSUES IN OPERATING THE CAR, WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH, ETC.). TWO FELLOW MOTORISTS HONKED THEIR HORNS AND FLASHED THEIR LIGHTS IN AN EFFORT TO SIGNAL ME. THE BACK WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO 'FOG UP' DUE TO THE HEAT/FIRE, AND WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY. IN AN EFFORT TO ESCAPE THIS EMERGENCY, I ALONG WITH MY SON, WHO WAS DRIVING, IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND MOVED A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY BEFORE CALLING 911. AT THIS POINT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM BOTH UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS SOON ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MULTIPLE FIRE ENGINES RESPONDED TO THE SCENE IN EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE AND SECURING THE SCENE. THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE LOSS (SEE PICTURES ATTACHED IN THE REPORT). IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MY 2014 KIA SOUL WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP BETWEEN 10/17/2017 - 10/19/2017 FOR DIAGNOSTICS DUE TO LIGHTS (INTERNAL AND ON THE DASH) FLICKERING AND AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED THE BATTERY, PERFORMED A SAFETY INSPECTION, BUT WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE FLICKERING LIGHTS ISSUE, NOR WERE THEY ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE ABNORMAL SOUND ALTHOUGH THEY DID ACKNOWLEDGE ITS PRESENCE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME AND ADVISED ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. MY CAR WAS BROUGHT HOME, PARKED, AND NOT DRIVEN UNTIL THE INCIDENT ON 10/25/2017.
Electrical system, Aug 21, 2017
THE HEADLAMPS BEGAN TO FLICKER AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE CAR, THE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FLICKER OCCASSIONAL AND FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO DRAIN THE BATTERY. NOTHING I DID WOULD MAKE THE DASH LIGHTS AND FLICKERING LIGHTS GO OUT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLAMPS BEGAN TO FLICKER AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER A TURN SIGNAL WAS IN USE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO SWITCH THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLAMPS TO ILLUMINATE. THE ROCK RIVER FORD DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,900.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 21, 2017
CAR RANDOMLY START VIBRATING, MISFIRING, AND IT WOULD NOT INCREASE IN SPEED. IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO TURN ON FROM A COLD START. THE THE ENGINE FAILED, SENT IT OUT TO THE DEALER TO WORK ON IT UNDER WARRANTY, AND WE'VE HAD AN OPEN CASE SINCE. THEN RECENTLY MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHILE IN MOTION ON ITS OWN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IS HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Apr 3, 2017
WHEN MAKING A TURN OF CHANGING LANES WHEN TURN SIGNAL IS SET ONCE IT RESETS ALL LIGHTS TURN OFF OR HIGH BEAMS FLASH TURN ON/OFF AND HAVE TO MOVE OR PLAY WITH TURN SIGNAL HANDLE FOR THE LIGHTS TO TURN ONE AGAIN. NOTE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND CHANGING LANES AT NIGHT I SET THE TURN SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANES AND WHEN IT RESET ALL LIGHTS TURNED OFF LEAVING ME DRIVING IN THE DARK AND MY FAMILY SAFETY WAS AT HIGH RISK. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH TURN SIGNAL HANDLE CAUSING A SHORT, NOTE THAT SOME TIMES INSTEAD OF LIGHTS TURNING OFF THE HIGH BEAMS FLASH ON/OFF.
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2017
WITH HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON. HEADLIGHTS SOMETIMES WILL NOT COME ON. CAN HAPPEN TO EACH HEADLIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. SOMETIME GOING TO HIGH BEAM WILL MAKE LOW BEAM COME ON WHEN SWITCHED BACK TO LOW BEAM. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN COLD. THIS HAPPENS WHILE SITTING STILL OR WHILE MOVING. VIBRATION DOESN'T SEEM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. LIGHTS DO NOT FLICKER. THE JUST WON'T COME ON. LIGHTS HAVE JUST GONE OFF AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON. LET SIT THEY WILL COME BACK ON AFTER TURNING LIGHT SWITCH OFF FOR PERIOD OF TIME.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 24, 2017
THE LEFT HEADLIGHT WOULD WORK ON AND OFF. I HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT AND THEY REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ON 12 DEC WITH A SYLVANIA HEADLIGHT BULB I PROVIDED. AFTER A WHILE THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. ON 13 JAN 17 THEY REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT AGAIN. THIS TIME WITH A KIA BULB.. SAME ISSUE. I HAD MORE ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS WORKING SOMETIMES AND NOT WORKING. THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY FOUND A SHORT. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND ALSO WHEN IT WAS STOPPED. SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE WORKING WHEN I PARKED BUT WOULD NOT WORK WHEN I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP AGAIN. IT WAS AMAZING THAT THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T TROUBLE SHOOT THE ISSUE THE FIRST TIME. THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS INVALID AFTER WE CHANGED THE BULB WITH A NON-KIA BULB. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE FIRST REPLACEMENT BULB WAS COMPATIBLE WITH THE KIA SOUL.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 14, 2016
I BOUGHT MY 2014 KIA SOUL WITH 6 MILES ON IT NOV 2013. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH MY HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF WHEN I USE MY TURN SIGNAL OR AFTER USING MY TURN SIGNAL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM FIXED. FINALLY BIG RED SPORTS & IMPORTS TOOK A KIA SOUL OFF THEIR CAR LOT (AFTER MY 3RD TRIP THERE & THEY STILL DIDN'T HAVE THE PART) TO PUT A NEW PART IN MY CAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I STILL HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS SO I TOOK MY KIA TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. NOW MY CAR WON'T GO INTO REVERSE AT TIMES,AND WHILE I'M "TRYING" TO PUT IT IN REVERSE MY AUTOMATIC LOCKS START LOCKING AN UN-LOCKING REALLY FAST. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF, AND TRY TO START ALL OVER SO IT WILL GO INTO REVERSE. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED. MY WORRY IS MY SAFETY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS WANTING TO WORK WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT. OR IF I GET STRANDED SOMEWHERE BECAUSE MY CAR WON'T SHIFT GEARS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2015, fire
TAKING A DAY TRIP TO THE CRAYOLA FACTORY, WE WERE 10 MILES FROM OUR DESTINATION WHEN WE FIRST SMELLED SMOKE THEN SAW IT COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS AND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. I FIRST CHECKED THE GAUGES TO SEE IF IT WAS OVER HEATED, NOTHING. POPPED THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN WE REALIZED IT WAS ON FIRE. WE RACED TO GET THE 2 SMALL KIDS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE FLAMES WERE STARTING TO OVER TAKE THE FRONT HOOD. WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE THE KIDS AND GET FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE BUT 3 MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS GUTTED. NOTHING BUT METAL LEFT ON THE INSIDE. WE HAD NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, NO ENGINE LIGHT, NO OVERHEATING - JUST SMELLED AND THEN SAW SMOKE. WE WERE LUCKY WE HAD A PLACE TO PULL OFF ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD BY THE POLICE OFFICER THAT I'M LUCKY THAT I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND OPENED THE DOORS BEFORE THE LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AS HE HAS SEEN IN OTHER KIA CARS. MY HOPE IS THAT KIA CAN FIND THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE AND DO A RECALL BEFORE ANYONE ELSE IS FACED WITH THIS NIGHTMARE. I REPORTED IT TO KIA VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT THEY SEEMED MORE CONCERNED ON HOW TO TAKE MY PICTURES OFF RATHER THAN FIX THE ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 11/02/2017*CN
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2015, crash, fire
THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONED, AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. TWO BYSTANDERS COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL ENGAGED. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE GLASS, MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN OPEN THEM - THE DOORS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER UNLOCKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SUPPOSED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - THEY DID NOT.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2015, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN MY 7 MONTH OLD KIA SOUL, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. ALL OF SUDDEN BLACK SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF MY AIR VENTS. I WENT TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I THEN WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING INTO THE CAR. I HAD TO JUMP OVER THE CONSOLE TO GET OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MY DISABLED DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AND I HAD A HARD TIME GETTING HER OUT BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS KEPT ENGAGING. I DID GET HER OUT AND BY THEN THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. A PASSERBY STOPPED TO HELP US AND WE DROVE A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE. AS I CALLED 911 TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT, I COULD HEAR MY WINDOWS BLOWING OUT. IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPT. 15 MINUTES TO GET THERE AND BY THEN THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT OF IT BUT THE FRAME. I HAVE WRITTEN AND CALLED KIA TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS INCIDENT. I ALSO SENT PICTURES OF THE CAR AND A VIDEO OF IT BURNING. THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY CHECKING INTO IT, BUT THIS HAPPENED ON FEB. 6, 2015 AND I HAVE STILL NOT HEARD FROM THEM. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2015
BATTERY DIED, DEFECTIVE, REPLACED WITH A NEW AFTERMARKET BATTERY. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Nov 18, 2014, crash
I WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE LIGHT WAS GREEN AND TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WAS MOVING. I MUST HAVE TAKE MY EYES OFF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE GREEN LIGHT FOR JUST A FEW SECONDS AND WHEN I LOOKED AHEAD THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD STOPPED AT THE TURNING LIGHT AND I RAN INTO THE BACK OF IT. NEVER EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO HIT THE BRAKES. MY CAR HAD A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HALF BUT THE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Aug 18, 2014, fire
WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. WE PULLED OFF HIGHWAY TO LOOK AT A TOURIST ATTRACTION. NO INDICATION WHATSOEVER THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. PARKED, TURNED CAR OFF. GOT OUT. GLANCED BACK AT THE CAR AND SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SOON THERE WERE FLAMES DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH FRONT END (LOOKED LIKE MELTING PLASTIC). CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. WITHIN 1 MINUTE FLAMES WERE JUMPING UP ON INTERIOR (DASH AREA) AND EXTERIOR (UNDER HOOD). GOT FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM NEARBY BUSINESS, BUT WITH HOOD CLOSED, DID NOT HELP. WITHIN 4 MINUTES ENTIRE FRONT END AND FRONT INTERIOR WERE ENGULFED IN ENORMOUS FLAMES. MANY POPPING NOISES (EXPLOSIONS). FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. ENTIRE FRONT END OF CAR MELTED TO THE GROUND. I SHOULD NOTE THAT WHILE WE LEFT THE CAR UNLOCKED WHEN WE GOT OUT, THE DOORS LOCKED THEMSELVES DURING THE FIRE, AND THE KEY FOB WAS INOPERABLE (LOCK ELECTRONICS IN THE CAR WERE FRIED). HAD A PERSON OR PET BEEN IN THE CAR, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. MY HUSBAND CUT HIS FACE DURING THIS, BUT DID NOT SEEK A DOCTOR. ALL PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE CAR ARE SEVERELY DAMAGED BY SMOKE. *TR
Electrical system, May 20, 2014
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2014 KIA SOUL. I NOTICED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER IN THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS VERY LOOSE. WITH THE KEY IN THE CYLINDER IT HAS TOO MUCH PLAY. THE KEY WIGGLES AROUND VERY LOOSELY. BEING CONCERNED THAT IT MAY CAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH TO TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING, I TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT KIA DEALERS' SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. BOTH TOLD ME IT'S NORMAL;. I'VE BEEN DRIVING SINCE 1969 AND HAVE NEVER SEEN AN IGNITION SWITCH HAVE THAT MUCH PLAY IN IT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO TURN ITSELF OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 4, 2014
I HAD AN EMERGENCY AND TRIED AT NIGHT TO UNLOCK ELECTRIC DOORS FOR MY PASSENGERS AND I. UPON ATTEMPTING TO MANAGE THE EMERGENCY AND UNLOCK THE DOOR FOR MY PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, I WAS GREATLY DELAYED BECAUSE THE "UNLOCK LIGHT IS NON FUNCTIONING" AND CAN'T BE SEEN IN THE DARK. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM & I BELIEVE IT WARRANTS A RECALL BECAUSE THE DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS CORRECTING. THANKS GOD THERE WAS NO FIRE! PLEASE ADVISE AND ASSIST, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Dec 3, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TWO HOLES THROUGH THE SEAT. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE RENTAL AGENCY OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE FLEET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18. UPDATED 1/29/14*CN..UPDATED 02-04-14 *BF