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: engine
590 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Engine, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact was uncertain if the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to failure. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. After a week, the contact was informed that because the software update was not performed on the vehicle, the manufacturer would not approve the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 111,436.
Engine, Aug 25, 2021
The engine started overheating when the vehicle reached over 150,000 miles. The oil in the car is burning rapidly. I have to check the engine oil daily and when on the freeway every hour because the oil is burning rapidly. When there is no oil the engine shuts down. The engine is overheating and I am afraid of an engine fire. I am constantly putting oil in the car because it is burning out rapidly. I am not sure why. There is a recall but I am not sure if I can get it because of the mileage on my car.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 20, 2021, fire
The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated her daughter's boyfriend was driving approximately 70 MPH with her daughter in the passenger’s seat, when they noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. The driver checked around to see if the smoke was coming from another vehicle and determined that the smoke was coming the vehicle he was driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the driver pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle and noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished with the assistance of the Fire Department. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to the local dealer and repaired under an unknown recall. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact stated occasionally the low oil level warning light would illuminate. There were no injuries sustained. The contact did not know whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to the dealer per the manufacturer's instructions. The nearest dealer declined to offer the any repairs or service on the vehicle since the vehicle was severely burned. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
Kia engine seized while driving. Check engine and check oil lights both flashed immediately before car engine failed. Car would not turn over but battery was still fully functional. It was immediately brought to a local repair shop where oil was cleared as a non factor in engine problems. I was also informed that the engine was completely seized and non operational. I contacted Kia Pride regarding engine issue and was informed that an inspection would need to be completed and would take 5-6weeks as they are having company wide issues with Kia engines.
Engine, Aug 16, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, smoke started coming from the air vents then the vehicle was filled with smoke. The contact pulled over, exited the vehicle, and saw there was fire coming from under the hood. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was unaware if there was a fire department report filed. No medical attention was received for the contact and his wife, who was a passenger. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and will have the vehicle towed to an unknown dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 105,230.
Engine, Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving up an incline at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact also stated that the check oil light would illuminate on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The dealer was notified of the issue however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 5, 2021
Had knock sensors replaced twice and engine is still knocking. Been noticing in the news and media that these cars are catching on fire and the knock sensors were designed to go into limp mode so it doesn’t catch on fire and I’m stuck with it and can’t drive it anymore because it’s in limp mode. The check engine light is flashing for the knock sensors p1326. I need help with getting Kia to get this fixed. It’s not safe to drive on the road.
Engine, Jul 30, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer performed a recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). After, receiving the vehicle back from the dealer the oil warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and an engine test was performed and diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine from not having regular oil changes. The contact was informed that the oil needed to be changed every 2,000 miles, instead of every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired since an appointment was not available until August 25, 2021. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,363.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 27, 2021
The exhaust manifold failed and yes, it is available for inspection. My daughter's safety was put at risk after I was advised by Kia service center that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. My daughter experienced the burning smell of fuel and the vehicle would not accelerate and would not go above the speed limit of 20, when on an incline. I took my vehicle to Kia service center on July 14, 2021 following the instructions written on the NHTSA Recall # 20V750 notice I received from Kia and they advised me that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. I paid $405 for replacement parts and service, left the service center with the impression that the vehicle was repaired. My daughter drove the vehicle back and forth to work and everything was okay until July 22, 2021 one week and a day after the repair, the MIL illuminated. I took the vehicle back to the service center and I was then advised that I needed to replace the exhaust manifold and all four coils. I was also advised that the exhaust manifold is on national back order with no expected date. I was told to call Kia corporate and Kia corporate office has advised me that there is nothing they can do to assist me. The associate at the Kia service center said I could drive the vehicle but after a while it would cause other damage to the engine. I questioned the service center manager about why would they tell me that the repair they made on the 14th fixed the issue. He informed me that they had no way of knowing what the issue was until the MIL light came on. I informed him that it is an issue that there was no warning lamp to advise of the first two parts I paid for that they said was the issue. Kia would not afford towing to service center. Kia service center has confirmed that the problem with the vehicle now is the exhaust manifold. The vehicle/component have been inspected by Kia service center. First visit to Kia no warning lamps/messages, there was the burning smell of fuel.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Jul 16, 2021
Banging in engine Consuming excessive amounts of oil Oil light flickering Check engine light on Loss of power Car shakes when idle Gas/ fuel odor Brought to mechanic, valves pistons replaced. Banging stopped other stated problems continue.
Engine, Jul 15, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. Another driver notified her that there was smoke coming from the vehicle. After the vehicle was stopped, the driver saw flames coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was notified of the fire and arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed away from the scene of the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the fire was not yet determined. The contact mentioned that previous to the fire there were several cylinder misfires. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the original engine had been replaced in 2018. The failure mileage was 238,000.
Engine, Jul 3, 2021
My vehicle started driving really sluggish and slowing down from 55 to 35 when going up a hill. It felt like it wasn’t getting the gas to make it go. I looked it up and found this recall: 2014 Kia Soul; Manufacturer photo Vehicles Affected: Approximately 379,000 model-year 2012-16 Kia Soul hatchbacks equipped with 1.6-liter gas engines The Problem: 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 as well as 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 that may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. however I was told that my vehicle is a 2.0 liter engine and it’s under the recall! Drove my vehicle home after the Kia dealer told me I needed a catalytic converter, then my engine light started blinking, called Kia of America corporate to ask them and confirm it wasn’t under recall and they had me get it to the dealer and now the dealer said I need an engine!!! I don’t even have 130,000 miles on the vehicle! Just seems too coincidental that my vehicle has the same issues as the 1.6 liter engine Kia Soul does! Kia is also saying I’m completely responsible for repairs!
Engine, Jun 27, 2021
Car displays a check engine light. The check engine light reports an issue with the catalytic converter. Car has began to shut off randomly when coming to or at a stop (for example: at a red light).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 25, 2021
The vehicle had a strange smell ever since we got it a few years back. Earlier in the month, the headlight and dashlight would flicker with the turn signal. We looked it up and set up an apppointment with a local Kia dealership for recall on this issue. Then this week, the engine suddenly quit while the car was parked. The vehicle wouldn't start at all. Kia was notified and they said that there was another recall on engine SC200 on this vehicle that was just announced earlier this year. Online lookup also revealed that the smell issue can be from burning oil or a leak into catalytic converter. Other Kia cars from the same years have also said to have had these issues. Then an OBD II check showed the codes 7E8 and 7E9 which has been noted online by other customers as engine problem recall for which Kia has replaced their engine free of charge.
Engine, Jun 24, 2021
While driving on the highway in cruise control, the engine suddenly went into a lower gear and lost acceleration. Since then, the car has had difficulty accelerating and struggles to get up to speeds over 60mph. I had the car checked out and was told it was a clogged catalytic converter and that it needed to be replaced. Prior to the highway incident, the oil light would come on frequently and oil would have to be added every two to three weeks. The dealer has inspected the car for the engine recall and found no issues even though the car was experiencing oil loss when it was taken to the dealer. The car has 110,000 miles.
Engine, Jun 24, 2021
While I was driving on the highway, I heard a loud banging coming from the front of my car. I took it to a repair shop and was told it needed a valve replacement but it was only a matter of time before I would need to replace the engine. I did have the valve job done at great expense to me. However the engine light came on and despite having each of the problems fixed generated by the codes that came up, the engine light never went off. Now I understand there is an engine recall and the problems described are exactly what is wrong with my car e.g. engine light is on, check oil light flickering on, gasoline/fuel odor. I also had the catalytic converter replaced at my expense, only to find out there was a recall on that too. I need to have my engine replaced. This is a safety issue. Kia needs to make good on its promise.
Engine, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle would idle when coming to a complete stop and there was a heat source coming from the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was serviced for a manufacturer's product improvement campaign software updates for the engine control unit and knock sensor detection system however, the failure recurred after the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Engine, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and a manufacturer's product improvement campaign software update however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at 60 mph, there was a rattling sound heard then the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The instrument panel light and front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights flickered on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a rod bearing knocking code that appeared on the code reader however, there were no oil leaks found. An oil consumption test was performed which found that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil for every thousand miles. An engine test was also performed, which the vehicle passed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage and advised the contact to drive the vehicle until the engine seized. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Engine, Jun 15, 2021
I was traveling back home from Dandridge, TN in July 2019. As I was going down the interstate at 70MPH, the engine made a very loud noise and the vehicle began to shake. I promptly pulled over to the shoulder and shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville. They had the car for three months before I received a phone call in September 2019. I was on my way to Florida with a friend, and Rusty Wallace Kia informed me that the engine had “threw a rod” and cut the oil lines. The recall is related to this exact issue. Rusty Wallace Kia then replaced the engine without my written permission. They called to inform me of this about a month later. I did receive mail from Kia Consumer Affairs alerting me of the recall a few months later. I have since contacted Consumer Affairs and they let me know they would be contacting Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville to discuss getting the repair payed for so I can get my car back. I received an email just today (several months later) from the service manager, Allison Richard’s, saying that I am responsible for the cost of the repairs. The recall paperwork in the mail states the engine will be replaced and the KDS software updated. As of today, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville is refusing to release my car back to me (which is paid in full and I have the title in hand), and Allison also stated that consumer affairs said they wouldn’t help. I am needing my car back as soon as possible, and any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Engine, Jun 14, 2021, fire
My car caught fire upon a drive home. Had to call fire department and extinguished it myself before fire department arrival. Took vehicle to local Kia dealership to have them check car. Documentation of charting from fire. They told me it’s because I needed new snow tires. I purchased new tires. Months later my engine started knocking and vehicle is not drivable. I have filed a national claim with Kia due to safety recall on 4/21/21. I have sent pictures and report. I leave multiple voicemails. No one is calling me back. Case number 14128806. Case manager is Jesse. Twice I’ve been told his supervisor will call me back and no one has. Fire occurred in 2018- engine blew in 2021
Engine, Jun 13, 2021
We have concerns how Gerald KIA of Naperville handled the recall: NHTSA Recall Number: 20V750 (1/25/21)/Product Improvement Campaign (10/20/20) and at this point are very concerned about the safety of driving our car at all. We brought our car in on 2/24/21 for this important safety recall/product improvement campaign. They performed the PI2002B ECU Update (sc200b logic update), inspected the engine for sc200ps bct and fuel line and oil pan inspection which all passed. We expressed the check engine light was coming on when on the highway, the proposed fix was replacing Purge valve, spark plugs and air filter. I replaced the air filter and purge valve myself and had my local mechanic replaced the spark plugs and one coil on 4/10/21. Also note that the car has been consuming too much oil for the past year and started to get worse during this time - sometimes losing more than a quart a week and we just monitor the oil level and add when it is getting low and were hopeful that these repairs would help the oil consumption problem as well as the check engine light coming on. After these fixes the car started having severe acceleration/loss of power issues while driving on the highway when reaching 65 mph and the check engine light would flash. And then one time the check engine light started flashing and stayed on and I brought it to my local mechanic to diagnose. He cleaned our fuel system to see if it improves our performance and while doing so confirmed that our car has a clogged catalytic converter and recommended that we bring the car back to the dealership for an oil consumption test to inquire further into our car issues and that the high oil consumption may have led to the clogged cat. Before I brought the car back to the dealership I re-read the recall/safety campaign letters and realized that it appears what was happening was after the software update which updated the knock sensor detection system - the blinking check engine light was blinking and the
Engine, Jun 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia SOUL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate and loss motive power. The vehicle was towed to an Independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was ½ quart low on oil, with no leaks present. The catalytic converter was inspected and flushed however, and additional diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact felt unsafe driving at low speeds due to the vehicle not accelerating above 15 mph. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,269.