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, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 19, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, a pinging-type noise was heard coming from the engine compartment along with gray smoke. The vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speed before the engine stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and flames and smoke were present coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire and police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact also indicated that during the incident the front driver's side door could not be manually opened from inside the vehicle and the key fob was used to open the door. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
I have had issues with car stalling and not working. As a result, I've had to purchase another car. I found out via research that my car may have qualified for a recall or new catalytic converter which the dealership failed to replace years ago. Now I have a cat that needs a new catalytic converter and the catalytic converter was previously faulty. I'm literally paying for two vehicles while my Kia 2014 sits because I financially can't finance repairs and carpayment
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking onto the camshaft and onto the manifold. The contact stated that she replaced the valve cover gasket, the spark plugs, and the engine valve stem oil seal sets; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 and cylinder #4 were misfiring, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The oil level warning light was illuminated. There was also an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2023
Excessive oil consumption, oil turning dark and burned right after oil change, engine knocking, engine stalling, check engine light did not turned on, no alerts of engine failure. Car started to stall on the freeway hazard to me and other drivers if car shuts down. This car is at risk of engine to blow and might cause a fire. Car was taken to a mechanic and said engine should be replaced completely, car was serviced at dealership and no problems were reported before engine started to knock. Dealership or police haven’t checked the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared even after engine knocking.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2023
I was driving the speed limit of 60 mph and all of a sudden it sputtered and hesitated; stalling out while attempting to accelerate going lower speed. My vehicle luckily got a parking spot at an automotive repair shop. No warning signal illuminated during my driving incident. The next morning the engine wouldn't start, but eventually they get it to start. They got the "Check Engine Message Center Warning" showing during Road Test. The automotive repair shop did a diagnostic test on it saying that the technician diagnosed the problems to a bad fuel injector fouling out the spark plug #4 cylinder recommending to replace all 4 fuel injectors and spark plugs, my transmission has no dipstick, OE Factory Maintenance due and is required, tires were getting weather cracked and recommending tires soon, technician noted that the car had some oil leaks and needed to be diagnosed further, cabin air filter missing and need to install a new filter; recommend cabin filter replacement service: includes anti-bacterial duct service, Tune Up Items: Fuel induction service recommending tune up labor 3-part fuel induction system service to where tune up is due/overdue by mileage if not already done so, Engine Oil was Over Filled Dark/Contaminated with Fuel in Oil and recommended oil change after changing Fuel Injectors and Plugs (BUT, I had my oil changed about a week before all of this occurred), Air Filter: OE Maintenance Interval Dirty and recommended installing new engine air filter, Brake Fluid: OEM recommended service interval/Brake Fluid Exchange service recommended due by mileage if not already done so. I purchased this vehicle December 10, 2022 and then this all occurred after just 4 month of purchasing this vehicle. It took 3 weeks to fix this vehicle. I had this fixed and still I have to wonder how safe is it really? I'm concerned so much so that I plan on taking this vehicle to a Kia Dealership appointment tomorrow June 17, 2023 to have a Multi-Point Inspection.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ENGINE SECURITY CAR LOCK
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
While my wife was returning home from dinner one evening approximately 6PM in the evening, she was traveling about 35MPH when all of a sudden she heard a soft "POP" sound and the engine died. She had to coast to the side of the road to get out of traffic. There was no warning, no lights on the dash, nothing. Just a soft pop sound & that was it. The engine would not start so we had it towed to our mechanic. Before we did anything else, we called KIA. Apparently as the car was just over 100,000 miles they were not interested in all in what we had to say, but we could tow the vehicle to them to pay diagnostics to see what the problem was. We were told this by 3 dealerships. We had an independent mechanic look into this for us & found out that the oil was empty & that seized the engine. No warning lights on the dash, nothing. We tried to tell KIA this & they basically said in not so many words; "too bad, so sad". Apparently this is a widely known issue with the 2014 Kia Soul 2.0 engine which Kia has chosen to do nothing about. We can not afford the $10K in repair cost and now are without a car, that if there was any type of warning, this would not have happened to. It is a perfect condition car with no engine that is just sitting as we are getting no help from KIA.
Engine, Jun 8, 2023, crash
The recall on the catalytic converter literally happened to my car that caused piston and oil tank damage resulting in a new engine, but Kia will not replace the catalytic converter, even though they just told me that it is damaged and caused the damage of the engine. Instead they want 3 grand for a recall that falls under my car year, and won't acknowledge the recall because it was issued in 2019 and not open to me at the time because I was not the owner. This exact reason for recall is literally what happened to my car.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2023
This vehicle has a serious oil consumption issue. It was first noticed about three years ago and has been getting progressively worse. As of June 2023 it consumes a full oil tank in about 2500 miles. Oil warning indicators flash very briefly on occasion but the light does not come on until the oil is below the dipstick. I have had it looked at by my local mechanic and by the Kia dealer who sold the car. The Kia dealer did a test and said it did not meet their standards for a recall. There have been a number of times that the oil has gotten so low without indicator warning that the engine will start running rough. on 11/04/22 the engine began bucking and stopped running at high speed. It was brought to the dealer who stated "Active DTC P0300 and P0303. Swapped Cylinder 3 coil pack and cylinder 1 coil pack. Misfire followed. No signs of cylinder damage". They replaced four spark plugs and Cylinder 1 coil pack. They stated that the cause of the issue was inconclusive and they didn't think related to oil consumption. I have recently receive notice of a proposed class action lawsuit from "Kia Engine Class Settlement, POBOX 4133, Portland, OR, 97208-4133 1-800-944-1025. I confirmed that the VIN for this vehicle is included in the proposed case. It states very similar issues with many kia vehicles with the same engine. The lawsuit states "class vehicles have a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and possibly engine fire, and that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle's warranty."
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle, followed by the vehicle coming to a complete stop. The contact stated there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent and the contact was informed that an engine rod had fell out the engine, causing the oil to leak out the engine. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
OIL CONSUMPTION. I EXPRESSED CONCERN AT 140,734 MILES TO DEALERSHIP AS OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON EVERY 1000 T0 1500 MILES. SERVICE REP SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, $9.000. I HAVE JUST RECD NOTICE OF AN ENGINE CLASS SETTLEMENT. I AM CONCERNED IF ENGINE WOULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHAT HAPPENS.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the vehicle was also repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for another inspection. The contact then stated that a year later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The contact stated that he veered the vehicle off the road and parked. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall had expired and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor then the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Valvoline Service Center where an oil change was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, an engine flush, and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was determined that the vehicle needed to be taken back to Valvoline where the oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken back to Valvoline where the oil type was changed, and the vehicle diagnosed and determined that the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPMs rapidly increased to 4,000 but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light illuminated, and an alert illuminated on the touch screen that displayed “Engine compartment failure emergency contact Kia”. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils and wiring harness needed to be replaced. Additionally, the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software was upgraded; however, the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact notified the dealer of the failure, and the contact was informed that due to the check engine warning light not being illuminated, the vehicle could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was slow to respond and failed to move. After the vehicle responded, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat sensor and protector shield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,119.
Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2023
I brought my vehicle into an authorized dealer when my check engine light came on, having just been made aware of the recall notice when I took it in for an oil change earlier that day. He said the recall came about when cars of my make/model/year started catching fire out of nowhere due to engine issues. Given that my car is still under the mileage warranty, at 95k miles, the person at the dealership service center said it would likely be covered & the recall would qualify me for a new engine altogether. I got a call back a few days later that my catalytic converter was plugged, and that I would owe just under $3000 for the repair, as my vehicle did not show the correct diagnostic code to be covered. Once I spoke with KIA's corporate consumer satisfaction line, they agreed to bring the car out & retest it. The woman from the service center informed me that the whole engine does in fact need to be replaced now, not just the converter as they initially said, but that it still isn't spitting out the code necessary during diagnostic testing, to qualify it for a recall replacement. Under SC176, my issues exactly are being described as the symptoms & causation for the recall, and yet the diagnostic code does not match. My car is currently still at the dealership's service center, and I am getting some consultation as to whether or not this is a fix that's worth it, at this point.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact’s wife turned off and restarted the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2023
Catalytic Converter malfunction and it was check by my mechanic at Hillebrand Automotive. It causes my 2014 Kia Soul to stop running in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights, massages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This happened 3 months ago. On January 21, 2023. It's still down because i can't afford to have it fix.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked significantly and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving under 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer declined to cover the repair as the vehicle had passed the bearing clearance test. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2023
Since I bought this car, I have experienced hesitation, stalling, high RPM idle, fluctuating idle, burning smell, lurching, running though gas very fast (not due to increased driving), engine noises, dash panel half lighting up, hard to accelerate when the headlights are on, or heat, or air con, odd noises..and through this entire time, check engine light comes on and off and on and off...along with my gas gauge saying empty when its full. I have reported ALL of this throughout the entire time since all bought it. Every single time they say "software update" and send me home with nothing ever fixed. EVER. Now again check engine and false fuel reading, hesitations, etc....again! This engine and fuel pump is bad and explains all of my complaints since 10kmiles. My car has under 80k mi on it, its been a lemon from the start. Hesitation with no pick-up at an intersection and noises....just beyond dangerous. I have not driven my car on the freeway in 5 years because itis not safe, but Kia NEVER checks out problems. They charge for inspection and say "software update". Its maddening.
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
I own a 2014 Kia soul with 78000 miles. Engine light came on just changed my oil it was almost dry. I’m going through 2 quarts every two weeks due to KIAS power train warranty of 100000 miles I was sold on as a second owner. The dealer will not cover to replace the engine since the second owner warranty is inky warranted at 60k. Millions of people owning Kia’s are now trashing their cars because of this horrible situation! It’s in the courts I’m sure you know. This is criminal my safety and those behind me are at dramatic risk if my car fails on the highway which they are! I want this investigated for my safety. Several calls to Kia corporate no answer!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2023, fire
check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft Wayne Kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on i-69 chapel exit in ft Wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control. My car was still under warranty at 108 months and 89,000 miles. Never had any problem with my Soul until that next day after light came on. I was not notified of the recalls except only recently received an airbag recall on 3/30/2023. I have contacted Kia to file a claim with them.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The vehicle was idling rough and vibrating. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the vehicle was consuming an unusual amount of oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that oil had to be added once every month. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The contact stated that a software update was performed. The contact stated that shortly after receiving the repair, while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to the warranty limitations and recall repairs that were performed, the engine would not be replaced free of charge. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.