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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.

Complaints by model year
  5. 902

Of the 2014 reports, 34 involved a crash and 69 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine553 reports · 61% of complaints
Owner complaints902Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine553
  2. Exterior lighting130
  3. Electrical system98
  4. Other or unspecified83
  5. Power train58
  6. Engine and engine cooling55
  7. Steering55
  8. Fuel/propulsion system54

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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 and engine cooling

55 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2026

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was taken for the oil change, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level was extremely low. The contact was informed that the manifold was cleaned; however, the cause of the excessive oil consumption was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

  2. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2026

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle started working as intended; however, a fuel smell remained inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There was a fuel odor while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 228,041.

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2026

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact was informed that the manufacturer refused to do the recall repairs and stated that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be removed from the premises. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim. Afterwards, the contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 17V608000 (STEERING), 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) were associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

  4. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 13, 2026

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The ABS, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 21, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P0420; which was related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the software update was completed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,238.

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 15, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact, who was an independent dealer, purchased the vehicle for resale. The contact researched and identified an unrepaired recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that, because of missing or incorrect VIN information, the repair was declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

  7. Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Aug 27, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 17V608000 (STEERING), and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 MPH. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing several updates, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance with the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 27, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the recall information was not listed in the KIA database. In addition, the contact stated that the recall notification was received by mail, and the vehicle was not serviced under the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 7, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

  10. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 14, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with cruise control activated, the RPM's suddenly increased to over 4,000 and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was previously informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced prior to the failure; however, the catalytic convertor had not been replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

  12. Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Mar 3, 2025

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2024

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the catalytic converter was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), where the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was upgraded. Additionally, the contact was provided an estimate for the catalytic converter repair; however, the contact declined to pay a fee for the repair because the recall repair included replacing the catalytic converter if damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 139,762.

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2024

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the catalytic coveter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 13, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and the intake manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 30, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 3, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light remained illuminated and blinked off and on. Also, a knocking and ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment along with a burning oil odor. Additionally, the vehicle would not exceed speeds over 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center which determined that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 13, 2023

    The contact called on behalf of his daughter-in-law who owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle owner had been adding a quart of oil to the vehicle every week. The contact's mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test produced DTC Code: P0420; and the dealer determined that the catalytic converter and the engine had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine could not replace under the recall because additional diagnostic test which related the engine failure to low engine compression. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter could be replaced under recall; however, the replacement would be pointless because the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he believed that the engine failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the dealer determined that the engine failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage unknown.

  20. Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to an undisclosed dealer for a routine oil change; however, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil level was low, and the crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer for an unknown manufacturer recall repair related to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 21, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound before the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called the local Police Department to assist in manually pushing the vehicle off the roadway. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent shop, where she was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the repair the contact was informed that the catalytic convertor and the starter also needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.