Sayzia

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, 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the catalytic converter had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was also consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

  4. Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine emitted abnormal rattling sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving 30 MPH. The contact then inspected the oil dipstick and noticed that there was no oil, even though he had only driven 3,000 - 3,500 miles after the last oil change. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the original owner failed to complete an unknown software update. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 16, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle jolted. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the catalytic converter and the upstream O2 sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

  6. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her mother was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact he failed to have an unknown software update completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 77,720.

  8. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 16, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Coolant) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The oil warning light was flashing on the instrument panel and then the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the failure with a catalytic converter and engine pressure. The catalytic converter was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

  10. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 14, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) at the dealer; however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the dealer and diagnosed with cylinder #1 misfire and a compression level of 150. The dealer performed a fuel treatment and informed the contact that the spark plugs and engine needed to be replaced; however, the engine replacement was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken into the dealer for a recall on the converter. The recall was not covered under warranty due to the vehicle being over 150k mileage.

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and nearly stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the shaking and excessive oil consumption recurred. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,038.

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2022

    The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and passed the catalytic converter test. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and would not accelerate above 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

  13. Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 28, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that her check engine light had been illuminated on her instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer where the check engine light was reset; however, the light returned the next day. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced; a week, the contact stated that corrosion had formed on the battery and that her vehicle had stalled while traveling at 45 MPH. She stated that several warning lights illuminated the instrument panel as the failure occurred. The contact restarted the vehicle and return home; the next day, the independent mechanic came to her home and performed another battery replacement. Despite the second replacement, the stalling failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were zero recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

  14. Engine and engine cooling, Feb 8, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated until the vehicle was stopped and at that time the check engine warning was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off for approximately 10 minutes and upon restarting the vehicle no issues occurred until about 10 minutes into the drive when the abnormal noise started again. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated the vehicle failure was engine-related. The independent mechanic also confirmed the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and advised the contact to take it to the KIA dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the engine pistons. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a product improvement update needed to be completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer and the dealer informed him that the update could not be completed by the Kia dealer and no further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 142,111.

  15. Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2021

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of oil. The local dealer and Gurley Leep Kia (4028 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545) were made aware of the failure. Both dealers informed the contact that the next available appointment was on December 20th. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact learned that there were two recalls associated with the VIN; NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering) and 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

  16. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 26, 2021, fire

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, when there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and suddenly there was smoke as well. The contact was able to pull over and EMS were called to the scene, before fire marshals arrived on the scene the fire extinguished on its own. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure but was unable to assist the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 93,635.

  17. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2021

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering then loss motive power. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was leaking oil onto the ground. The contact inspected the engine and saw that the rod had pierced the engine block. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which associated with the VIN. However, the contact had not received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and to pay for the vehicle to be towed to a dealer, and if deemed that the VIN was associated with the recall, then the cost for the repair would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2021

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, while pulling into the driveway the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the engine oil level was low. The contact added a quart of oil to the engine. Several days later while the vehicle was started, the contact heard the same abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the engine temperature was elevated, and the vehicle was consuming oil. The contact reached out to an independent mechanic about the failure and was informed over the phone that the vehicle might need a new engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

  19. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2021, fire

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph during rainy weather conditions, the vehicle began to produce a knocking noise, decelerated, and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact's boyfriend opened the hood and confirmed that there was a fire. The fire extinguished itself and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was currently there for diagnostics but not repaired as of yet. During the incident, the police were called but it was unknown if a police report was filed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

  20. Engine and engine cooling, Sep 3, 2021

    I took my 2014 soul to get recall done in San Leandro on 01APR21.No repairs done except coil that I paid for.Today 03SEP21 I took my 2015 soul in(same issue as b4 little power)and they are telling me my catalytic converter needs changing. To my understanding when I had them check the safety recall The repairs would of happened then ,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. All repairs will be done for free.This was not done to my 2014 soul.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2021

    My issue has to deal with the catalytic converter. I received a safety recall letter dated 4/12/2019 which stated I had a defect related directly to the converter. I brought the car in within days of this letter to get the upgrade to the Catalytic overheating protection unit. starting in Feb of 2021 my engine light goes on, and stays on for a few days, then goes off again for a week . this has repeated itself since then. Ive since brought the car in twice explaining this issue, only to be told on my 2nd trip that my catalytic converter is clogged. I explained I have the safety recall later which states "Kia will upgrade the catalytic overheating protection logic in the engine control unit (ECU), and if necessary replace the catalytic converter and/or engine at no cost to you". The response from both the dealer and KIA has been, "that campaign has ended, and the repairs are your responsibility". My argument is, how can a safety recall that is directly related to my defect ever be expired?. The car has been diagnosed as having a clogged converter. I've been advised by a lawyer to reach out here to see if i can get any answers regarding the recall letter and if its valid for the life of the vehicle.

  25. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2021

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving an abnormal sound was heard as the vehicle loss power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact opened the hood and checked the oil dipstick and discovered there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil was change three weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to the NTB in Belair, MD to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod had punctured the oil tank. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The Vin was included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.