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
902 reports, newest first.
Engine, May 16, 2022
The engine burns an excessive amount of oil; I have to replace the oil in the car every month. If I drive from Kansas City to Oklahoma City, by the time I get to Oklahoma city, I have to replace 3 quarts of oil. This has been an ongoing issue since I purchased the car.
Engine, May 6, 2022
I had went I. To Waukegan auto warehouse dealership and around Mar25-26 I went home in black 2014 Kia Soul and not even to months later my engine blown and they don’t wanna let me trade for something else that’s even in the same price and or let me have a curtsy car and I’m at the risk of losing my job if I can’t get back to driving around and it’s been ridiculous
Engine, Apr 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that he had received an unknown recall notification. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and four unstated recall repairs were performed. Upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the oil pump, oil sender, and air compressor were all replaced. Days after the repair, the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic then called the dealer and he was informed that the vehicle was under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession for a week; the dealer then informed the contact that the manufacturer would not cover the repair under warranty. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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.
Engine, Apr 25, 2022
Soon after buying my car used in 4/2021, I took the car into a KIA dealership to have the check engine light evaluated and asked for the open recalls to be addressed also. They didn't check the codes before doing the recalls and said the recalls performed cleared the codes and the check engine light was no longer on. I then had my mechanic do a tune up of spark plugs and oil, lube and filter change. The car performed better but would randomly experience loss of power while on the highway or when accelerating from a stop as though it was chocking and ready to stall. The check engine light never came on during this time. I have had to keep a very close eye on the oil level this whole year and there has not been any signs of a leak . But I have had to add a quart or more of oil approximately every 500 miles plus have the regular oil and filter changes. Also installed a new PCV valve. I have put 11,500 miles on the vehicle in one year. Now one year later, I couldn't get the car to accelerate to highway speeds and yet no check engine light comes on. I took the car to another KIA dealer to have it diagnosed. The codes were showing misfires on multiple cylinders. And their diagnosis is that the catalytic converter and gaskets and O2 sensor need replaced plus the spark plugs need replaced because they are burnt. Also the fuel system needs serviced due to excessive carbon build up. I have researched the recalls on the 2014 Kia Soul and see that there is a NHTSA campaign:19V120000 that addresses this same issue but somehow my VIN is not included. I am not able to have these repairs made (nearly $4000) and this car is just an accident waiting to happen. Why is my VIN not included in this known issue that already has a recall associated with my make and model?
Engine, Apr 22, 2022
BEEN LEAKING OIL AND THE ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN AND NOT STARTING AFTER THIS. I GET MY OIL CHAGED EVERY 3,000 MILES AND I HAVE TO KEEP A CHECK ON THE OIL AND ADD OIL EVERY COUPLE WEEKS DUE TO THE OIL LEAK. I NOTICED THAT OTHERS OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF THERE KIA SOULS AND HAD TO HAVE THERE ENGIE REPLACED.
Power train, Apr 19, 2022
Vehicle's engine failed months after a recall was performed on it in October 2021 to "protect the engine from damage" while failing to reason why this was necessary. Upon my vehicle breaking down on April 1st, 2022, I had it taken to a repair shop that performed about $2,000 worth of work on the vehicle, not knowing that KIA had a known defect for code P1326 which was that the engine was defective and not that it was just a misfire as it is coded. My engine is similar to those of vehicles involved in class-actions and other NTHSA complaints around the same model year, THETA II engine, with similar problems with oil consumption issues and it failed at 99,800 miles. When I asked dealerships about the oil consumption earlier on in ownership, I was told it was when the oil was low, but not low enough to trigger a warning lamp. This is the same noise heard now when the engine runs. An increasing "ticking" as the engine increases in speed. The vehicle is available for inspection at KIA of Schaumburg who also advised me of the defects of this engine when they were able to receive it. Our safety was put at risk by the engine suddenly dropping speed abruptly without warning on busy roads and by inadequately warning of a defective engine. The problem has been reproduced successfully by both a KIA dealership and an independent shop, AAA of Skokie. It has been inspected by the manufacturer's representative. The warning lamps first appeared right after the vehicle lost power and went into "protection mode" and sharply dropped speed along a busy corridor. The vehicle failed a second time a day after receiving it from AAA Car Care Skokie from their initial work when turning onto a busy roadway, almost leading to a collision, with nowhere to immediately pull over. The vehicle's computer failed to immediately identify the misfiring until three separate turnovers and trips occurred.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2022
Check engine light continually emits., code states there is a catalytic converter issue., tire sensor light continues to emit., car idles high and shakes continually. Oil disappears and low oil indicator does not work.
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.
Engine, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming oil at an excessive rate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions, however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed her that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
March of 2021 I started to experience slow take off speeds also the car was riding a little rougher than usual when accelerating with engine light on. I took it to the Kia dealership when they advised me that my catalytic converter went out and had messed up entire exhaust system which they ended replacing which cost me $1800. September I noticed car was ONCE again riding rough with the engine light randomly coming on and going off, I figured maybe I needed an oil change because I was close to the mileage listed. THey advised me that my oil was really low and I should keep an eye on it. November I was trying to accelerate and the car was hesitant at this time my engine light was on while experiencing the issue. Took it back to the dealership they told me my catalytic converter was dirty and they cleaned it out which should fix the issue and my cars oil was once agin dangerously low, which they topped off because it wasn't time for an oil change. Mid december I went back to the dealership because my car was not accelerating properly and engine light was back on. They told me I had NO oil in my car at all, and my engine was not processing oil correctly, I would eventually need a new engine but as long as I kept oil in my vehicle it would operate correctly. While leaving the dealership it seemed to accelerate slightly better than before. I was able to hit 50 mph without an issue while riding in the middle lane my car started to quickly decelerate while my foot was on the gas pedal, I had to immediately move to the shoulder in the middle of traffic I almost was hit seeing that I was decelerating at such a fast pace.My engine light was on and solid when this happened I was able to merge to the shoulder without being hit or hitting someone.Turned the car off and started it back up attempted to get home car will not go past 25 mph. Car is currently not able to be driven safely
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.
Engine, Apr 2, 2022
Complete engine failure at 120,000 miles. Engine will need replaced. Old engine will be sent back for core charge. The car went in for repairs at a local car repair shop. Kia dealership has done all the recalls on vehicle. No warning lights or noise prior to failure. Getting on the interstate and the vehicle started misfiring. Car went into limp mode and had to take the next exit to get to a safe spot to pull over. Got towed to local repair shop. They pulled the heads off and found gray gritty material sitting on the cylinders. There was also metal dust in oil.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2022, fire
A loud bang was heard while driving approx. 35 MPH on a clear day. The vehicle lost all power, smoke started coming from the hood area and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Driver pulled over, opened the hood and discovered the entire engine compartment in was engulfed in flames. Passersby tried to extinguish the flame with fire extinguishers, but it kept reigniting. The fire department arrived and put out the flames. This could have been life threatening if the driver did not get out of the vehicle. Amica Insurance's claims processors and an independent forensic investigator engaged by Amica Insurance have concluded the engine fire was the result of catastrophic engine failure. The forensic investigator noticed an outward bump in the oil pan and indicated this was likely the result of a separation of crankshaft and or piston rod elements. The investigator indicated he sees about 10 of these engine fires each month. Kia's special unit that addresses their engine fire problem has been notified and are dragging their feet. We have not heard anything from them after filing a claim on or about 3/22/2022. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure event. Gauges and warning systems were all normal. The engine and the engine compartment are a complete loss. Other damage occurred as the fire department worked to extinguish the fire. The forensic investigator and Amica's claims processor have declared the car a total loss.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 30, 2022
I had my car “recall” checked out at a dealership. They preformed a software update but I have had problems ever since. I’ve replace the catalytic converter twice. Had to replace spark plugs after the dealership blew them all and only decided to fix one. I’ve had engine misfires and burning smells and have had those issues fixed multiple times. The car is not safe to drive. They won’t do anything because there’s no active recalls, but I am having these issues continuously. The engines either going to blow up or stall and someone including me is going to get hurt. Kia needs to be help responsible for this. I’ve had regular maintenance and oil changes my entire time owning the car. I shouldn’t be having to replace coil packs, ignition coils, spark plugs and catalytic converters every 4 months. My car is also burning oil like no other.
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.
Engine, Mar 25, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph when the vehicle's engine was making a grinding sound then it started making a winding noise as if it was revving up. The contact stated they noticed that something had dropped from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Smoke began to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The fire department arrived however the contact was unsure if a report was made. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not officially diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was open regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Engine, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2022
I recently had the engine related "recalls" done to my 2014 kia Soul car. The dealership made no mention of my bad engine noises on the service invoice or when he called me to come pick up the car that had "passed" the engine test and the ecu update. My faint engine noise is escalating greatly following the recall completion. After speaking a second time with the service advisor at Kia, he did admit the noise was present and said it was not my fault but, no coverage was available for me. My car was already over the extended warrantee mileage cap back when I received the initial recall notice so it seems I was always to be out of any engine repair coverage by Kia. I have a nice car in which I have overspent effort and money maintaining the engine better than the manufactures recommendations and it is basically junk now due to the engine prematurely breaking down. It sits in the street and I am without my car and I am far from alone as a Kia Soul owner. A car that is worth many thousands of dollars to me running is now worth only about $200. to the junk man. You can't find a good, affordable car to replace it with today. My question is: Why would the 2.0 Kia Soul owners not have the same, unlimited mileage warrantee on their engines which the other Kia and Hyundia owner's engines have received for these defective engines? I think it is criminal, literally stealing money from people by selling a defective item and not compensating the owners for that defect. this action also forces the customer to spend more money on another vehicle, way before the time it should be necessary to do so. I could have easily put 50-75K more miles on this Kia Soul car if it were not for the bad engine.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then emitted smoke from the front-end and rear-end of the vehicle began to smoke. The vehicle then shut completely off. The contact had the vehicle towed. The dealer diagnosed that a rod edge shot through the engine causing the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Vin is invalid.
Exterior lighting, Mar 6, 2022
2014 Kia Soul: Noticed some pretty dim headlights. In checking them out the lens over the headlight has orange peal cracking. On the inside. Took it to Kia dealer where I bought it with a 10 year bumper to bumper insurance policy. They told me it is not covered. To go ahead and call myself and find out. Still waiting for an answer. This is a definite safety issue. I only have 35,112 miles on it. Not happy...
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
Check engine light came on trouble code P050A
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2022, fire
I am unaware of what is able to be inspected of the vehicle at this time due to the amount of damage. My own and other drivers’ safety was at risk when my car began smoking and eventually caught fire. Nothing has been reproduced, inspected, or confirmed by any manufacturer, dealer, or independent contractor. I had my car in park for 2 hours before I began my trip. When I started the car up in the parking lot, the engine ran for about 10 minutes before I left. Within 2 miles of driving, the check engine light came on and the engine started smoking. I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely, put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and evacuated the vehicle. Soon after, the car ignited into flames under the hood and I called 911. The fire department extinguished the fire and reported to me that it was an electrical fire.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
I have notice that there is a burn smell or melting smell coming in my vent. Has happened several times it’s been a month so I reported to Kia dealership. They tested and said there is nothing wrong. It’s been two weeks since they did the test. The car is acting weird and not wanted to speed and it’s shaking. I’m aware of other problems to other Kia’s but my car is presenting same issues. No lights has pop indicating there is something wrong. I need help with my car or this will be a bigger law suit for the Kia manufacture. You don’t want to put peoples life in danger.
Steering, Feb 10, 2022
Power Steering went out .