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.
Tires, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the front driver’s side tire pressure monitoring system would erroneously remain activated although the tire pressure was correct. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
Unknown
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.
Engine, Feb 7, 2022
Driving car at normal speed suddenly car would not accelerate. had severe loss of bower with no warning. engine stalled and would not start. towed to mechanic and was told engine needed to be replaced.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 67,500.
Engine, Jan 29, 2022
I noticed my 2014 kia soul 2.0 not taking off when accelerating and hearing a high pitched screeching sound coming from the engine almost like metal was rubbing against metal. My vehicle also has been burning a lot of oilsince I purchased it in 2018 (1 quart every 2 weeks). I have taken my vehicle into kia for 2 other recalls and mention the oil burning and was told it was normal. On January 20th, 2022, I took my vehicle to the Kia dealership because of the acceleration issue and was told it may need an engine replacement but now I'm being told the engine doesn't need replacing but it needs a catalytic converter and that this may be a result of the car leaking oil into the catalytic converter causing it to become completely clogged. This will definitely be considered a safety issue because this could cause a fire or make the vehicle stall therefore causing an accident. The engine and catalytic converter for 2014 soul+ 2.0 needs to be recalled.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2022
Brakes completely failed. It turned out that the brake line for the rear wheels rusted through where it bends near the rear wheels and all of the brake fluid was lost. I had just completed a 400 mile trip (New Hope, PA to Wash DC and back) and it was just my good fortune that the failure occurred in my driveway and not on I95
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact's mother took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy completed. The contact stated in November 2021, while driving approximately 40 MPH, while depressing on the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to park on the side of the road and was able to continue driving shortly after however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH. The contact stated she had to stop four times before arriving at her residence. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated after leaving the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics and was informed that the original main catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the original main catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,558.
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
Lack of power and would not go above 60 on highway. KIA of Des Moines says oil consumption and oil everywhere and that Catalytic converter clogged which made the piston rings blow out.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2022
While driving at 15-20 mph, the engine started knocking loudly, smoked a little and died. There were NO warning lights or messages. There were NO previous symptoms, the car had been running fine and the oil and water had been checked 3 days prior. My car had never leaked or burned oil. I was able to restart it, the knocking was very loud. I was a couple miles from home so I slowly drove it home stopping 3-4 times to allow it to cool. At home I checked the oil and all had drained out except what was still dripping out underneath. A mechanic friend added oil and started it, it still knocked loudly and he thought a rod and/or rod bearing were bad. I parked it not knowing what to do yet. A little over 2 months later I was notified of recall 20V750, SC200. This was during covid. Between end of Jan 2021 (when notified) and Nov 2021, I had been quarantined 4 times and had lost my job so I couldn't afford to tow to the dealer. When I did, Nov 22,21 the dealer would not honor the recall because an update on the KSDS on the ECU was not done. The recall letter said they would do the update and repairs. I researched all letters from Kia to their dealers, other owners and NHTSA. THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS or conditions regarding this. ALL information states the update will be done with recall repairs, there is no time limit given (other than an offer to recieve a free Visa with update that expired 11-15-21), and suggests to do it asap. Even letters to dealer had 2 Q&A letters, each had a question if there were any restrictions on owners, the answer is no on both letters. There are NO restrictions regarding the updated ECU, the warrenty, or condition of the car. Kia DOES give the dealers instructions for cars that are towed in, if stored, if they start, if they crank. Each of these INCLUDE updating the KSDS, again making the excuse I was given false. There was NO reason the update could not be done and my car repaired PER KIA'S instructions to dealers and recall owners.
Engine, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated after an oil change. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where various unknown tests were performed. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The consumer took the vehicle to Kia of Cherry Hill, NJ, who stated the engine could seize at anytime even though with the car having regular oil changes.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 6, 2022
Car has issues when starting up. When turning on, occasionally it will take time to completely turn on, its as if it’s not receiving enough power from battery, but then it will turn on with the traction control and engine light being on. I would have to turn it off and turn it back off for those light to turn off. I’ve also driven the car and it will turn off, but the light is still on, the engine just turned off. This will also happen when I’m idle and waiting to run the car. When driving, I feel something being moved and the traction light & engine light will turn on. Especially when I try to get more speed on the car. I’ve taken the car numerous times for this issue but each time they’ve told me nothing was wrong with it. I’ve replaced battery since this was what we thought the issue was initially. On the 3rd time I’ve taken the car to get fixed, i was told that the ECM is the issue. Took a month to get the piece and car fixed. Same day receiving it back, it was doing the same thing where it would not turn on properly and the traction control light is on. And now when driving the engine and traction light are both on more often.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 6, 2022
I had the Knock sensor recall updated on my car last year. This installation was faulty so Kia had to create a software for my car for the knock sensor. Recently, my car has starting losing momentum when trying to drive and it's slow to shift almost like it's stuck in safe mode which is what happened after the kds was put in place. I believe the software or the sensor may be malfunctioning. This is affecting my gas mileage and possibly harming my transmission. This could possibly cause me to be in an accident with severe injuries or death.
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
Live in Dallas,TX. In MS 12/29/20 when engine failed, no warning. Did not receive recall until 1/28/21. KIA Wilson Flowood,MS kept my Soul until I retuned in person to MS 4/7 and demanded they return my Soul. Admitted they had to finish installing engine. I picked it up 4/9. I knew before I left MS my vehicle was not running as it was before the incident. Took to Central KIA Plano,TX. Kept it several days but was told they found no issues. Soul still not running as before. Went for oil change 11/9 & was informed I had almost no oil. Said appeared oil pan not fitting correctly. Took to Southwest Kia Dallas. When I picked it back up was told oil pan had not been reinstalled property & same for the engine. Said multiple screws & bolts missing.They took pics & sent to their district mgr. I contacted my KIA consumer advocate. Bottom line was told my responsibility to take car back to Wilson in MS for them to correct poor workmanship. I do not feel safe driving my Soul for fear the engine will fail again. If it should happen on Freeway, especially in Dallas, I could easily be struck by another vehicle. I feel KIA should correct their issue & authorize a local Dallas dealer to do so. KIA has put it in my hands to correct. Why would I drive my Soul 456 miles back to dealership that did not repair it correctly in the first place? I have no faith they would correct the issues.
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
This vehicle has been a nightmare for half of the time that I’ve had it. I first took it back to the Kia dealership in 2019 because of the check engine light and told them it was pulling a 420 code I knew that was a catalytic converter which had been recalled. After a few hours of having my car they told me that no repairs were needed so they marked the recall as complete. I had to continue to drive with a check engine light on for several months. I brought it back again because I needed it to be fixed in order to pass the state inspection for registration renewal . At that point they did put on a new catalytic converter. Ever since then it has been leaking or burning oil. I’m not sure how it’s gone through so much oil but the oil light has stayed on more than it’s turned off despite putting a quart in every couple of days . For the last month I’ve been doing 2 quarts at a time. Two nights ago my engine light started flashing on the highway. My car was shaking violently. When I got to my destination my engine completely died and the car started rolling backwards in the street as I went to put it in park. I have since towed my vehicle twice to different auto shops. Currently they’re saying that it needs a new engine because of the oil problem and are quoting me $7800. I believe that this was part of the recall and that I should’ve received a new engine two years ago. Instead I have easily spent more than $1000 this year on oil alone. And I cannot afford an engine that is worth twice as much as the car itself. I am very lucky that I wasn’t stranded on the interstate and even luckier that my car didn’t catch on fire. For that I don’t credit the car I credit the fact that I slowed down well below the speed limit to finish my route.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
The engine on my Kia Soul blew about 3 months ago. My husband was driving on the highway when the car started acting funny. It lost the power to accelerate and steer. He was able to make it to a gas station where he checked all the fluids. He found there to be NO oil!! There was no indication light or warning! As a matter of fact, we had the oil changed about a month prior to the incident. We also had the car into the dealership for a recall about the knock sensor detection system, maybe 3 weeks before this happened. I'm very upset, Kia will not work with me because the car has a little over 100,000 miles. I just don't understand how the engine could have been bone dry with absolutely no indication of it. There were no oil puddles in the driveway, no smell of burning oil, and above all else NO warning lights!!! Nobody was hurt, but they absolutely could have been!
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) however, the check engine warning light started illuminating randomly. The vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense since the vehicle was no longer under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Engine, Dec 16, 2021
Vehicle is a 2014 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine. While traveling at highway speeds the engine began to run rough and the vehicle lost power. The check engine light did not illuminate. We pulled off the highway to a Kia dealership in Greensboro, NC with the engine continuing to run & idle roughly. The dealership replaced the spark plugs & coils believing it was a misfire issue, however the engine continued to run poorly. A compression test showed 30 psi in one cylinder with 130 psi in the others. The engine would require replacement at only 72k miles. The vehicle was maintained per the maintenance schedule, and fluids were kept at the proper level. Without any warning this could have caused an accident on the highway.
Engine, Dec 4, 2021
Engine consuming so much oil it caused several breakdowns while driving, including total loss of acceleration and very bad engine knocking/shaking. Constantly refilling oil to avoid these breakdowns. Integral engine parts failed including catalytic converter and cam shaft sensors. Parts replaced but issue is not resolved. Engine still miss fires and needed 3 oil changes in 3 months, in addition to constant extra oil being added in the meantime. Car isn’t safe to drive because breakdowns and miss fires happen without warning, without an engine light or oil light.
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.
Engine, Dec 2, 2021
2914 Kia Soul with 49,405 miles. Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated-No drivability issues were noted outside of a rapid idle at startup. Dealer scan indicated fault code P050A and performed ECU upgrade for $186.51.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 29, 2021, fire
The front of the car started to smoke (black smoke coming from under the hood) while driving on a highway and caught fire within one minute. The safety of the driver was at risk. He barely had enough time to get out of the car before the whole front of the car burst into flames. The driver had to call 911. The FDNY put the fire out with NYPD present. The fire was so big that there was nothing left to inspect after FDNY put the fire out. This was a total loss and insurance accepted the photos without physically inspecting the car. The car began to sound like it was running on diesel and lost power shortly before the smoke. No other obvious warnings or signs were noted.
Engine, Nov 29, 2021
Unknown.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 27, 2021
My check engine light goes on and off and its reading catalytic converter there is a recall for that as well on kia souls
Engine, Nov 20, 2021
Catalytic converter was replaced on 10/27/21 as well as Logic update. After driving the car 53 miles it got hot and started smoking and now the head gasket is blown. No warning lights came on except the temp went to Hot. Dealer says they won’t replace the engine.