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.
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was at a stop light, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was misfiring and that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to local dealer and was diagnosed with loss of pressure on cylinder #3. The PSI pressure was five. There was an indication of the vehicle leaking and burning engine oil. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.
Engine, Nov 10, 2021
I took my 2014 Kia Soul into the dealer to have them do the 2 open recalls on the car, the one to update the knock sensor logic detection system and they also replaced the catalytic converter. 2 days later after picking up the car & only driving it 50 miles, the engine blew (head gasket blew) and it overheated all the way & there was white smoke coming out and the oil was milky. The dealer said that I would not be getting a new engine (like the recall said) and that I could have the had the head gasket replaced for around $1500 or that I could pay from $5000 to 8000 for a replacement engine. I feel really let down because it seems like the dealer acted in bad faith and didn't even contact Kia about providing me with a new engine. Before the engine blew, the KSLD system did nothing to alert us (because I think the engine was already messed up) Any help you can provide would be great. Thank you
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.
Engine, Oct 20, 2021
Engine making knocking noise, car turns off while driving, it won't start sometimes, hard hesitates when gears change, I'm mostly concerned about it turning off while driving in a high way it happened three times already to me!
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, exhaust fumes entered the cabin causing a headache. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.
Engine, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted and would not go past 45 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, however, the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Engine, Oct 7, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) on 9/21/2021. The contact called multiple local dealers and was informed the closest appointment was on 11/8/2021 to have recall repairs. The contact stated on 9/24/2021 while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to decelerate its speed and the brakes pedal was hard when depressing. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver stated she saw smoke exiting under the hood and then the vehicle accelerated independently while depressing on the brake pedal. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The contact towed the vehicle to local dealer on 9/37/2021, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The dealer informed he had a salvage title and Kia manufacturer declined to complete recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,400.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2021
Unknown, issue is the vehicle will not accelerate or change gears properly on an incline. On level roads the acceleration is still very slow.
Engine, Oct 1, 2021
When trying to accelerate the engine does not go into the next gear causing the speed to stay below 60 mph.
Engine, Sep 21, 2021
Started experiencing engine issues around 100,000 miles/6 years with Kia Soul, including very sluggish acceleration, not shifting gears properly or when needed on Highway. A couple of different technicians/dealers looked at car and couldn’t figure it out. In June 2020 at 108,151 miles a Kia dealer/servicer determined the catalytic converter was the issue and needed replacement. Kia refused to provide a new one, as it was just outside the 6 year/100,000 mile warranty. Now in September 2021 the car is having the same problems and a Kia dealer/servicer determined the catalytic converter needs to be replaced AGAIN. Kia refused to replace, as they only give a 1 year warranty on the new one they put in June 2020 (doesn’t EPA require a 5 year warranty on new aftermarket catalytic converters?). Contacted Kia Consumer Affairs and have pending escalated claim for them to provide the catalytic converter this time. There is clearly something wrong with the engine that it is causing the catalytic converters to fail so soon. Seems very similar to the vehicles that were included in the $760 million Kia engine settlement.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that during a brakes and struts repair being performed by an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that there was oil pan leakage but could not fix the failure since the vehicle was under a recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil change and updated the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software. The dealer informed the contact to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles then bring the vehicle back. The contact drove the vehicle for 400 miles and the check engine warning light illuminated and the knock sensor went into limp mode. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed that the engine was damaged from the previous dealer Richland Motors (4653 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109) having the top engine taken apart and rebuilt. The dealer also informed the contact that it was normal for Kia vehicles to consume a quart of oil every thousand miles. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2021
My dash lights would flash bright and dim randomly while driving at first. A few weeks later my headlights would flicker from high beam to low beam and dash lights would still flicker. Now about a month into this my headlights still flicker but they have even turned off all while driving and I was told my brake lights go off as well ,dash lights still flicker and my a/c will not work/blow randomly so it seems to be involving electrical .
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.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon placing the key into the ignition and turning the key in the on position, the passenger side curtain airbag deployed without warning. No injuries were reported. The dealer was notified of the failure and he was referred to an independent body shop for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the body shop and remained in the possession of the body shop. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
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.
Engine, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact was uncertain if the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to failure. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. After a week, the contact was informed that because the software update was not performed on the vehicle, the manufacturer would not approve the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 111,436.
Engine, Aug 25, 2021
The engine started overheating when the vehicle reached over 150,000 miles. The oil in the car is burning rapidly. I have to check the engine oil daily and when on the freeway every hour because the oil is burning rapidly. When there is no oil the engine shuts down. The engine is overheating and I am afraid of an engine fire. I am constantly putting oil in the car because it is burning out rapidly. I am not sure why. There is a recall but I am not sure if I can get it because of the mileage on my car.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 20, 2021, fire
The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated her daughter's boyfriend was driving approximately 70 MPH with her daughter in the passenger’s seat, when they noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. The driver checked around to see if the smoke was coming from another vehicle and determined that the smoke was coming the vehicle he was driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the driver pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle and noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished with the assistance of the Fire Department. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to the local dealer and repaired under an unknown recall. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact stated occasionally the low oil level warning light would illuminate. There were no injuries sustained. The contact did not know whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to the dealer per the manufacturer's instructions. The nearest dealer declined to offer the any repairs or service on the vehicle since the vehicle was severely burned. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
Kia engine seized while driving. Check engine and check oil lights both flashed immediately before car engine failed. Car would not turn over but battery was still fully functional. It was immediately brought to a local repair shop where oil was cleared as a non factor in engine problems. I was also informed that the engine was completely seized and non operational. I contacted Kia Pride regarding engine issue and was informed that an inspection would need to be completed and would take 5-6weeks as they are having company wide issues with Kia engines.
Engine, Aug 16, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, smoke started coming from the air vents then the vehicle was filled with smoke. The contact pulled over, exited the vehicle, and saw there was fire coming from under the hood. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was unaware if there was a fire department report filed. No medical attention was received for the contact and his wife, who was a passenger. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and will have the vehicle towed to an unknown dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 105,230.
Engine, Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving up an incline at various speeds, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator without warning. The contact also stated that the check oil light would illuminate on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The dealer was notified of the issue however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 5, 2021
Had knock sensors replaced twice and engine is still knocking. Been noticing in the news and media that these cars are catching on fire and the knock sensors were designed to go into limp mode so it doesn’t catch on fire and I’m stuck with it and can’t drive it anymore because it’s in limp mode. The check engine light is flashing for the knock sensors p1326. I need help with getting Kia to get this fixed. It’s not safe to drive on the road.