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, Apr 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT KIA NEW BRAUNFELS (3363 INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78132, (830) 214-7280) FAILED TO PROVIDE THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BY ONLY UPGRADING THE COP ECU LOGIC TO PREVENT OVERHEATING OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER HAD NOT PROVIDED AN IN-DEPTH INSPECTION OF THE PARTS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REPAIR GUIDELINES AS THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, Apr 29, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Engine, Apr 29, 2019, fire
MY ENGINE BLEW A PISTON AND MY MOTOR EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 65 ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP, MY ENGINE WAS SMOKING. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY 4 YEAR OLD IN THE BACK SEAT.
Engine, Apr 24, 2019
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. ALL LIGHTS WENT ON AND THE CAR STALLED. I HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND ITS 6000 TO FIX!!! I COULDVE DIED!!!
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND REMAINED IN SECOND GEAR. ALSO, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BENSON KIA OF SPARTANBURG (LOCATED AT 1100 N PINE ST, SPARTANBURG, NC 29303, (864) 585-3611) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN COMPUTER CODE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MANUEVER THE GEAR SHIFTER OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 23, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAD TO ACT FAST AND GET OFF THE ROAD SO I WOULDN'T GET HIT BY THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND COME TO FIND OUT MY 2.0 ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER FROM KIA INTERNATIONAL ROADSIDE STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TOWING KIA SOULS ALL MONTH FOR BAD ENGINE PROBLEMS. I HAVE 65000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. MY NEXT OIL CHANGE WASN'T UNTIL ANOTHER 1000 MILES. NO LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON NOT EVEN THE ENGINE LIGHT, IT JUST SHUT OFF OUT OF NOWHERE. ALL THE OIL WAS SUCKED OUT OF THE ENGINE, ON TOP OF THAT I HAVE TO PAY $8,000 TO GET A NEW ENGINE. A RECALL NEED TO BE PUT UP ABOUT NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD.
Engine, Apr 22, 2019
ONLY HAS 104000 MILES WITH REGULAR DOCUMENTED OIL CHANGE. BLOWN ENGINE ROD. AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN I ACCELERATED LARGE KNOCKING WAS HEARD
Exterior lighting, Apr 17, 2019
WHEN DRIVING WITH HEAD LIGHTS ON FOR A WHILE LIGHTS WILL GO OFF AND ON THEN OFF FOR A WHILE UNTIL LIGHT COOL DOWN
Engine, Apr 16, 2019
WAS DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL AND MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. PULLED OVER CHECKED AND ADDED A LITTLE OIL, AND WHEN WENT TO START THE CAR IT WAS SLOW TO START AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND REMAINED ON. OIL IS FINE.
Engine, Apr 15, 2019
THE VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND AT 69441 MILES ON THE 2.0 LITER ENGINE, THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH IT TO A SAFE AREA OFF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD IT TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A SEIZED ENGINE. I CONTACTED A LOCAL KIA DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER ANY WARRANTY. THEY ONLY OFFERED A VERY HIGH ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I OPTED FOR MY MECHANIC TO INSTALL A USED REPLACEMENT ENGINE FROM AN AUTO RECYCLING COMPANY. INVOICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS ATTACHED TO THIS REPORT. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE CAME OUT OF THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL KIA SOUL WITH SLIGHTLY LOWER MILES ON IT, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN WITH THE METAL CHIP IN THE ENGINE DEFECT ISSUE RECENTLY REPORTED, SINCE I DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO GET OUT AND HAVE TO PUSH THE CAR OFF A BUSY HIGHWAY!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 14, 2019
WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET OR A HIGHWAY, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WILL FLICKER AND THEN GO OUT. NO MATTER WHAT I'VE DONE ON MY END, NOTHING HAS SOLVED THE ISSUE, RACKING UP UNNECESSARY COSTS. ONCE IN A WHILE THE HEADLIGHT WILL STAY ON LONGER THAN EXPECTED BUT SUDDENLY TURNS OFF, MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING ON PITCH BLACK ROADS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2019, fire
LOUD POP IN THE ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING ~70 MPH. CAR BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED UP, THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PULLED OVER TO MIDDLE MEDIAN ON I-75 N AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT STARTED ON FIRE WITH 20-FT HIGH FLAMES. THE CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED. USAA HAS CLAIMED THE CAR AND BEGAN A FIRE INSPECTION. A/C HAD BEEN OFF AT THE TIME OF THE POP. ONLY THE RADIO WAS ON.
Engine, Apr 11, 2019
WHEN DRIVING, IT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE OUT OF NO WHERE HAD 2 SHOPS CONFIRM THEY HAVE TO GET INTO THE ENGINE TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT WAS INSIDE. THIS CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. NO REASON THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE GONE OUT. CAR WAS 4 FEET DOWN MY STREET WHEN IT STARTED KNOCKING REALLY LOUDLY. WAS NOT EVEN RUNNING FOR A MINUTE.
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2019
HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF OR TURN OFF COMPLETELY AFTER USING TURN SIGNAL. LIGHTS ALWAYS FLICKER OR TURN OFF AFTER TURN IS COMPLETED AND THE TURN SIGNAL GOES BACK TO NORMAL. HAPPENS AT EVERY SPEED WHETHER THERE IS A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR NOT.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 5, 2019
ENGINE LOSES POWER AT TIMES FOR A SPLIT SECOND. ACCELERATION SOMETIMES CAUSES A LUNGING MOTION. ALSO HAS DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING SPEED WHILE CLIMBING SMALL HILLS. OIL RUNS DRY WITHIN A WEEK OF REFILL.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 4, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. AFTER THE NOISE, MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE ACCELERATION. NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED THE PEDAL, IT JUST WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 5MPH AND BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE. HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Engine, Apr 2, 2019
I NOTICED A STRANGE CLICKING OR SPUTTERING OF MY MOTOR AND THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON A STREET, TURNING RIGHT AT A STOP LIGHT...AND NOT THE FREEWAY! FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND THAT ALL THE OIL WAS SUCKED UP OUT OF MY CAR. MY NEXT OIL CHANGE WASN'T DUE FOR ANOTHER 1000 MILES. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS! NO NOTHING OTHER THAN NON-FUNCTIONING CAR. RESEARCHED ENGINE FAILURE AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL ON 1.6 L ENGINES (I HAVE A 2L) BUT SAME ISSUE. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT HE SEES THIS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 2 MONTHS IN KIA'S. THE 2L NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL! APPARENTLY, AFTER RESEARCH ON THIS SITE, MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. PEOPLE COULD GET HURT! WHAT IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY??? OR, MY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE??? I'M SO GRATEFUL I'M ALIVE RIGHT NOW.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2019
VEHICLE IN MOTION,DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 12MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR FROM KIA DEALERSHIP SAID INTERNAL DAMAGE TO FUEL PUMP. LESS THAN ONE HOUR AFTER PICKING VEHICLE UP NOTED NOISE FROM ENGINE DURING ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DTC CODE INDICATED AN ISSUE WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Engine, Mar 29, 2019
MY MOTOR EXPLODED JUST LIKE THE 1.6 MOTORS THAT ARE BEING RECALLED BUT MINE IS A 2.0 MOTOR.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2019
FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRIGHT LIGHTS ON MY 2014 KIA SOUL. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE LIGHTS FLICKERING AND SPORADICALLY TURNING ON AND OFF UNTIL RECENTLY WHERE THEY WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING HOW I CAN FIX THIS ISSUE BY GOING TO KIA DEALERSHIPS, AND LOOKING ONLINE FOR A SOLUTION. I HAVE COME ACROSS SEVERAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS AS WELL AS ONLINE HELP SUGGESTING THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. IT IS SAID TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SWITCH AND/OR THE CONNECTOR THAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM. I'VE CHANGED THE BULB AS WELL AS THE FUSE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I'M GETTING TICKETS DUE TO THIS BEING AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT AN EASY FIX. IT'S SCARY TO DRIVE DISTANCES WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AND NOT KNOWING IF THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON OR OFF.
Engine, Mar 21, 2019
3/10/19 VEHICLE SHOWED FLUTTERING ENGINE LIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON RESIDENTIAL STREET (35 MPH). CHECKED, FOUND WAS 3 QTS LOW ON OIL AT 1 WEEK AFTER OIL CHANGE WHEN VEHICLE HAS SHOWN NO NOTICEABLE OIL CONSUMPTION PREVIOUSLY. MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOW ON SCHEDULE OR BETTER SINCE PURCHASE. DEALER STATES INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE @84,526 MILES - SYMPTOMS MATCH RECALL 19V-120, INCLUDING OBDII CODE & CATALYTIC CONV, BUT IS DENIED BY MANUFACTURER UNTIL THE POSSIBILITY OF LEGAL ACTION & MEDIA COVERAGE IS BROUGHT UP. IS NOW BEING 'REVIEWED' BY MANUFACTURER, WHILE NO USUAL DEALER ASSISTANCE - MOST ESPECIALLY 'LOANER' VEHICLE - IS PROVIDED. IMPORTANT: AS STATED IN THE NHTSA SAFETY REPORT, KIA DOES NOT PRODUCE VINS SEQUENTIALLY, THUS THE USUAL MANUFACTURER'S VIN DATABASE METHOD APPEARS INEFFECTIVE - A VIN SEARCH TURNS UP NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE, INCLUDING PREVIOUS ONES IT HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR, A RESULT REPORTED BY OTHER KIA OWNERS SPOKEN TO WHILE WAITING AT THE DEALER'S SERVICE CENTER. THIS MAY BE THE REASON FOR THE WIDESPREAD ISSUES WITH RECALL DENIAL.
Engine, Mar 20, 2019
RECENTLY FILED A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY 2014 KIA SOUL ENGINE FAILURE, MY ENGINE IS A 2.0 IT MAKES NO SENSE THAT A 1.6 LITER ENGINE IS BEING RECALLED
Engine, Mar 15, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS IF PRESSURE WERE BEING RELEASED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE, BUT SHORTLY AFTER, BEGAN SHAKING, SMOKING, AND MAKING CLUNKING NOISES. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OAKES KIA (2900 BURLINGTON ST, NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO 64116). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,350.
Engine, Mar 12, 2019
ON 02/15/2019 I WAS DRIVING ON COUNTY HWY H IN DELTA TOWNSHIP, WI AT 45 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND MY 2014 KIA SOUL LOST POWER. AS IT LOST POWER, FIRST MY OIL LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING ALSO. I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT AROUND AND DRIVE APPROX. 100 FT INTO THE DELTA TOWN HALL PARKING LOT WHERE I DISCOVERED MY ENGINE WAS SMOKING AND I HAD LOST NUMEROUS FLUIDS OUT OF THE ENGINE. I THEN CALLED A LOCAL WRECKER AND THEY TOWED IT TO THEIR SHOP. A&L AUTO IN IRON RIVER, WI. THEY STATED AFTER LOOKING AT IT THAT SOMETHING MADE A LARGE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND MOST LIKELY THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I THEN REQUESTED THEY TOW IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN DULUTH, MN WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Mar 11, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL WILL EXHIBIT A STICKY OR NOTCHY FEELING WHEN MAKING SMALL ADJUSTMENTS. IT CAUSES FATIGUE WHILE DRIVING AND MOST DANGEROUSLY ON SWEEPING TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL WILL TAKE EXTRA EFFORT TO ADJUST.