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, Jul 11, 2025
** Component/system that failed: The engine and catalytic converter. An independent mechanic confirmed the catalytic converter is clogged due to engine oil burning and entering the exhaust system. The component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. ** Safety risk: The car struggles to accelerate, especially from a stop or uphill, and cannot reliably reach or maintain highway speeds. It revs at 3,500–4,000 RPM at just 20–60 mph. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when merging, changing lanes, or avoiding traffic, putting myself and others at risk. ** Problem confirmed: Yes. A trusted independent shop diagnosed and confirmed the engine is burning oil, contaminating the catalytic converter, and advised against replacing the converter until the root cause is fixed, or it will fail again. The Kia dealership dismissed the issue without testing, claiming it’s acceptable to burn 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. However, my vehicle consumes about 1 quart every 500 miles despite routine 2,500-mile oil changes with 5W-20 high-mileage oil. This excessive consumption is abnormal and being overlooked without proper evaluation. ** Inspection by manufacturer or others: Yes. A Kia dealership inspected the vehicle but refused to perform an oil consumption test, claiming the vehicle was “too unstable to drive,” despite me driving it 20 miles there. They blamed the converter failure on “normal wear and tear,” and denied the presence of an oil leak. ** Warning symptoms prior to failure: Yes. The symptoms began months ago and progressed over time, including: loss of power, high RPMs under low speed, poor fuel economy (range dropped from 350 to 310 miles), and difficulty accelerating. No warning lights have appeared. ** Additional note: This issue closely mirrors NHTSA Recall 19V120, but my Soul has a 2.0L engine, not a 1.6L. Many 2.0L owners report the same problem. I believe this defect should be investigated for recall expansion.
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a purchased from a Toyota dealer. An email was sent to the car salesman who sold the contact the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 112,485, it was later discovered that the mileage was approximately 138,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jun 16, 2025
In 2023 I had my car repaired at a Kia dealership due to NHTSA Recall Number: 19V120, KIA Customer Care Case Number: [XXX]. It mentioned in recall that the engines may need to be replaced. Even though the engine had made grinding noises when I brought the vehicle in for repair on that recall, the Kia dealership told me my engine did not need to be replaced. However, on [XXX] as I was driving, the car began making loud grinding noises, the check engine & oil light came on and white smoke was coming out of the back. I immediately pulled into a gas station & shut the engine off. After waiting several minutes, I tried to restart the engine and it would not start. The battery had gotten weak. I got a jumpstart from a customer at the gas station, and when the engine turned over a large cloud of white smoke came out of the back, so I turned it off again and called for roadside assistance who towed the car to my home. I had the vehicle towed to a local garage on 6/14/2025. I believe this engine failure is part of the ongoing issues with defective Kia engines. And also stems from the issues from the recall mentioned above because when I took the car to the service center for that recall, it was vibrating and making a lot of noise at that time, and I believe damage had already started to happen to the engine. I contacted Kia 6/16/2025 and they claimed that I was out of warranty and that everything would be out of my pocket, but I think this engine should be covered under all the recalls and the class action lawsuits because it’s a safety hazard when your car shuts down in the middle of a highway. I never received any letters from Kia except when I contacted them about NHTSA Recall Number: 19V120. The case number for that issue is Case Number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Vehicle is at local garage.
Power train, Engine, May 27, 2025
Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: My 2014 Kia Soul "threw a rod" (as confirmed by a Kia dealer in Jan 2025) at only 115,773 miles after years of regular (every 3-5K miles) maintenance. I bought the car used in 2017 and have documentation to show the maintenance for the subsequent years. The particular motor at issue is known by mechanics to have problems (according to my own mechanic and at least two others with whom I have communicated, as well as on-line research). However, there is no active recall on it, and the car is "out of warranty." As of the date of this complaint, the car currently is available for inspection upon request. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: It is my understanding that throwing a rod is a catastrophic engine failure and can result in loss of control of the vehicle, potentially leading to accidents, as the engine may seize or lose power abruptly. Furthermore, the broken rod can cause the engine to explode, leak oil, or punch a hole in the engine block, posing a risk of fire or further damage. I am lucky that I noted a reduction in engine power and my engine light and took it in for assessment before anything worse occurred. Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: I brought my vehicle into a dealer in January 2025, where they diagnosed the problem. Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: No Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes. The engine light came on and I had it checked by my mechanic and the dealer.
Service brakes, May 13, 2025
Went to back out of driveway noticed puddle of water substance near right passenger door grd. Thought possibly from AC unit, I had been previously out and about. Few days later went to leave no brakes! Had it towed, currently at dealership, so far report crack in brake line not sure yet why. Scary this could have been tragic.
Electrical system, May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The failure had occurred twice in one week. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated during the failures. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who provided the contact with information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2025
Vehicle Information: 2014 Kia Soul (Base Model) VIN: [XXX] Approx. Mileage at Failure:91,000 Incident Date: [XXX] Complaint: On [XXX], the catalytic converter in my 2014 Kia Soul failed. This follows the completion of recall SC176 on July 14, 2022, which addressed excessive exhaust gas temperatures caused by abnormal combustion conditions. While Kia representatives have claimed that SC176 is unrelated to the catalytic converter, it’s well understood that excessive exhaust heat can lead to long-term thermal damage to emissions components—particularly the catalytic converter. One representative even appeared concerned about the implications of SC176 during a phone call, before quickly changing direction. I believe this catalytic converter failure is a delayed consequence of the issue SC176 was meant to address, especially since the converter is part of the affected exhaust system. This failure not only poses a financial burden—since it falls outside the federal emissions warranty—but may also reflect a broader issue that other 2014 Soul owners could face. The component failed resulting in immediate loss of power on a US interstate highway. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate whether catalytic converter failures like mine are in fact related to the defect addressed in SC176 and whether Kia should be required to offer further coverage or corrective action. Additional Information: I can provide documentation upon request, including: •Receipts showing consistent oil changes and routine maintenance •Service records for all recall work performed on the vehicle, including SC176 (completed on 7/14/22) •A repair invoice for the catalytic converter failure (currently pending — my vehicle is still at the service department as of today, 4/16/25) •A timeline of communications with Kia Customer Care Please let me know if any of these are needed to support further investigation. I’ll gladly provide them once available INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted. 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 approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with cruise control activated, the RPM's suddenly increased to over 4,000 and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was previously informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced prior to the failure; however, the catalytic convertor had not been replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
I purchased this vehicle used just four months ago. Since then, I’ve had continual problems with it, costing me a significant amount of money. To date, it required all new tires, a new battery, and multiple problems related to the engine light turning on. So far, these problems have resulted in two sensors being replaced and my catalytic converter becoming so clogged that the car lost all acceleration while on the highway. A Kia dealer wanted $2800 to repair the catalytic converter. I then had to have it towed to private mechanic who only charged me $700 for the same repair. However, the engine light continues to go on. The latest later scan indicates that yet had another sensor needs to be replaced.
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
Catalytic converter overheated. Motor stalled. Wallace Kia, Stuart, Florida ran diagnostics on my vehicle. I brought it into Wallace Kia, Stuart, to get it fixed via the recall. They refused to do it. They said that the catalytic converter overheated and the motor has damage. I don't understand why they won't honor the recall and fix my car. They wanted me to pay for the diagnostics, but they won't send me an invoice.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 28, 2025
Multiple misfires, codes Codes P062E x2 P0300 P0303 P0302 P0500 P0267 P0264 P050B
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ESC warning light illuminated and turned off and on. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire while parked or while driving. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The part was ordered, but the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,806.
Engine, Feb 26, 2025
The engine stalls without warning while driving. It’s been at dangerous times on highways or just driving around town. There’s no rhyme or reason and has almost caused horrible traffic accidents. When calling the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall concerning engine stalling I was treated very rudely and told that there wasn’t any recall issues or problems. However, upon doing an internet search I find that to be a lie. I guess it would take me getting into an accident and suing Kia before responsibility is taken.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2025
I was driving and my MIL came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an OBD2 scan and it came back with P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold (Bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending CATALYTIC CONVERTER inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1.6L engine and not the 2.0L engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all Kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.
Service brakes, Feb 4, 2025
When I was at work and driving in the parking lot the brake pedal went to the floor. I realized that I didn't have any brakes so I used my emergency brakes to stop. I checked and looked to find the problem: the pressure brake line was leaking under the car before the gas tank. I got my vehicle towed home by AAA. The next day I called the local dealership for the part and they didn't have one and said they could not get one. I waited for the snow to clear here in NC and for the weather to warm up before attempting to replace the line, my next option was the vehicle recycling center (Junk Yard). When I went to look at same-year models and vehicles, they were all rusted in the same place. Please look into this problem before someone gets killed.
Engine, Jan 29, 2025
Rod bearing three has started knocking and is throwing a catalytic converter code
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
Kia won’t honor engine oil leak recall. Claims negligence on my part but I never had gross negligence. I kept up with everything I was supposed to. I had an oil change at a Florida Kia that may not have been picked up in system but they refuse to fix in warranty and recall. They let my vehicle sit for months and got upset to give any kind of update and was sketchy about diagnosis. The mechanic that worked on my vehicle offered me $1000 when told it’s not gonna work unless I get a new(rebuilt) engine. They said I’d need to tow it home. When I jumped the battery from sitting it ran just fine, as when I drove it in for inspection and of problem with engine. I need a look at my case with having the car checked about oil leaks and being told after inspection that it’s okay and the refusal to fix the engine in the warranty or recalls dime not mine. Thank you
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 22, 2024
Brakes are loud been changed to new ones, engine makes a small sound
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 26, 2024
Purchased car on [XXX] less then a week later I tried o purchase Sirius radio for car, however due to being a previous customer I didn’t get a fair enough price for purchase an decided against purchase all together. However due to linking my VIN number ( assuming) kia customer recall center contacted me the very next day called 3xs left me to vmail (still have all voice mails) as KIA Then continually called me and left me voice mails stating vehicle needed to be put in shop due to not safe to drive and I needed to get appointment immediately for recalls on said vin! I called KiA of Wilmington and waited In their waiting room for said appointment for over 4hours. Not only did they lie and tell me I wasn’t in office for that long they forged my time in and out, on said one page non informed piece of paper non receipt stating I was only there for hour an half. When I literally got upset asking demanding for information on what was so dire about my car they told me oh it was nothing my car was just fine. I took there nonsense paper got in car and left. 4 days later my car literally went bonkers the check engine started flashing car wouldnt accelerate then as it started it made a loud pop/ snap sound then seized up locking up so hard it gave me whip lash and wouldnt move another inch let alone provide sound as if car wasn’t still running. I pushed to my home less then 500feet away with help of neighbors whom plugged in my car to read the code which happened to be in direct connection to said recall supposedly checked replaced IN NO WAY FIXED yet said so even though the car had no problems till kia messed with it now it’s completely broken and kia keeps hanging up on me and will not fix or even look at my vehicle I EVEN pleaded I would pay them to fix it they won’t even contact me back. This has to be illegal. Please help me! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an abnormal sound and odor was coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the dealer requested for the contact to pay for the repairs out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Oct 22, 2024, fire
On [XXX] my 2014 Kia Soul caught on fire while I was at a gas station. There had been no warning lights, however when I first started it that day it acted like it didn't want to start. A man ran in the gas station and got their fire extinguisher and put the engine fire out. I called 911 , and when the fire department inspected it they said the fire was completely out. They filed a report and I had my car towed to Glassman Kia Southfield Michigan. It's been there since August 31st, and they still haven't told me what caused my fire. I've been in contact with KIA America in California and have been getting nothing but what seems like a snow job. The car is available at the car dealership for inspection, but only God knows if they have inspected it yet. I am [XXX] with no transportation for almost two months. This is just wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)