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.
Steering, Mar 26, 2016
THE STEERING WAS MAKING A POPPING AND GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING. WE TOOK IT IN FOR THE STEERING RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ( JANUARY). THE STEERING WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE LAST NIGHT. THE VEHICLE HIT THE CURB. WE GOT THE VEHICLE HOME AND CALLED FOR TOWING TODAY TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. NO ONE WAS INJURED. MY PARENTS ARE NOT SAFE DRIVING BACK AND FORTH TO THEIR DOCTORS VISITS IN THIS VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECEIVE AN APPOINTMENT TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALERS DID NOT INDICATE WHEN THE REPAIR WOULD BE SCHEDULED AND NO INFORMATION ON PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO RECEIVE A REASONABLE DATE TO BE REFERRED TO A DEALER TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE A REMEDY TO THE DEALER TO RECEIVE A RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine, Jan 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SKID LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Engine, Jan 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500.
Steering, Jan 8, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE NECK, CHEST, AND RIGHT ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SALVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. ...UPDATED 03-10-16 *BF *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2016
HEADLIGHT WAS INTERMITTENTLY GOING ON AND OFF. WOULD WORK FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER TURNING IT ON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DAY, BUT SEEMED TO GO OUT AFTER IT WAS WARMED UP. WENT TO CHANGE THE BULB AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PLUG THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULB PLUGGED IN TO WAS PARTIALLY MELTED AND BROWN, AS IF IT HAD OVERHEATED OR CAUGHT ON FIRE BRIEFLY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY. NOTES FROM DEALERSHIP BELOW: COMPLAINT C/S PASS HEADLIGHT IS OUT AND THE OUTLET IS BURT CHECK AND ADVISE CAUSE FOUND INTERNAL CONNECTOR TO BULB BURNT/MELTED. HAS ORIGINAL HEADLIGHT BULB. INSPECTED FOR BROKEN WIRES- FOUND NONE CORRECTION JCO HEADLIGHT ASSY, UNDER WARRANTY
Steering, Dec 28, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Steering, Dec 22, 2015
ENTER INTO A RETAIL INSTALLMENT SALE CONTRACT ON DECEMBER 2ND 2015.ON DECEMBER 18 TH MY WIFE RECEIVED A CALL FROM CARSON TOYOTA WHO STATED MERRY CHRISTMAS,I HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU,CAN YOU COME IN WE CAN LOWER YOUR PAYMENTS, I TOLD HIM WE ARE OKAY WITH OUR PAYMENTS,ALSO I ADVISE HIM THAT MY HUSBAND IS AT THE DOCTOR. HE STATED TELL MY HUSBAND HE CAN GET A LOWER PAYMENT .I TOLD HIM ARE YOU SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON, HE STATED WE DO NOT PLAY. SO ME AND MY HUSBAND SWING BY ON MONDAY. WHEN WE ARRIVED THERE MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED A THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE DOWN PAYMENT. I ADVISE THEM THAT IT HAS BEING TWENTY DAYS SINCE WE SIGN THE CONTRACT .FIRST THEY DID NOT WANT US TO LEAVE WITH THE VEHICLE. SO WE TOLD CAN WE TAKE OUT PERSONAL EFFECTS FROM THE CAR ,THEY CAME BACK AND TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE BACK THE CAR CAUSE MY HUSBAND CREDIT SCORE AND HE MUST GIVE ANOTHER THOUSAND DOLLARS ,THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND TAKE THE CAR AND SEE IF HE CAN BRING IN AT LEASE 250$ I ADVICE THEM I WILL SEE LEGAL ADVICE. THEY STATED THEY HAVE MANY ATTORNEYS I KNEW SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT MY HUSBAND LOOKED SO STRESS OUT HE WORK AND RETURN LATE AT NIGHT I KEPT THINKING.I CAME HOME CAME ON THE COMPUTER DID A LITTLE INVESTIGATION . I DISCOVER THAT THIS VEHICLE HAVE A DEFECT AND THIS DEALER KNEW AND THE DEFECT WAS NOT REMEDIED,INSTEAD THEY CONTINUED TOTAKE ADVANTAGE OF US AND STILL HAVE NOT DISCLOSE THE TRUTH OF THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. THANKS IN ADVANCE REGARDING THIS ISSUETHE FAULT OR PROBLEM THAT CREATED THE UNSAFE CONDITION ARE IF A DRIVER CONTINUE TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE THIS COULD IMPAIR ACCELERRATION AND INCREAS THE RISK OF A CRASH
Seat belts, Aug 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Steering, Air bags, Wheels, Aug 17, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AS THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V332000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Engine, Aug 13, 2015
SOUL+ HAS ROTTEN EGG/EXHAUST SMELL COMING INTO THE CABIN AS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. CANNOT BE DRIVEN WITH WINDOWS ALL THE WAY UP. DOESN'T MATTER IF AC/HEAT IS ON OR OFF. PERIODICALLY, SMELL COMES AND GOES AS IT IS DRIVEN. DOES NOT MATTER IF IT IS SURFACE STREETS OR HIGHWAY DRIVING...ALTHOUGH IT IS MORE PREVALENT AT 70+MPH. IRRITATES MY ASTHMA...LUNGS HURT AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES AND COUGHING PERSISTS ACCOMPANIED BY A HEADACHE. VEHICLE IS DRIVEN TO AND FROM WORK UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. IT WAS TAKEN IN TO BE SERVICED AND THE TECH TOLD ME TO USE ONLY TOP TIER FUELS. I HAVE USED THEM EXCLUSIVELY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS...SEEMS EVEN WORSE. APPEARS TO BE A LEAK IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BEFORE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND/OR A BLOCKED CAT. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. I TRIED TO DRIVE IT THREE HOURS AWAY TO VISIT FAMILY A MONTH AGO AND HAD TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN OR MY DAUGHTER WOULD COMPLAIN OF THE SMELL. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED, THERE IS ALSO A MUSTY/DAMP SMELL WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED. VEHICLE IS GOING BACK IN TOMORROW MORNING. VEHICLE HAS APP. 7500 MILES ON IT...SO RELATIVELY NEW.
Visibility, Jul 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2015, fire
TAKING A DAY TRIP TO THE CRAYOLA FACTORY, WE WERE 10 MILES FROM OUR DESTINATION WHEN WE FIRST SMELLED SMOKE THEN SAW IT COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS AND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. I FIRST CHECKED THE GAUGES TO SEE IF IT WAS OVER HEATED, NOTHING. POPPED THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN WE REALIZED IT WAS ON FIRE. WE RACED TO GET THE 2 SMALL KIDS OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE FLAMES WERE STARTING TO OVER TAKE THE FRONT HOOD. WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE THE KIDS AND GET FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE BUT 3 MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS GUTTED. NOTHING BUT METAL LEFT ON THE INSIDE. WE HAD NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, NO ENGINE LIGHT, NO OVERHEATING - JUST SMELLED AND THEN SAW SMOKE. WE WERE LUCKY WE HAD A PLACE TO PULL OFF ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD BY THE POLICE OFFICER THAT I'M LUCKY THAT I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND OPENED THE DOORS BEFORE THE LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AS HE HAS SEEN IN OTHER KIA CARS. MY HOPE IS THAT KIA CAN FIND THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE AND DO A RECALL BEFORE ANYONE ELSE IS FACED WITH THIS NIGHTMARE. I REPORTED IT TO KIA VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, BUT THEY SEEMED MORE CONCERNED ON HOW TO TAKE MY PICTURES OFF RATHER THAN FIX THE ISSUE. *TR UPDATED 11/02/2017*CN
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2015, crash, fire
THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONED, AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. TWO BYSTANDERS COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL ENGAGED. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE GLASS, MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN OPEN THEM - THE DOORS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER UNLOCKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SUPPOSED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - THEY DID NOT.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2015
2014 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS THE VEHICLE WOULD BOUNCE AND ROCK. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT, SHE NOTICED A RUSTED AREA WITH A RUSTED BOLT HOLDING TWO PIECES COMPONENTS TOGETHER. *JB
Air bags, May 7, 2015, crash
HIT A STOPPED UPS DELIVERY VAN ON A MAJOR ROAD AS HE WAS MAKING A DELIVERY. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT AND HIT THE LEFT REAR CORNER OF HIS VEHICLE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY KIA SOUL. THE VEHICLE BECAME SLIGHTLY AIRBORNE AND TURNED MORE THAN 90 DEGREES, ALMOST FACING THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. MY HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING SEVERE LACERATIONS TO MY FOREHEAD AND RIGHT SIDE OF MY FACE INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN TIME TO PREVENT SUBSTANTIAL INJURY. ALTHOUGH THE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY AT SOME POINT, THERE WERE NO VISIBLE INDICATIONS OR PAIN THAT THE AIRBAG DID IN FACT MAKE CONTACT WITH ANY PART OF MY FACE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2015
MY 2014 KIA SOUL WHICH I LEASED FOR 39 MONTHS IN JULY 2014, JUST HAD A RECALL FOR A FAULTY GAS PEDAL THAT MAY FRACTURE UNDER EXCESSIVE PRESSURE. ITS GREAT THAT I AM GETTING THE PROBLEM FIXED FOR FREE BUT I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA AND THE MAIN REASON I CHOSE KIA WAS BECAUSE THEY ARE ONE OF THE SAFEST CARS OUT THERE. I HAVE A FOUR YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I CHOSE KIA BECAUSE OF HER AND WANTED HER TO BE SAFE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. TO LEARN THAT SINCE THE DAY I LEASED MY CAR WHICH IS ALMOST A YEAR AGO, I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER AROUND IN A CAR THAT COULD HAVE POTENTIAL CAUSED HER INJURY OR WORSE IS VERY DUE TO MY GAS PEDAL BREAKING IS ALARMING TO ME, MY DAUGHTER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND PRECIOUS THING TO ME IN MY WHOLE LIFE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT FIXING THE GAS PEDAL FOR FREE IS ENOUGH AND THAT SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO MAKE UP FOR ALL THE TIMES I WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER IN A VEHICLE THAT I THOUGHT WAS VERY SAFE WHEN IT WAS NOT. I WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO GET OUT OF MY LEASE SO THAT I HAVE THE FREEDOM TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE FOR MY DAUGHTER. ANYONE WITH KIDS SHOULD KNOW EXACTLY HOW I FEEL AND WILL SYMPATHIZE WITH MY SITUATION. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,808.
Visibility, Structure, Mar 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER CLOSING THE DRIVER DOOR, THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2015, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN MY 7 MONTH OLD KIA SOUL, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE. ALL OF SUDDEN BLACK SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT OF MY AIR VENTS. I WENT TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE IT COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I THEN WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING INTO THE CAR. I HAD TO JUMP OVER THE CONSOLE TO GET OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MY DISABLED DAUGHTER WAS IN THE BACK SEAT AND I HAD A HARD TIME GETTING HER OUT BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS KEPT ENGAGING. I DID GET HER OUT AND BY THEN THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. A PASSERBY STOPPED TO HELP US AND WE DROVE A SAFE DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE. AS I CALLED 911 TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT, I COULD HEAR MY WINDOWS BLOWING OUT. IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPT. 15 MINUTES TO GET THERE AND BY THEN THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT OF IT BUT THE FRAME. I HAVE WRITTEN AND CALLED KIA TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS INCIDENT. I ALSO SENT PICTURES OF THE CAR AND A VIDEO OF IT BURNING. THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY CHECKING INTO IT, BUT THIS HAPPENED ON FEB. 6, 2015 AND I HAVE STILL NOT HEARD FROM THEM. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 7, 2015
BATTERY DIED, DEFECTIVE, REPLACED WITH A NEW AFTERMARKET BATTERY. *TR
Air bags, Wheels, Feb 14, 2015, crash
THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED RESULTING FROM DRIVER ERROR IN A DARK RURAL AREA, SHARP S CURVE AND RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GUARDRAIL AND OVER A SLIGHT DITCH, THEN INTO A FENCE. DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FOR EITHER OF THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS. AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AS NOTED IN POLICE REPORT. CHECKED FOR ANY OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VIN, HOWEVER, 2012 KIA SOUL HAD RECALLS FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS. INTERESTING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2015
AT ZERO OR NEAR ZERO MPH SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AS IT NORMALLY DOES. THIS CAUSES ME CONCERN THAT I WILL MISJUDGE HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE WHEN PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IN FEB. 2014. IT HAS CONTINUED THRU TODAY, JAN 26TH, 2015. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID IT MAY BE DUE TO MY DRIVING IN "ECO" MODE. THEY SAID I SHOULD ONLY USE "ECO" MODE ON THE FREEWAY. I BEGAN USING THE "REGULAR MODE" RIGHT AWAY , AROUND TOWN. I USED "ECO" MODE WHEN DRIVING FROM PHOENIX, AZ TO SAN DIEGO, CALIF. THIS WEEKEND. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH MODE I AM IN OR WHAT ROAD, I'M ON ; IT STILL DOES IT OCCASIONALLY. I CANNOT TELL WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. IT CAN HAPPEN AT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN, OR WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY. I FEEL THAT IT IS A VERY "UNSAFE" CONDITION AND THAT KIA SHOULD BE MADE TO CREATE A FIX. I TRADED IN A 2010 SOUL FOR THIS CAR AND AM THINKING I WAS A LOT SAFER WITH THE OLD ONE!! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 26, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,200.
Service brakes, Jan 23, 2015, crash
I PARKED MY CAR AT THE TOP OF MY FRIEND'S VERY STEEP DRIVEWAY. I NEVER PARK DOWN IT BECAUSE WITH THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR, I ALMOST GOT STUCK ONCE NOT BEING ABLE TO GIVE THE VEHICLE A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF GAS TO ACCELERATE UP THE STEEP GRADE. I NORMALLY PARK OFF THE ROAD AT THE TOP, BUT DECIDED TO PARK FACING OUT FROM THE DRIVEWAY. EVEN AT THE TOP, THERE IS A GRADE, BUT IT IS NOT RIDICULOUS. I PARKED IN 1ST GEAR (MANUAL) AND PUT THE E-BRAKE ON. MY FRIEND AND I WERE IN HER WALK-OUT BASEMENT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A DOOR SLAMMING SHUT. WE WENT TO THE DOOR AND SAW MY CAR HAD ROLLED DOWN THE 200' DRIVEWAY AND IN TO HER DECK. THE BASEMENT DOOR IS UNDER THE DECK. THE CAR WAS HOLDING THE DECK UP AND THE DECK WAS KEEPING THE CAR FROM CONTINUING OVER A RETAINING WALL AND DOWN A 30' DROP. WE CALLED 911 BECAUSE OF THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE, THE CAR AND DECK STILL MAKING NOISE, NOT KNOWING HOW LONG IT WOULD HOLD, AS WELL AS US BEING TRAPPED IN THE BASEMENT UNTIL IT WAS SECURED. ONCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD THE WHEELS CHOCKED THEY OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO MAKE SURE THE E-BRAKE WAS ON. THEY VERIFIED THAT IT WAS, IN FACT, ENGAGED. THIS WAS ALL PUT IN THE POLICE REPORT. THERE IS OVER $7K DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND $4K TO THE DECK. KIA INSPECTED TODAY AND DIDN'T FIND ANY DEFICIENCY IN THE E-BRAKE. I HAD THE SINKING SUSPICION THAT NOTHING WOULD BE FOUND. IT MAY HAVE BEEN A MIXTURE OF EVENTS THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT IT STILL HAPPENED AND WAS STILL A MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT NO ONE-YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD HAVE. *TR