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, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2024
My 2014 Kia Soul ! has had 2 codes, P1326 which is related to a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) which has ties to a known Rod Bearing issue. And a P0420 code related to the Catalytic converter. There was a lawsuit which led to a Recall issued for this vehicle, however, it appears only for 1.6L engine. Mine is 2.0. Just basic online searches have discovered an overwhelming amount of other owners of 2.0 also getting the same issues with there's as well.
Engine, Oct 16, 2024
The engine light and oil light were coming on and the engine was making horrible noises. My wife called me and we had it towed to the nearest dealer, Allentown KIA. The paperwork we received from KIA stated if those 3 things occur, get towed and the dealer will look the car over over. According to the paperwork that we received it could be possible for the engine to be replaced and in addition, a knock sensor recall should be performed. After sitting at the dealer a month before it was diagnosed, they came back with a quote for $9000 for the engine to be replaced because of upper and lower engine noise and timing chain noise, at my expense. I was told it was not covered because I never had the knock sensor recall performed. I never received any paperwork for the recall to be performed. I am a mechanic and I take my car to a private garage for all my service work. I was told there were other recalls not performed. The second person from KIA said that because of an EVAP leak, the engine could not be replaced and they checked the rod bearings by not even taking the engine apart. The engine light is on, the oil light flickers and the engine makes various noises and consumes oil. I do not know what the real story is but I feel my engine should be replaced. I do not know what to do and I own another KIA.
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the front passenger’s side low-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that while activating the high-beam headlights, the driver’s side high-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side headlight assemblies had overheated and melted. The headlight assemblies and light bulbs were replaced but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact stated that the light bulbs and headlight assemblies were replaced on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2024
Please see the attached statement for a more detailed explanation. To summarize, Kia will not perform a recall to repair the knock sensor in my 2014 Kia Soul. The reason provided was that my engine needs to be replaced first. However, this recall calls for engine replacement if Kia is unable to perform the repair. The issues I am having with my engine are symptoms of a faulty knock sensor, which is the recall Kia will not repair.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2024, fire
This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX] (C.D. Cal.) (https://kiaengineclasssettlement.com/CheckVIN). A copy of the Sharonville Police Report, [XXX] is attached along with the Sharonville Fire Department Incident type: [XXX] to this vehicle complaint. These reports go into great detail of this event. Based on this manufacture, and their parent company Hyundai’s history of non-collision fires and the hundreds of prior complaints on file with NHTSA, one might speculate that while in motion Mr. Nash noticed smoke from under the dash and put the car back into park. An engine fire can go from nothing to fully engulfing a vehicle in seconds, and as documented with these vehicles rendering the electronic door lock inoperable (as noted in the [XXX] incident in the rented 2019 Kia Soul). In a panic he placed his foot on the accelerator causing the motor to rev to a high RPM. It was noted in the report he seemed distorted and unable to escape, this is to be expected. This 2014 Kia Soul would have been one of the 13,114,339 vehicles recalled for non-collision engine fire according to the Center for Auto Safety Hyundai/Kia Fire and Engine Recalls 2010-2024 report, updated on March 28, 2024. Kia was aware of this incident as well as the owner’s insurance carrier Allstate insurance, yet they both failed to fie a complaint with NHTSA. This behavior is inexcusable and jeopardizes the safety of every American on the road and in close proximity to these manufactures’ vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
UNKNOWN. Kia Dealership in Edmond Oklahoma is refusing to do the recalls on my 2014 KIA Soul because the engine has a knock in it which I believe to be from one of the recalls with the engine. KIA manufacturer said that they couldn't do anything about the dealership not fixing the recalls and to take it to another dealership.
Power train, Engine, Jul 22, 2024
My vehicles KSDS sensor was updated per recall. 2 months later the catalytic converter, PCV valve, and spark plugs needed replaced. After replacing and paying out of pocket in 01/2024, the check engine light began coming on as well as oil light. Vehicle began losing power and going into limp mode. Was taken to KIA and knock sensor was replaced 06/15/2024. Less than 3 weeks later the check engine light was on again, loss of power and check engine began flashing. Towed to Kia again to be told that I have to replace the engine out of pocket. This is a huge safety concern, considering the loss of power and all issues with Kia soul for any recalls or warranties have been the same issues with my vehicle. Vehicle had roughly 96k miles at first knock sensor replacement and approximately 104k at final issue.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
Vehicle diagnosed with code P0420. Upon further inspection discovered to have catalytic converter damage causing further engine mechanical issues and piston damage.
Engine, Jun 4, 2024
HIGH SAFETY HAZARD. Check engine light comes on continuously with code P050A. Have tried manufacturer recommended ECM update per service bulletin. All manufacturer updates have been done, authorized dealer repair says no fix. Unable to see other engine problems if check engine light is always on, and returns promptly after erasing. This problem is going to cost lives with other engine problems if not resolved.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the catalytic converter was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), where the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was upgraded. Additionally, the contact was provided an estimate for the catalytic converter repair; however, the contact declined to pay a fee for the repair because the recall repair included replacing the catalytic converter if damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 139,762.
Engine, May 25, 2024
Engine knocking, excessive oil burning. Dealer confirmed excessive engine consumption. Currently have less than 2 quarts in engine. Will not last until next oil change. I have two small children and vehicle and have to wait until engine seizes for engine to be serviced. Dangerous situation for my kids.
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2024
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Air bags, Engine, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and 22V096000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull 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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2024
I have a re call on my 2014 kia soul my check engine light is on the reason is I'm having issues with my catalytic converter I been asking for this repair to be done for over a month now kia has been giving me the round around
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
Check engine light on and there is no acceleration
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking noise and failed to slow as needed. The contact started tapping the brake pedal and eventually the vehicle slowed down and stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the turn signals and unknown warning lights failed to function properly. The contact stated that when the electrical failures occurred, the area of the dashboard surrounding the instrument cluster would be very hot to the touch. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine, Apr 19, 2024
The recall for the rod in the motor is not being honored due to me being a second owner. When i called about the recall i was told by the manufacture that because i purchased the vehicle with an open recall and was not informed that it had an open recall.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2024
The engine is consuming motor oil in excess after conducting oil changes. If it goes unaddressed after oil changes, it causes the pins in the engine to not operate properly. This results in a check engine light requiring the owners to get another oil change prior to actually needing one. Kia motors is aware of this issue; however are only willing to replace the engine if it fails due to pins and not the excessive oil consumption if your mileage is over the 10 year/100,000 miles. Both issues are interrelated and the engine needs to be replaced regardless!
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2024
At a speed of 50+ the car wants to shake and sputter as if trying to die out. Oil, all fluids faithfully changed since purchased, along with rotatable tires.fuel pump good, many trips to local dealership but nothing completely resolved as informed. Aside air bag never checked or replaced. Desperately need assistance in resolution please.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 11, 2024
The recalls on my car has not yet been resolved. I took the car to CarTown Kia Florence South Carolina and the one in Columbia. First time was at CarTown Kia Florence, they had every excuse that they were short of staff and my car sit there for over a month and claim that I needed to fix the head gasket was the issue in order to do the engine inspection and fix the recall. I took it to the Columbia location and they didn't do the recall but gave me a list of things and mentioned that the recall was not covered under the recall warranty. I'm not sure what that means when I clearly have a recall issue and the car is doing exactly that according to the issues for the recall. I told both places my car was doing exactly what the issues are stating in the recall in order to remedy it according to the remedy. But nothing has been done to fix the recalls issue.
Engine, Apr 3, 2024, fire
While driving, the engine failed and began to smoke then was on fire.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
Check engine light came on about a month ago and shows bad catalytic converter it is available for an inspection...will not pass inspection so it sits in my driveway
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the catalytic coveter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2024
When first taking off in it in the mornings, it jumps and goes very fast and reverse. There’s no control in it. I have no brakes they go all the way down so the car just like flies backwards when I’m backing out of my garage I don’t even even have to hold the gas it’s going it’s gonna fly out anyway and when it does that the brakes go completely completely to the floor.