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, Jan 23, 2024
I went to the Car Town Kia USA Florence 2185 W Evans, Florence, SC 29501 for the recalls on my car. My car still has engine skipping tapping knocking noise that gotten worst and my engine warning light is blinking while I'm driving. I reported back to Kia next day, and asked did they inspect and repair or replace the engine because of the recall. I was hoping they would put me in a loaner car or rental car until they fix the problem with the recalls. This is dangerous to drive a car in this kind of condition when it's my only transportation. It is not working to proper design it was made for. On the print out from yesterday the status shows partial completion when they are supposed to fix the recalls. I don't believe they fix, repair or replace what the recall was conveying.
Air bags, Engine, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and shook abnormally before returning to normal functionality. The contact retrieved the vehicle from the dealer following the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) and NHTSA Campaign Number 22V096000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Engine, Jan 15, 2024
Knock sensor and glow sensor is stuck on. Knock sensor has been replaced. Vehicle is still in limp mode. Has no exceleration. Engine light flashing. Have takin it to a Kia dealer and they can't find anything.
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2024
While driving, the ABS system turns on but the light on the dash doesn't turn on. The brake pedal is solid with the ground glass feeling while braking. The ABS doesn't disengage when I take my foot off the brake. My vehicle doesn't stop or slow down. I went through an intersection and red light because I was unable to stop. This has happened three times while I have driven the vehicle. I have since learned to shift into neutral to slow the vehicle but each time it has happened, the brake pedal is solid-firm with no slowing. No errors or lights turn on to indicate the ABS is engaged. When I took the car to the Longmont CO dealership, they couldn't reproduce the problem and told me I had air in the brake line. An independent mechanic was able to reproduce this while driving my car. When the vehicle is plugged into the computer diagnostic tool, it doesn't show a problem because the computer disengages the ABS system. The mechanic replaced the ABS sensor and was unable to reproduce the issue again. I picked up my vehicle and drove it several times without incident then going downhill it happened again. I shifted into neutral and was able to stop my vehicle before hitting another car. First time this happened was 12/25/23 most recently it happened 1/14/24.
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer stated the recall was closed. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 15 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check oil warning light was illuminated. The daughter restarted the vehicle and drove to school. The contact drove the vehicle to the local mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal engine failure and oil was added; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine, Jan 7, 2024
Vehicle was purchased from a private seller in August 2023. We took the car to get an oil change in late August, although previous owner stated it was 1500 miles away from needing one. We learned there was no oil in vehicle while being serviced. Oil was replaced. Car was driven for 3 months, then on December 2nd, without any previous warning, the check engine light came on. Car began to lose power and could not drive more than 35 miles per hour. It was taken to the shop, and found there to be no oil in vehicle. Again, it was not time to get another oil change. Car was not leaking oil. Upon this discovery, learned of the engine recall; and actually have the recall notice & knock sensor update invoice from previous owner. The knock sensor was updated March 2021. Car was taken to Kia dealership. They advised another knock sensor update and have not taken steps to replace the engine as the recall letter states they should do. Vehicle has been at dealership since December 5th, 2023. I have called numerous times, sent texts, as well as called the Kia Consumer Assistance Center, created a case; only to be passed around, with no return calls, or proper resolution. I feel the engine needs to be replaced at this moment. Dealership is not acknowledging the issue, and actually tried to charge for the knock sensor initially. I do not feel comfortable with a vehicle knowing it has an engine recall, dealership is not addressing the engine replacement that needs to happen, knowing the engine has already been failing, internally burning oil. When I call the dealership, they take a message, say someone will call back, and No one returns my call.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 4, 2024
Oil consumption and catalytic converter clogging. My car burns through 5 liters of oil about every 1,000 miles. I've already had the catalytic converter replaced and my mechanic said it's from excessive oil leaking, and the only alternative to fix it is to replace the engine.
Steering, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
i received notice in the mail that there are recalls on my car prior to receiving the notice i had recently got an oil change and i was informed that there is a little leaking and in recall number 20V750 the car can possible catch on fire so i waited for my appointment with the dealer it was inspected and they did not fix leak i had paperwork however i dont know what this [XXX] means what i do know is when i got my car back i was not operating correctly and the check engine light is on and it was not on when i dropped my car off to them i have made at least 5 phone calls reaching out to the dealer and i have not talked to anyone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 20, 2023
(re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. (XXX) NHTSA Recalls: 20V750; 19V120 Kia Soul began leaking oil as a result of rod bearing issues prior to 145,000 miles. Took to repair shop several times to refill oil because oil levels were rapidly depleting. This led to Engine failure, leaving my vehicle inoperable. Kia refuses to replace the engine. Class action settlement provides warranty extension to 15yrs/150,000 miles for effected vehicles. Settlement states, "You are not required to complete the KSDS update to obtain the Extended Warranty if your vehicle was previously recalled under NHTSA Recall Numbers 20V750." My vehicle was recalled under 20V750 and should qualify under settlement for warranty extension. Representative with Kia Customer Care stated on 12/20/23 that my vehicle does not qualify for warranty extension because the KSDS update was not completed. This violates the settlement agreement as my vehicle was recalled under NHTSA 20V750. Further, I purchased my vehicle from Archer Kia in Sugarland, TX. Any recalls or updates should have been completed by the dealership before selling to any consumer. Additionally, Archer Kia did not update me as the owner. The engine recall notice was sent to previous owner. I am requesting that Kia replace my vehicle's engine as soon as possible. I have had several phone calls with Kia Customer Care in which I am repeatedly put on hold or transferred. This has caused me to spend hours on the phone with no resolution. I suspect this is a tactic to delay and/or avoid honoring the court ordered warranty extension for a faulty engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine, Dec 10, 2023
My car only has 77398 miles and the entire car lost power while I was driving I had to safely coast into a parking space. The engine is making a knocking sound and the battery light and oil light came on. The car has had every oil change on time and documented since it left the dealership in 2014 with 150 miles. Every service has been performed on time as my mother who is a retired veteran of the airforce is the only owner. She gave me the car less than 3 weeks ago. I called my mechanic immediately after I brought the vehicle to a stop and he said this model is known for that and it means the engine is about to blow up. He advised me not to attempt to drive the car and now I am stranded 8 miles from where I live. I have read many forums about the engine problem. I believe a faulty engine is to blame for this incident. I read about kia extending the warranty on this but you are the only organization I know to contact.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and the intake manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 27, 2023
on 11/11/2023: Engine failed/malfunctioned. Engine stalled while driving on the interstate. Traveling 75mph. I felt some sort of slight jolt, looked down at the dash and seen my check engine light blinking. There was not an exit nearby so I proceeded to pull over. As I pull over all lights had become illuminated but check engine light was not blinking anymore and I had first seen my headlights dim twice, next the radio went out, then headlights then my hazard lights and eventually everything turned off. This happened approximately around 10:00 pm and I had made it approximately 20 miles out of town. I felt it was too dangerous to step out of the vehicle. I called for a tow truck to bring my vehicle to the nearest kia and found a ride home myself. My safety was put at risk by being stalled on the side of the interstate with no power to even have the hazards on with high-speed vehicles passing by me. Kia of Fargo, ND inspected my vehicle and found no reason as to why my vehicle had stalled.What they did find was a historic code for my catalytic converter needing to be replaced, which I had brought up to them and they advised me to make an appointment. For approximately the past 2 years I have been bringing my vehicle in to the Kia of Fargo concerning the amount of oil my vehicle is going through between oil changes. Sometimes it seems like the amount of oil "burned" varies but sometimes I can’t even make it until my next oil change without having to add oil into the vehicle. I have had multiple oil consumption tests completed. Which some of them did come up excessive. From there, they recommended to have an overnight cleaning but I did not notice that this did any improvement. The last oil consumption test completed I was told over the phone that my vehicle did not quite hit the mark where warranty would be able to cover it. I was told that I lost about a quart of oil and then I asked how much you have to lose and they said over a quart... attachments wont load. email
Engine, Nov 24, 2023
2014 Kia Soul started having engine trouble in July this year (7/8/2023). It was consuming too much oil and we had to get frequent oil changes and refill oil between service visits because the oil was getting low after short periods of time. Engine ended up completely failing making the car inoperable in late August. Later found out this vehicle is part of a recall/settlement due to a faulty engine. Kia did not send us any recall notices or notify us of any potential problems regarding engine failure. Called Kia Customer Care on 11/22/23 about engine failure and to schedule engine replacement. A representative from Customer Care stated that our vehicle did not qualify for an engine replacement in accordance with settlement (re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE) because a KSDS sensor recall (20V750000) was not completed on our vehicle. For the 2014 Kia Soul, there have been 5 recalls (15V123000, 17V608000, 19V120000, 20V750000, and 22V096000) According to NHTSA website, there is only 1 unrepaired recall for our vehicle (22V096). Kia Customer Care was dishonest about our vehicle's recall repair history to avoid having to replace a faulty engine.
Exterior lighting, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night at 45–50 MPH, the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over, and the headlights returned to operation but were flickering. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the connectors had melted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10170778 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 24, 2023
My check engine light was going on and off and I was told that I need to replace my catalytic converter. I went on line to see if my car had a recall it did show other 2014 souls but mine was not part of the recall #19v101. I'm wondering why mine wasn't part of it. I also had my engine replaced by Kia and after researching this I read that a faulty engine could have caused the converter to go. I'm trying to find out why my car wasn't part of the recall and if possible can it be added to the recall Please check into this for me and let me know
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and noticed that the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was the catalytic converter and it needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested to get the vehicle diagnosed at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light remained illuminated and blinked off and on. Also, a knocking and ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment along with a burning oil odor. Additionally, the vehicle would not exceed speeds over 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center which determined that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled; however, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
Engine, Firerelated, Sep 27, 2023, fire
The contact's neighbor owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his neighbor’s garage, another neighbor noticed smoke coming from the walls of the garage. The contact then stated that his neighbors were awakened by another neighbor alerting them of the fire. The contact’s neighbor was able to exit the home and notified the fire department that extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was inspected by an investigator who determined that the fire was started in the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, on three separate occasions, while his neighbors were driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that oil had leaked profusely from an unknown location and the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research, the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,006.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2023
As I was driving on the highway, driving uphill, the car began to rattle under the hood as I attempted to increase speed. When I came to a full stop, the car completely shut down. I popped the hood, and the coolant cap was blown off and coolant was leaking everywhere. I was stranded on the highway until fire and rescue helped pull the car off the main road onto a side road. Called the Tow truck who took my car to a place in Ardmore, OK. Called Bobby’s Radiator and auto repair. Upon inspection, the mechanic stated that “the motor is locked up.”
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 13, 2023
The contact called on behalf of his daughter-in-law who owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle owner had been adding a quart of oil to the vehicle every week. The contact's mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test produced DTC Code: P0420; and the dealer determined that the catalytic converter and the engine had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine could not replace under the recall because additional diagnostic test which related the engine failure to low engine compression. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter could be replaced under recall; however, the replacement would be pointless because the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he believed that the engine failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the dealer determined that the engine failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage unknown.
Engine, Sep 7, 2023
The car was having an oil consumption issue so I took it to the dealer where they said it wasn’t considered excessive to them and said to get the PCV valve replaced which I had them do. Then the car went into “limp home” mode while on the highway and began displaying a check engine light intermittently with a PO420 code. Took it to the dealer and they said it needs a new catalytic converter. It had just had the catalytic converters recall performed and when I talked to the service manager about that he agreed and said it was a latent defect in the car and that Kia would goodwill repair the catalytic converter. Kia denied doing that and continued to deny it even after I appealed several times. The car still has an oil consumption problem, still intermittently displays the PO420 error and has a check engine light on and last I talked to the dealer they said now the car needs an entirely new engine.
Engine, Aug 30, 2023
In 2021, my Kia Soul engine locked up entirely to the point of needing a total engine replacement. I received mail indicating that engine failure is part of a class action settlement from Kia. Due to the pandemic, I hadn't been able to find an engine or afford the replacement costs.