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.
Air bags, Aug 25, 2023
I phoned your hotline today to report that I have been unable to get the dealership and the manufacturer to repair the SAFETY recall. She told me filing a complaint wouldn’t help me even though I kept telling her that I wanted to file a complaint. I asked to speak to someone else and she said because she was working remotely I could not speak with anyone else. So I saw I could file a complaint online, but that doesn’t seem accurate either. I am completely frustrated. My vehicle isn’t up to safety standards and I cannot get anyone including this agency to help me solve the problem. Thank you
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2023
Car knocks bad. Air has never worked well. Car had been stolen before. Insurance did not do anything. My insurance has gone up because of the security system scandal.
Engine, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the catalytic converter was clogged, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023, fire
I drove my car a short distance, parked, and turned off the engine. about 5 minutes after I left my car in the parking lot, we heard a loud explosion and everyone in the office stepped outside. My car became a ball of orange fire and burned for some time. It took 3 fire trucks to contain the fire and several other vehicles were damaged from the explosion. Pictures taken after the incident show the engine was gone (melted maybe). The inside of the car was also burned beyond recognition. My potential death was approximately 5 minutes after I parked my car. The gas tank did not explode; rather, the car burned from the front to the rear. This vehicle should not be on the road and the problem should be made public immediately.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to an undisclosed dealer for a routine oil change; however, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil level was low, and the crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer for an unknown manufacturer recall repair related to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound before the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called the local Police Department to assist in manually pushing the vehicle off the roadway. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent shop, where she was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the repair the contact was informed that the catalytic convertor and the starter also needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2023
Since September 2015 the car Headlamps malfunctioned. I made several trips to the Dealer and was told they are not able to duplicate my complaint. Presently while driving the headlights will go off and by bumping the multi-Function light switch, they would come back on. Please see attached letter & service detail that was sent to Kia without resolution.
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 19, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, a pinging-type noise was heard coming from the engine compartment along with gray smoke. The vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speed before the engine stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and flames and smoke were present coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire and police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact also indicated that during the incident the front driver's side door could not be manually opened from inside the vehicle and the key fob was used to open the door. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2023, crash
My car was stolen on June 30th 2023 due to the kia tik tok challenge. The officer at LMPD says is common. There were lots of kias in the impound lot! My car did not have standard antitheft installed. The car has body damage and the steering coloumn is trashed. From the theft This was a suprise to me. I had not notification from Kia about this trend. I was not offered software fix or steering wheel lock, which they say they are doing. I have had no contact from them. They have my address it has not changed. Now im left with a car I cannot drive. It also not covered for theft because of all the issues. This is the second time I have had major problems imobilzing the car. I had no use for 1.5 years and eventually a recall came in and they fixed. This car has been of the road more than on. I contacted the Kia dealership they refused to do anything. They told me to contact kia which i did online and by phone. Phone attmpt was unsuccesrull they just kept circling you around with key options and you would end up at the beginning again. I was able to file a report online, but its unclear of the solution it read someone would contact you. that has not happened
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
I have had issues with car stalling and not working. As a result, I've had to purchase another car. I found out via research that my car may have qualified for a recall or new catalytic converter which the dealership failed to replace years ago. Now I have a cat that needs a new catalytic converter and the catalytic converter was previously faulty. I'm literally paying for two vehicles while my Kia 2014 sits because I financially can't finance repairs and carpayment
Service brakes, Jul 7, 2023
While driving the brake warning light came on and immediately lost all braking. My safety and the safety of other vehicles around me were put at risk. Vehicle was towed to a repair facility and upon inspection the brake master cylinder was leaking and had leaked into the brake booster. Brake master cylinder and brake booster had to be replaced.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH uphill, the vehicle went into LIMP mode. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking onto the camshaft and onto the manifold. The contact stated that she replaced the valve cover gasket, the spark plugs, and the engine valve stem oil seal sets; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 and cylinder #4 were misfiring, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) as the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Engine, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The oil level warning light was illuminated. There was also an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2023
Excessive oil consumption, oil turning dark and burned right after oil change, engine knocking, engine stalling, check engine light did not turned on, no alerts of engine failure. Car started to stall on the freeway hazard to me and other drivers if car shuts down. This car is at risk of engine to blow and might cause a fire. Car was taken to a mechanic and said engine should be replaced completely, car was serviced at dealership and no problems were reported before engine started to knock. Dealership or police haven’t checked the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared even after engine knocking.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2023
The car hood fire shield compartment has been making raddle noises. I have heard pieces falling into the engine several times. On 6/24/2023 I attempted to remove the fire shield and black hard pieces started to fall out. I immediately took it to Moritz Kia @ 8501 West Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76116, (817) 560-6000. I spoke to the service person and was told "Don't worry about it, it is just the fire shield falling apart" I told him what about the engine compartment and was told that the engine is protected. This is not normal and I don't know what it is. It is coming from under the car hood falling into the engine compartment and there is still a lot more raddling under the hood when driving and falling out. I have provided pictures. I use this car to drive my wife to her chemo treatments. Please advise. Thank you for your time and effort.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2023
I was driving the speed limit of 60 mph and all of a sudden it sputtered and hesitated; stalling out while attempting to accelerate going lower speed. My vehicle luckily got a parking spot at an automotive repair shop. No warning signal illuminated during my driving incident. The next morning the engine wouldn't start, but eventually they get it to start. They got the "Check Engine Message Center Warning" showing during Road Test. The automotive repair shop did a diagnostic test on it saying that the technician diagnosed the problems to a bad fuel injector fouling out the spark plug #4 cylinder recommending to replace all 4 fuel injectors and spark plugs, my transmission has no dipstick, OE Factory Maintenance due and is required, tires were getting weather cracked and recommending tires soon, technician noted that the car had some oil leaks and needed to be diagnosed further, cabin air filter missing and need to install a new filter; recommend cabin filter replacement service: includes anti-bacterial duct service, Tune Up Items: Fuel induction service recommending tune up labor 3-part fuel induction system service to where tune up is due/overdue by mileage if not already done so, Engine Oil was Over Filled Dark/Contaminated with Fuel in Oil and recommended oil change after changing Fuel Injectors and Plugs (BUT, I had my oil changed about a week before all of this occurred), Air Filter: OE Maintenance Interval Dirty and recommended installing new engine air filter, Brake Fluid: OEM recommended service interval/Brake Fluid Exchange service recommended due by mileage if not already done so. I purchased this vehicle December 10, 2022 and then this all occurred after just 4 month of purchasing this vehicle. It took 3 weeks to fix this vehicle. I had this fixed and still I have to wonder how safe is it really? I'm concerned so much so that I plan on taking this vehicle to a Kia Dealership appointment tomorrow June 17, 2023 to have a Multi-Point Inspection.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ENGINE SECURITY CAR LOCK
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
While my wife was returning home from dinner one evening approximately 6PM in the evening, she was traveling about 35MPH when all of a sudden she heard a soft "POP" sound and the engine died. She had to coast to the side of the road to get out of traffic. There was no warning, no lights on the dash, nothing. Just a soft pop sound & that was it. The engine would not start so we had it towed to our mechanic. Before we did anything else, we called KIA. Apparently as the car was just over 100,000 miles they were not interested in all in what we had to say, but we could tow the vehicle to them to pay diagnostics to see what the problem was. We were told this by 3 dealerships. We had an independent mechanic look into this for us & found out that the oil was empty & that seized the engine. No warning lights on the dash, nothing. We tried to tell KIA this & they basically said in not so many words; "too bad, so sad". Apparently this is a widely known issue with the 2014 Kia Soul 2.0 engine which Kia has chosen to do nothing about. We can not afford the $10K in repair cost and now are without a car, that if there was any type of warning, this would not have happened to. It is a perfect condition car with no engine that is just sitting as we are getting no help from KIA.
Engine, Jun 8, 2023, crash
The recall on the catalytic converter literally happened to my car that caused piston and oil tank damage resulting in a new engine, but Kia will not replace the catalytic converter, even though they just told me that it is damaged and caused the damage of the engine. Instead they want 3 grand for a recall that falls under my car year, and won't acknowledge the recall because it was issued in 2019 and not open to me at the time because I was not the owner. This exact reason for recall is literally what happened to my car.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2023
This vehicle has a serious oil consumption issue. It was first noticed about three years ago and has been getting progressively worse. As of June 2023 it consumes a full oil tank in about 2500 miles. Oil warning indicators flash very briefly on occasion but the light does not come on until the oil is below the dipstick. I have had it looked at by my local mechanic and by the Kia dealer who sold the car. The Kia dealer did a test and said it did not meet their standards for a recall. There have been a number of times that the oil has gotten so low without indicator warning that the engine will start running rough. on 11/04/22 the engine began bucking and stopped running at high speed. It was brought to the dealer who stated "Active DTC P0300 and P0303. Swapped Cylinder 3 coil pack and cylinder 1 coil pack. Misfire followed. No signs of cylinder damage". They replaced four spark plugs and Cylinder 1 coil pack. They stated that the cause of the issue was inconclusive and they didn't think related to oil consumption. I have recently receive notice of a proposed class action lawsuit from "Kia Engine Class Settlement, POBOX 4133, Portland, OR, 97208-4133 1-800-944-1025. I confirmed that the VIN for this vehicle is included in the proposed case. It states very similar issues with many kia vehicles with the same engine. The lawsuit states "class vehicles have a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and possibly engine fire, and that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle's warranty."
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle, followed by the vehicle coming to a complete stop. The contact stated there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent and the contact was informed that an engine rod had fell out the engine, causing the oil to leak out the engine. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
OIL CONSUMPTION. I EXPRESSED CONCERN AT 140,734 MILES TO DEALERSHIP AS OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON EVERY 1000 T0 1500 MILES. SERVICE REP SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, $9.000. I HAVE JUST RECD NOTICE OF AN ENGINE CLASS SETTLEMENT. I AM CONCERNED IF ENGINE WOULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHAT HAPPENS.
Power train, Jun 1, 2023
Three repeat incidents, a few months apart, introduced same hazard to passengers and others: End of year 2022 (date not remembered): Car was stopped at stop sign at T-intersection to enter busy roadway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high revving, and unexpected forward motion of car lurched into busy intersection - almost collision. April 2023 (two incidents in same month): 1. Car was at lighted intersection on state highway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high revving (loudly noticed). Was familiar with condition so heavily leaned on break while RPMs continued to climb. When intersection light turned green, break released, and car lunched forward. 2. Car traveling in heavy stop-and-go city traffic in downtown urban area. Break was momentarily depressed and held. Again, engine RPMs regain to REV loudly. Pressed down on break harder and harder and could not control forward motion of car - almost bumped into car ahead of us. So, next put car in neutral and then in park then back in drive. Revving condition stopped. Made appointment with Kia dealership 6/1/23 to address, but I think this might be a recall condition to report.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 11, 2023
ABS light and traction light