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 and engine cooling, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the vehicle was also repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, after the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for another inspection. The contact then stated that a year later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light then illuminated. The contact stated that he veered the vehicle off the road and parked. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall had expired and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor then the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Valvoline Service Center where an oil change was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, an engine flush, and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was determined that the vehicle needed to be taken back to Valvoline where the oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken back to Valvoline where the oil type was changed, and the vehicle diagnosed and determined that the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPMs rapidly increased to 4,000 but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light illuminated, and an alert illuminated on the touch screen that displayed “Engine compartment failure emergency contact Kia”. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils and wiring harness needed to be replaced. Additionally, the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software was upgraded; however, the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact notified the dealer of the failure, and the contact was informed that due to the check engine warning light not being illuminated, the vehicle could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was slow to respond and failed to move. After the vehicle responded, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat sensor and protector shield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,119.
Electrical system, May 3, 2023, crash
My car was stolen by a minor who had a USB cable and internet instructions. My car was lacking proper if any anti theft technology by Kia. Because Kia is aware of this issue and did nothing not only myself but anyone who drives a Kia is at risk for a theft or car jacking. The car was recovered and inspected by local police. No car should be made available for purchase without security features that keep you and your property safe. Who knows how things could have ended if there was a direct confrontation. If one is crazy enough to steal a car, one may be nuts enough to have a gun.
Electrical system, Engine, May 2, 2023
I brought my vehicle into an authorized dealer when my check engine light came on, having just been made aware of the recall notice when I took it in for an oil change earlier that day. He said the recall came about when cars of my make/model/year started catching fire out of nowhere due to engine issues. Given that my car is still under the mileage warranty, at 95k miles, the person at the dealership service center said it would likely be covered & the recall would qualify me for a new engine altogether. I got a call back a few days later that my catalytic converter was plugged, and that I would owe just under $3000 for the repair, as my vehicle did not show the correct diagnostic code to be covered. Once I spoke with KIA's corporate consumer satisfaction line, they agreed to bring the car out & retest it. The woman from the service center informed me that the whole engine does in fact need to be replaced now, not just the converter as they initially said, but that it still isn't spitting out the code necessary during diagnostic testing, to qualify it for a recall replacement. Under SC176, my issues exactly are being described as the symptoms & causation for the recall, and yet the diagnostic code does not match. My car is currently still at the dealership's service center, and I am getting some consultation as to whether or not this is a fix that's worth it, at this point.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact’s wife turned off and restarted the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2023
2014 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTS IN VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO, AND COVERED, BY ONE OR MORE RECALLS THAT APPLY TO THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2023
Catalytic Converter malfunction and it was check by my mechanic at Hillebrand Automotive. It causes my 2014 Kia Soul to stop running in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights, massages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This happened 3 months ago. On January 21, 2023. It's still down because i can't afford to have it fix.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked significantly and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving under 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer declined to cover the repair as the vehicle had passed the bearing clearance test. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2023
My check engine light came on and took it to Coastal Kia. Was told the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. After checking it’s not on the recall list but why are some on recall and not others. It started with the light at 127,000 miles. At first it would only stay on for a few days and then go off. Now it stays on all the time. I’m going to have it replaced but trying to find out why only some of the 2014 Souls are under recall
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2023
Since I bought this car, I have experienced hesitation, stalling, high RPM idle, fluctuating idle, burning smell, lurching, running though gas very fast (not due to increased driving), engine noises, dash panel half lighting up, hard to accelerate when the headlights are on, or heat, or air con, odd noises..and through this entire time, check engine light comes on and off and on and off...along with my gas gauge saying empty when its full. I have reported ALL of this throughout the entire time since all bought it. Every single time they say "software update" and send me home with nothing ever fixed. EVER. Now again check engine and false fuel reading, hesitations, etc....again! This engine and fuel pump is bad and explains all of my complaints since 10kmiles. My car has under 80k mi on it, its been a lemon from the start. Hesitation with no pick-up at an intersection and noises....just beyond dangerous. I have not driven my car on the freeway in 5 years because itis not safe, but Kia NEVER checks out problems. They charge for inspection and say "software update". Its maddening.
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
I own a 2014 Kia soul with 78000 miles. Engine light came on just changed my oil it was almost dry. I’m going through 2 quarts every two weeks due to KIAS power train warranty of 100000 miles I was sold on as a second owner. The dealer will not cover to replace the engine since the second owner warranty is inky warranted at 60k. Millions of people owning Kia’s are now trashing their cars because of this horrible situation! It’s in the courts I’m sure you know. This is criminal my safety and those behind me are at dramatic risk if my car fails on the highway which they are! I want this investigated for my safety. Several calls to Kia corporate no answer!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2023, fire
check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft Wayne Kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on i-69 chapel exit in ft Wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control. My car was still under warranty at 108 months and 89,000 miles. Never had any problem with my Soul until that next day after light came on. I was not notified of the recalls except only recently received an airbag recall on 3/30/2023. I have contacted Kia to file a claim with them.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The vehicle was idling rough and vibrating. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the vehicle was consuming an unusual amount of oil and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that oil had to be added once every month. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The contact stated that a software update was performed. The contact stated that shortly after receiving the repair, while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to the warranty limitations and recall repairs that were performed, the engine would not be replaced free of charge. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact immediately shifted into neutral (N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then shifted into drive (D) and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Engine, Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown tube or valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 11, 2023
Error code p1326 kia soul 2014
Air bags, Feb 4, 2023, crash
My wife was involved in a traffic accident yesterday where she was not at fault, was hit, had on her safety belt, and her head hit the steering wheel of this car and she lost consciousness and has lacerations requiring stitches on her face. The airbag should have deployed in this case and did not. I called 3 kia dealerships locally for several months since September 2022, requesting this warranty work be done, and they all refused to do the work by not scheduling me for a service appointment after repeated requests via telephone to each service department. They should have me in their computer system as having requested this work be done. Dealerships were DARCAR Kia Temple hills, Address: 4700 Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748, Koons Kia of Woodbridge, Address: 14208 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191, and Ourisman Kia of Alexandria, Address: 8670 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309. I filed this complaint several weeks or months ago and nothing has been done.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the engine knocks sensor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that they were able to diagnose the failure as wheel spin by hearing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer. The manufacturer then informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall based on the dealer's diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,250.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 30, 2023, fire
Friday January 20th, 2023 while on the freeway my 2014 Kia Soul with less than 75,000 miles spontaneously caught on fire. While merging over to the side of the road the breaks and throttle were inoperable. I was very fortunate that I did not suffer any injuries though it was a very close call. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to maneuver the car over to the side of the road while maintaining the flow of traffic due to the accelerator failure. Once near the shoulder of the road I was unable to stop the car due to the breaks failure which increased the amount of time I was exposed to the burning car and smoke. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by the dealer, police, and insurance. There were no warning light before or after the fire was identified. The car was professionally maintained and was in great condition prior to this event.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 27, 2023
I own a Kia Soul. The catylitic converters went out. The car won't accelerate and the car got extremely hot. When I looked up Kia Soul recalls it showed that there was a recall on the converters also that some Kia Souls had gotten hot an caught on fire. I called Parkway Family Kia. They told me that it wasn't an active recall and that they couldn't do anything. I then called Demontrond Kia and got the same answer. I talked with the service manager Brian. What can I do to resolve this?
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
When approaching 60-65 mph vehicle begins to shake and make loud muffler sounds. No warning signal illuminated at all. I took the vehicle to Woodbridge Kia service center and they advised that I need to replace the catalytic converter. I paid for a replacement catalytic converter, gas pump and gasket cover in 2021 and now two years later the same issue. Kia will not honor the fact that this vehicle needs to be apart of the NHTSA recall number 20V750. I'm getting the run around from Kia Corporate and the Eastern District manager, they need to be held responsible for failed products. These issues are significant because these failed parts are leading to engine fires. The service person advised me to call Kia Corporate and request a Goodwill Repair to date they have not responded.
Air bags, Engine, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V75000 (Engine), the vehicle sputtered and hesitated while attempting to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the spark plugs were cracked. After replacing the spark plugs, the vehicle continued to experience failure. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle stalled during the failure. Additionally, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.