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, Sep 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that oil was added every 2-3 days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that she had to pay a fee for the engine oil leaks inspection even though the recall remedy stated that the dealer would perform the inspection free for charge. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was making abnormal ticking sounds indicating that the engine oil level was extremely low. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle jolted. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the catalytic converter and the upstream O2 sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
I was driving on a busy 2 lane highway road. The Kia soul lost power and I had to veer to the side of the highway to not b hit from behind. The car behind me had to use their brakes and veer to the next lane which was on coming traffic not to hit me from behind.i had (including myself), 4 woman in the car. We were stranded until a tow truck could arrive. No notice (engine lite), didn't come on until after this safety issue. This happened in august 2022 and couldn't get the car into Kia until today. Sept. 2022. It took one month for this appt. Looking at ur site there has been a recall on 2014 Kia soul but my vin number wasn't listed.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
Engine seized. Wont rotate with breaker bar despite plugs and serpentine belt removed
Engine, Sep 8, 2022, crash
Jeffrey Kia charged and claimed fix the engine recall and told me me that the engine was seizing but failed to let me know the dangers of an engine seizing which caused my accident after blinking engine wouldn’t allow me to go above 5mph.
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2022
My headlights flicker or shut off intermittently when driving at night. Sometimes it seems to be associated with using my turn signal. Sometimes it seems to be associated with going from dim to bright headlights. I took my car to the dealer who said that KIA has an extended warranty to cover this repair. But when the dealer's service department could not reproduce the situation in the shop, then said KIA would not pay for the repair. I contacted KIA consumer affairs and was given a case number (14989817). After two weeks I finally was contacted and the policy was repeated by KIA. I explained that the problem was intermittent but they would not do anything on their end because the dealer could not diagnose the issue in shop.
Engine, Aug 24, 2022
My catalytic converter failed and lead to no compression in cylinder 1 of the engine. I scanned the car on 3 different OBD scanners and I had P0420 and P0300 and P0301 codes. Also, the car has the symptoms of bad catalytic converter, which are 1) rattling sound from the exhaust 2)really hot air coming out of the exhaust 3)heat coming out from the center console inside the car, which is right above the catalytic converter 4) engine running rough and doesn't have power I checked on NHTSA website that the car has a recall on the catalytic converter as it says and I saw the flow chart of the procedure which says that if the car has P0420, check for P030X. If it has both codes, check engine compression and if it failed, replace catalytic converter and short block. So, I scheduled an appointment at Beyer KIA Falls Church, Virginia on Wednesday 8/24/2022 at 11AM. They took the car to check the recall, I mentioned that I have the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter and asked to do the recall and not to do anything else without getting back to me. I received a call after 2 hours from them saying that they updated the ECU logic and they don't see a P0420 code and they only see codes P0300 and P0301, they also said that they did a compression test for the engine and Cylinder 1 does not have compression in it. I told them that this means the catalytic converter went bad and it ruined cylinder 1 because it's in bank1 of the engine which is related to the catalytic converter. They said that there is nothing they can do and the car needs an engine. I have the flow chart of the procedures, what i'm trying to understand is how did they do a compression test without P0420 code? I think they found out the engine went bad because of the catalytic converter and they cleared the ECU to prevent replacing both the catalytic converter and the engine. I have proof of the P0420 code on my scanner which will be uploaded with the flow chart of the recall. Please I need help with this ASAP.
Engine, Aug 23, 2022
The car shut down in the middle of a highway while driving. My partner and I had to wheel the car aside. It then turn on 20 minutes later. The vehicle shakes and shifts. Kia stated they cannot fix issue because the car is out of warranty. We took it when the warranty came out in 2020 and we had to pay out of pocket for $2000 and now the issue is back and our lives are in jeopardy.
Engine, Aug 12, 2022
It's says the engine exhaust recall is not open on this vin but I recently had to replace my catalytic converter and the problem is still happening because of excessive heat to the converter.i would like to make sure this was fixed properly it's the same GDI engine that was in the recall. The car still runs but it's ruining stuff internally and want to make sure it doesn't cause fire and hurt my family.
Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated she noticed that the driver’s side brake light bulb was inoperable. The bulb was replaced; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2022
Driver's side headlight flickering on and off at times. Inspected wiring and it looks like the harness socket is burning out. It looks like this is a common problem with this car and can prove to be a safety issue if your lights go out while driving
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to her place of business where she discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact called the dealer and was informed that the recall repair would not be honored due to a lack of proper maintenance. The contact disputed the claim and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer agreed with the dealer and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine, Jul 11, 2022
On July 6, 2022 while in route to Virginia Beach with 4 of my younger siblings for a camping trip, my meticulously maintained 2014 SOUL suddenly lost power and the check engine light began flashing. Unsure what to do I pulled to the side of I-64 and called my father. He instructed me to drive to the nearest exit and call a tow truck, which I did. I had the SOUL towed to the nearest KIA dealership which was Williamsburg Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge - Kia. My parents in the meantime drove from nearly 3 hours away in two vehicles to leave one for us, while they drove back in the other. We drove back again today, July 11th, to pick my SOUL up and get a clearer explanation of what was precisely wrong. It was explained to us that the Knock Sensor Detection System related to a former recall had activated Diagnostic Trouble Code P1326 (as described in the KIA TSB 2002B for 2014-2016 MY Soul (PS) w/Nu 2.0L GDI). To the point, Service Advisor Canon Hughes told me a motor replacement was needed, yet KIA would not cover it because it failed a specific diagnostic test. Note this SOUL has been in our family since its beginning. It was originally owned by my grandmother who bought it new at a KIA dealership in Jacksonville, Florida. It then passed to me upon her death in 2018. I have since regularly serviced the SOUL and have kept a log of regular oil and filter changes. It has proved reliable until its recent sudden malfunction. Disappointed with the lack of concern shown by KIA through its representative dealer, we proceeded to drive the car home after Canon Hughes said it could be driven, which I did with my dad following behind. On the way home we stopped by another KIA dealership closer to home for a second opinion Safford KIA of Fredericksburg. We spoke with Service Director Tony Di Cino. Our disappointment with KIA only increased when Tony refused to perform a second diagnostic test with me agreeing to pay for it... ***See attachment for full account
Service brakes, Jul 3, 2022
When braking, the car tends to push forward resulting in a hard brake. I’m unable to use Apps like “DRIVEWISE “. It records as a “ HARD BRAKE “, I have to start braking way in advance to prevent such incident. This happens all the time.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her mother was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however while driving, the engine was knocking. The contact continued driving to her residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they would not complete the recall repair as the previous owner of the vehicle failed to complete an unknown service campaign. The contact notified the manufacturer who confirmed what the dealer had stated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,523.
Air bags, Engine, Jun 15, 2022
Took car into Dean McCary Mobile, Al on June 13, 2020 for the two recall, engine and air bag Also problems with car, wouldn’t pick up speed over 60 miles, with rattling noise, I was putting extra oil in car, because it kept using lots of oil, They told me they did an inspection on engine, and air bag, also they told me under engine was fire red inspection done by Tech: James Allen
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact he failed to have an unknown software update completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 77,720.
Engine, Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled with abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The driver stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The dealer declined to service NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) due to the software update not being completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2022
While driving on the highway, my car blew a puff of smoke, and I was no longer able to accelerate higher than 15 mph. I had to stop and get my vehicle towed to the local Kia Dealership because my vehicle was inoperable. The dealership told me that DTC P0420 was triggered and that I would need a catalytic converter replacement, exhaust flex pipe replacement, and a new drive belt. There is a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000) for the exact issue I experienced and my vehicle falls in the category of MY2012-MY2016 Kia Soul with a 1.6 liter engine, but the dealership is stating that my vehicle is not part of the recall population and it will cost $3,000 to fix this known issue. This is unacceptable and the recall population needs to be expanded.
Service brakes, Jun 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost braking functionality, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, a cause for the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Engine, Jun 4, 2022
I took my car to KIA to get its recall fixed and my engine started knocking before hand. They denied the recall stating that the recall is in place so they wouldn’t have to replace the engine, but the recall clearly states “DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF ANY DAMAGE, THE ENGINE MAY ALSO BE REPLACED” and isn’t specific about whether it’s replaced after the recall has been handled, which is what KIA is stating to me.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2022
The check engine light is displayed showing that the catalytic converter is bad. Vehicle is losing engine oil. Have filled complaint with KIA. No assistance offered other than stating there are no recalls on the vehicle.
Engine, May 27, 2022
For about a year now our Kia Soul has been shutting off at random times. There is no warning or sound that indicates a problem with the engine. While driving the engine may just shut off at any time. I started recording the engine to capture this and the last time it happened I was traveling down a busy road with my family going 65MPH and it just shut off. I had to shift the car into neutral and restart the engine. Since then we have stopped driving it accept for short distances close to home because it's not safe.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.