8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$250
Average Mileage:
100,750 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. New engine (1 reports)
  3. reset the computer system, clean the contacts (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2014 Kia Soul:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Kia dealer.

problem #9

Jan 072021

Soul Plus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

I have been having issues with the engine of my car just like everyone else on this forum. It would have a hard time accelerating and burned massive amounts of oil. I have had the exhaust camshaft replaced thinking that was the problem. Well car began losing power while driving on busy highway January 7, 2021. Driver immediately stopped driving car and tried to find safe location to stop. Car started making loud noises from engine. Car was towed home where it is now. Why has this engine not been recalled? We need to start a class action lawsuit.

- Ccy R., Evanston, IL, US

problem #8

Jan 022020

Soul 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

I purchased a brand new 2014 Kia Soul for my son when he graduated high school figuring the car would be reliable and safe through his college years. I have maintained the car with service "ritually and scheduled" by the book. As he was driving home from winter break the car lost acceleration and stopped on the 14/5 fwy midst of traffic it was towed to the dealership and I was told "NEW ENGINE" was needed I researched to see if there were recalls on that particular model yes, only the 1.6 engine which baffles me since all the listed complaints are for the 2014 Kia Soul 2.0 engine. Who in their right mind wants to pay 7,000 dollars for a used engine this complaint will not stop here buyer be ware....

- Arlene R., California City, US

problem #7

Aug 292020

Soul ES 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

Had the catalytic convertor replaced under the Feb. 2020 recall. I was told that it was damaged but there was no damage to the engine itself, though also told they could not provide proof to that, only their word.

2nd time this occurred (8/29/20), first was in June of 2020. Same issue, driving on interstate at posted speed limit when car suddenly had loss of power, check engine light came on, blinking, at the same time the car lost power and would not accelerate above 60mph. I was able to pull off the interstate and take back roads home where I didn't have to go at internet speed. Ran diagnostic and it pulled generic code P1326 again - again, no knocking, no indication that there is anything wrong with the vehicle so why a knock sensor?!

- Michelle T., Freetown, US

problem #6

Aug 302020

Soul ES 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,000 miles

Had the catalytic convertor replaced under the Feb. 2020 recall. I was told that it was damaged but there was no damage to the engine itself, though also told they could not provide proof to that, only their word.

2nd time this occurred (8/30/20), first was in June of 2020. Same issue, driving on interstate at posted speed limit when car suddenly had loss of power, check engine light came on, blinking, at the same time the car lost power and would not accelerate above 60mph. I was able to pull off the interstate and take back roads home where I didn't have to go at internet speed. Ran diagnostic and it pulled generic code P1326 again - again, no knocking, no indication that there is anything wrong with the vehicle. So why a knock sensor?!

- Michelle T., Freetown, US

problem #5

Nov 072020

Soul 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Was driving home when all of a sudden the check engine light started blinking and the car lost acceleration. I took it to my local mechanic who I've been going to for ten years. He hooked up his computer and it returned an error message about glow plugs. This doesn't make any sense because glow plugs are found on diesel cars and my car does not have a diesel engine.

My mechanic got the car working again by resetting the computer and cleaning all the contacts. The car ran normally for about three weeks until the exact same problem repeated; flashing check engine light, no acceleration. I'm taking the car to a Kia service center tomorrow.

- Andrew O., Chatsworth, CA, US

problem #4

Jun 272020

Soul ES 1.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

Had the catalytic convertor replaced under the Feb. 2020 recall. I was told that it was damaged but there was no damage to the engine itself, though also told they could not provide proof to that, only their word. Jump forward to June of 2020, driving on the interstate, keeping with flow of traffic at 70 mph in left lane when car suddenly had loss of power, check engine light came on, blinking, at the same time the car lost power and would not accelerate above 60mph. I was quite a distance from home in rural Indiana. Was able to finally safely pull off the interstate and did some research and determined that the car likely went into limp home mode based on what the car was doing and the description of limp home mode. Got safely home and ran a diagnostic check and pulled generic code P1326. There was no knock, no issues with the engine missing - basically we could find no reason why the car did this other than, it somehow must have vibrated to much and kick the knock sensor in. Have had no repeat issue until August.

- Michelle T., Freetown, US

problem #3

Apr 012019

Soul Soul 2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I am so grateful that I was simply making a right hand turn on a public street and was able to pull over when my engine cut out safely. I am so concerned about other Kia owners where this could happen on the freeway, late at night or out in the middle of nowhere! There is a recall on the 1.6 liter engine but not the 2L and I really hope that Kia does something about this soon! Both my mechanic and the oil change place told me they see this all the time with Kia's and Hyundai. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. My 1000000 mile warranty should cover this but I just had it towed to the dealership so I don't know what the result is right now.

- Desiree L., Laguna Hills, CA, US

problem #2

Oct 232015

Soul

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,400 miles

This by far has been one of the worst problems with this car. At first, I just thought this is how this kind of car just runs...but progressively, this has gotten worse and worse. I have complained to dealerships as well as corporate headquarters...but I do not get any response. When I take it in for this problem over and over again....I am sent on my way because again...a code isn't tripped. For the life of me, I think there must be something faulty with the sensors or something, because clearly there are numerous problems with my car, and for nothing to ever become evident is frustrating.

- Andrea C., Livonia, US

problem #1

Apr 022015

Soul

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,050 miles

Got up Tuesday morning and my battery was dead. Would not start. Had to go get a charger and put it on slow charge. Called KIA where I purchased it from. They gave me appointment for that Friday 4-3-15 10am.

Thursday I got in my vehicle to run to my brothers house. While out my vehicle was driving very erratic times. I told KIA again about added problems. Guy said they are very busy so go ahead and bring it tomorrow, which was Friday 4-3-15. Another guy from there Service department called to remind me of my appointment. I advised him again of problems. He added them to my appointment.

I was driving on Interstate 85 south going to OPELIKA, AL around 10:50 am. I was in a lot of traffic, several vehicles in front of me and on my right side was 2-- 18wheelers. I was in flow of traffic at about 75 mph, when all of a sudden I heard & felt a very loud bang go off causing my steering to snatch to my right, I had no power steering. Thank GOD I'm one who holds both my hands on my steering wheel, because I believe I would've went under the 18 wheeler. My car started jerking, while slowing down very quickly and I finally got off the on the side of I85. Called Roadside service which very good, very helpful.

I DO LOVE KIA'S BUT I'M REALLY SCARED TO GET MY OLD VEHICLE BACK, I DON'T KNOW ??? HOW SAFE IT IS NOW???

I forgot that back in September 2014 I had to bring it in for it was acting up wouldn't crank for a couple times, but Kia found nothing wrong then.

- lanettbear130, CUSSETA, AL, US