10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 46
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,365 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2014 Kia Soul:

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

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #123

Jan 012019

Soul

  • 130,000 miles
Every time I start my car, there is a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There is also an oil leak, and my oil light came on 3,000 miles before I was due for an oil change. The knocking will subside, but come back in spurts as I am driving.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #122

Oct 132019

Soul

  • 1 miles
My Kia Soul is having identical issues to NHTSA campaign number 19V120000which led to recall SC176 by Kia which only covered the 1.6L models, not the 2.0L which is the vehicle I drive. I experienced a loss of power and loud knocking type sound while driving. I was traveling approximately 30-35 M/H on a city street. I did not notice a check engine or oil light during this event. I checked my oil level and I had no oil showing on the dip stick. I filled the oil reservoir with the correct oil type and drove home less than a mile. The vehicle would not accelerate as normal. No smoke was noticed coming from the engine. I contacted Kia customer service and was given a case number (13392784), and directed to bring the vehicle into the dealership for a diagnostics check. A similar incident occurred one other time where the engine again burned all of the oil, with no signs of a leak on with the engine of the ground where the car is parked. The oil has been monitored regularly since this first incident. The oil has been changed on several occasions and no oil leaks has been noticed. From my research into this issue these symptoms line up with what the affected vehicles experienced before they were recalled. The loss of power, engine noise and shifting difficulties first occurred on October 13, 2019. I asking this case be looked into and see if the scope of the recall did not cover all vehicles potentially at risk. The milage is approximately 74,000 miles.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #121

Oct 012019

Soul

  • 68,288 miles
While driving our 2014 Kia Soul plus on a highway the car started making a loud tapping/knocking sound. Within a half mile the sound became much louder and worse. No warning lights came on. We pulled off an exit. We checked the oil. Nothing registered on dipstick. We put 2 quarts in and it registered. When oil cap was removed it was steaming/smoking and there was burnt oil on cap. After restarting the engine and idling for a few minutes the check engine light finally came on. It was now after 9:00pm so nothing was open. We had to spend the night as we were stranded out of state. The next morning we got the car to the nearest Kia dealership. We were told the engine was blown and we'd need a new engine. It was no longer under warranty. The car was only 5 years old and had 68288 miles on it. We had no good choice but to purchase a new car and trade the blown engine as we were stranded out of state. (we were quoted around $6,000+ and a couple weeks for a new engine.) the engine oil had been checked and topped off before leaving on this trip. We put approximately 1,000 miles on the car on this trip. I have receipts. Our cars 2.0 engine was not part of the recent recall. However that is exactly what happened to our car and should be recalled. We were very frightened and extremely fortunate we were able to pull off the highway safely and there was no engine fire.

- Sutersville, PA, USA

problem #120

Sep 012018

Soul

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate, stalled, and a burning odor was noticed from the engine. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard while attempting to stop. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The brakes were replaced, but the failures continued and eventually the engine would no longer start. The cause of the engine failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case number: 13377834. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unknown.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #119

Aug 292019

Soul

  • 108,037 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle shook while on a trip to work. The vehicle was towed to youngblood Kia (3525 S campbell ave, springfield, mo 65807, (417) 882-3838) where the contact was informed that since the vehicle was not maintained well and no error codes were found, they would not cover the recall repair. The dealer was contacted again and stated that the spark plugs failed and the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact retrieved paperwork who then stated that the battery was dead. The battery was recharged; however, the catalytic converter was damaged. The vehicle was still at the dealer and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was called and provided a case number. The manufacturer stated that they would speak with the dealer and refer the case to a higher up official. The contact was informed that since the warranty expired under the original owner and no error codes were found, they would not cover the recall repairs. The failure mileage was 108,037.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #118

Sep 172019

Soul

  • 116,488 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the temperature gauge increased. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact took the vehicle to bev smith Kia (5655 us-1, fort pierce, fl 34982, (772) 465-8589) on April 29, 2019 to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 116,488.

- Port St. Lucie, FL, USA

problem #117

Aug 302019

Soul

  • 104,656 miles
I took the car into Kia dealership in cape coral, fl. Engine light on. The car kept stalling and would lose all power while driving. I wanted service done on it and all recalls fixed. They fixed recalls and put a new catalytic converter in it to solve the engine from stalling and lose power. They told me the car was fixed. I picked it up and drove it on the hwy and it stalled at 75mph and totally had nothing and had to maneuver the car off the hwy with my grand kids in the car. I managed to get it started to get it home and it stalled again at all the stop signs and was almost T-boned from the side. It happens when the converter heats up and the fuel is not feed into engine right. It was towed back to Kia and they told me the engine has metal shavings in the oil from the convert getting hot. I cant believe they let me drive this car off the lot knowing that there is a recall # SC176... I almost got killed with my family in the car. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to help me even though the recall exists!! I was hung up on during the conversation with a Consumer Affairs mgr. Named kayla... she told me the car is out of warranty and I would have to pay for a new engine! recall# SC176!! I need help! the car is still at the dealership since my family was in the car when it kept dying on the road and we almost was killed or in a very serious accident. Kia is not honoring SC176 even though it states on my invoice that the car needs a new engine because of the converter failure. Its printed on the invoice with the work that was done on it. Engine light is still active and the car sits. I took the car into Kia to service it and all they did was the oil change w metal....and converter recall. But it was to late the damage has been done from the recalls overheating. They say its not throwing the right code for a new engine so they wont fix it. I talked to 3 people.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

problem #116

Aug 012019

Soul

  • 94,500 miles
While driving onto interstate Soul did not want to accelerate, engine revved but was not increasing speed, which almost caused an accident. Loud knocking began, but warning no lights were on. Vehicle was towed to local mechanic, who diagnosed engine failure. Vehicle was then towed to engine repair shop. Kia then advised vehicle be towed to Kia dealership. In process of getting to dealership.

- Salt Lick, KY, USA

problem #115

Aug 172019

Soul

  • 109,000 miles
Engine ticking loudly after 109,000 miles. Dealership informed me engine needed to be rebuilt, however, car was no longer under warranty. Dealership quoted $6,000 to rebuild engine which as the cars value. The ticking began under normal driving and oil changes were performed in a timely manner.

- North Port, FL, USA

problem #114

Aug 282019

Soul

  • 92,000 miles
I am writing in regards to a previous complaint I filed earlier. I was never notified by the Kia company about a recent recall on 2014 Kia Soul hatchbacks. The recall for faulty catalytic converters which can lead to engine damage is what is stated under the advisory. When my Kia Soul was looked at by a local Kia dealership it was found that the engine needed to be replaced. The repairs fell under the recall at no cost to me. I'm relieved it's being taken care of, but disappointed with Kia's customers service. My concerns are about safety. Kia needs to know that the Kia Soul hatchback + is affected by the recall and they need to notify their customers to prevent what happened to me.

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #113

Aug 232019

Soul

  • 65,000 miles
Our Kia Soul has 65000 miles on it and the oil has been changed regularly, did an oil change last week and was missing 3 quarts of oil and found metal shavings in the oil pan. The engine light is on and engine knocking. Took to Kia and said there is a gdi failure and needs a motor and they will not replace under warranty. Car has bee very well cared for an not abused. Symptoms match related problems on Kia sould with 1.6 liter.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #112

Aug 222019

Soul

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormal, rough noise and stalled. The noise was a distraction while driving and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to motion Kia (379 us-46, hackettstown, NJ 07840, (855) 845-1002) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed completely and the contact needed to come retrieve the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 102,000.

- Washington Town, NJ, USA

problem #111

Sep 012019

Soul

  • 107,000 miles
While driving on the highway a load knocking sound occurred. I was able to stop within 1 mile to avoid catastrophic engine failure that would have either caused a crash or fire as many Kia Soul engines have caused. Even though Kia is recalling 2012 to 2016 Souls they told me my VIN was not included as per the highway traffic safety dept. The engine was diagnosed with failed rod bearing by a Kia dealership. This failure is the typical failure that should be covered under the recall due to the near miss of a possible fire.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #110

Aug 282019

Soul

  • 5 miles
As I drove home I heard an unusual sound coming from my engine. The oil pressure light began to flicker on and off. Once home I checked my oil level and I had no oil showing on the dip stick. I filled the oil reservoir with the correct oil type but now the indicator light was solid and no longer flashing. Driving home a few miles after getting oil my vehicle would not accelerate and I almost lost control of steering twice. No smoke was coming from the engine but my vehicle is not safe to drive. I contacted Kia customer service with concerns about the current recall on the Kia Soul but was told there is no recall on my particular model. Usually I am notified if my vehicle is affected by possible recalls and they are fixed right away. I was never notified about this recall and now my vehicle may have possible damage because of it. My concern is that I wasn't notified and repairs might not be covered by Kia. I ran my VIN number numerous times and nothing came up for a recall. I researched possible symptoms of what could cause what I experienced. I was surprised to learn that possible damage caused by the catalytic converter could be what happened to my vehicle. The following issues were loss of acceleration, loss of oil, loss of control in steering. Thankfully no engine fire though.

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #109

Sep 012019

Soul

  • 88,000 miles
My vehicle is having identical issues to NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 which led to recall SC176 by Kia which only covers the 1.6L models, not the 2.0L which is the vehicle I drive. We are experiencing a loss of power while driving in all conditions (highway, city streets, etc.) and gears not shifting at the right times (such as when traveling uphill at highway speeds it will downshift from 6th to 3rd leading to the RPM's spiking into the 5,000 range and the temperature gauge will begin to climb or when taking off from a start it will quickly move from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear while the vehicle moves very slowly before providing the expected movement [this being with a light press of the pedal])) as well as a loss of oil that my mechanic has been unable to locate the source of. From my research into this issue these symptoms line up with what the affected vehicles experienced before they were recalled. The loss of power and shifting difficulties were first noticed on 9/1/19, while the drop in oil level was first found on 6/16/19 where it has been monitored closely since and a leak was looked for but not able to be found during two separate oil changes since then. I wanted to see if this case could be looked into again to see if the scope of the recall did not cover all vehicles potentially at risk.

- Crescent Springs, KY, USA

problem #108

Jul 212019

Soul

  • 145,000 miles
July 212019 while driving...heard a ticking/,pinging sound pulled over. Oil dry in engine. Oil change every 3.000 miles...records to prove...filled oil then engine failed on highway. Contacted Kia case #13292943. Immediately assigned case manager charles. Upon returning my calls told not covered as powertrain warranty over.short block needs replacing. Also timing chain and pump per recommendation by my mechanic because of damage to engine and possibility of chain stretching.. Kia old saybrook ct replacing block. 145,000 miles..not told where replaced short block has come from.dearlership said just "from Kia". excellent maintainence record. Copies is all oil changes. Told no way of indication of this to happen. Labor is being charged..$1,500 read many issues with 2014 Kia Soul but not recalled and should be at no cost to consumer!

- East Haddam, CT, USA

problem #107

Mar 212019

Soul 4-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was using an excessive amount of oil and there was an abnormal knocking and tapping noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost a quart of oil and additional oil was added. In addition, the check engine and low oil warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to hanson Kia (2300 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502, (360) 943-2120) and an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000. Consumer stated I continued with my oil consumption tests and I was using 1/2 quart of oil every 500 miles. Kia finally agreed to take the next step in fixing the problem. They are replacing my engine.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #106

Aug 012019

Soul

  • 34,000 miles
2014 Kia Soul 2.0L gdi nu. 34,000 miles. Driving home from work and noticed a slight ticking sound from engine. Sound was getting louder and engine light came on and oil light was flashing. Stopped car checked oil - was very low. Car towed to Kia. Diagnosis - metal in oil. Engine condemned. Brough car home. Removed oil pain - 1 bearing was spun. Replaced bearings/oil pan/oil filter - same thing happened again due to something restricting oil flow I suspect. 5 months out of warranty second owner.

- Rostraver Township, PA, USA

problem #105

Aug 012019

Soul

  • miles
I own a 2014 Kia Soul, purchased directly from the dealer with 12 miles on it. Car is currently at 89,000 miles and I was informed by my dealer that the converter has a build up from everyday use and must be replaced for $2100. Previous Kia Souls had a recall for this same problem prior to 2014. Basically when accelerating I felt as if the car was struggling when trying to increase speed. The car would kick a little while in motion as it struggled from 20mph and up. The rpms increased between 4 and 5 at times when accelerating. I also felt when accelerating my pedal was nearly all the way down just to give the car some gas. I do a lot of highway miles and normally have to stay to the right lane until my car is able to pick up speed. This jerking would happen every time I need to accelerated. The kick back became noticable about a month ago. It started very light and has only progressed since

- Forest View, IL, USA

problem #104

Aug 162019

Soul

  • 113,143 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. While the vehicle was at a stop sign, it stalled and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was internal engine damage and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,143.

- Nashville, TN, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »