10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 51
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
75,426 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 #491

Mar 112024

Soul

  • miles
The recalls on my car has not yet been resolved. I took the car to CarTown Kia Florence South Carolina and the one in Columbia. First time was at CarTown Kia Florence, they had every excuse that they were short of staff and my car sit there for over a month and claim that I needed to fix the head gasket was the issue in order to do the engine inspection and fix the recall. I took it to the Columbia location and they didn't do the recall but gave me a list of things and mentioned that the recall was not covered under the recall warranty. I'm not sure what that means when I clearly have a recall issue and the car is doing exactly that according to the issues for the recall. I told both places my car was doing exactly what the issues are stating in the recall in order to remedy it according to the remedy. But nothing has been done to fix the recalls issue.

- Bishopville, SC, USA

problem #490

Feb 212024

Soul

  • miles
While driving, the engine failed and began to smoke then was on fire.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #489

Feb 162024

Soul

  • miles
Check engine light came on about a month ago and shows bad catalytic converter it is available for an inspection...will not pass inspection so it sits in my driveway

- Conesus, NY, USA

problem #488

Jan 232024

Soul

  • miles
I went to the Car Town Kia USA Florence 2185 W Evans, Florence, SC 29501 for the recalls on my car. My car still has engine skipping tapping knocking noise that gotten worst and my engine warning light is blinking while I'm driving. I reported back to Kia next day, and asked did they inspect and repair or replace the engine because of the recall. I was hoping they would put me in a loaner car or rental car until they fix the problem with the recalls. This is dangerous to drive a car in this kind of condition when it's my only transportation. It is not working to proper design it was made for. On the print out from yesterday the status shows partial completion when they are supposed to fix the recalls. I don't believe they fix, repair or replace what the recall was conveying.

- Bishopville, SC, USA

problem #487

Jan 222024

Soul

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and shook abnormally before returning to normal functionality. The contact retrieved the vehicle from the dealer following the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) and NHTSA Campaign Number 22V096000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.

- Bishopville, SC, USA

problem #486

Dec 112023

Soul

  • miles
Knock sensor and glow sensor is stuck on. Knock sensor has been replaced. Vehicle is still in limp mode. Has no exceleration. Engine light flashing. Have takin it to a Kia dealer and they can't find anything.

- Brownstown, IN, USA

problem #485

Jan 022024

Soul

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer stated the recall was closed. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 15 MPH, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The check oil warning light was illuminated. The daughter restarted the vehicle and drove to school. The contact drove the vehicle to the local mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal engine failure and oil was added; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

- Newalla, OK, USA

problem #484

Dec 022023

Soul

  • miles
Vehicle was purchased from a private seller in August 2023. We took the car to get an oil change in late August, although previous owner stated it was 1500 miles away from needing one. We learned there was no oil in vehicle while being serviced. Oil was replaced. Car was driven for 3 months, then on December 2nd, without any previous warning, the check engine light came on. Car began to lose power and could not drive more than 35 miles per hour. It was taken to the shop, and found there to be no oil in vehicle. Again, it was not time to get another oil change. Car was not leaking oil. Upon this discovery, learned of the engine recall; and actually have the recall notice & knock sensor update invoice from previous owner. The knock sensor was updated March 2021. Car was taken to Kia dealership. They advised another knock sensor update and have not taken steps to replace the engine as the recall letter states they should do. Vehicle has been at dealership since December 5th, 2023. I have called numerous times, sent texts, as well as called the Kia Consumer Assistance Center, created a case; only to be passed around, with no return calls, or proper resolution. I feel the engine needs to be replaced at this moment. Dealership is not acknowledging the issue, and actually tried to charge for the knock sensor initially. I do not feel comfortable with a vehicle knowing it has an engine recall, dealership is not addressing the engine replacement that needs to happen, knowing the engine has already been failing, internally burning oil. When I call the dealership, they take a message, say someone will call back, and No one returns my call.

- Ridgefield, WA, USA

problem #483

Sep 012023

Soul

  • miles
Oil consumption and catalytic converter clogging. My car burns through 5 liters of oil about every 1,000 miles. I've already had the catalytic converter replaced and my mechanic said it's from excessive oil leaking, and the only alternative to fix it is to replace the engine.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #482

Dec 182023

Soul

  • miles
i received notice in the mail that there are recalls on my car prior to receiving the notice i had recently got an oil change and i was informed that there is a little leaking and in recall number 20V750 the car can possible catch on fire so i waited for my appointment with the dealer it was inspected and they did not fix leak i had paperwork however i dont know what this [XXX] means what i do know is when i got my car back i was not operating correctly and the check engine light is on and it was not on when i dropped my car off to them i have made at least 5 phone calls reaching out to the dealer and i have not talked to anyone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #481

Jul 202023

Soul

  • miles
(re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. (XXX) NHTSA Recalls: 20V750; 19V120 Kia Soul began leaking oil as a result of rod bearing issues prior to 145,000 miles. Took to repair shop several times to refill oil because oil levels were rapidly depleting. This led to Engine failure, leaving my vehicle inoperable. Kia refuses to replace the engine. Class action settlement provides warranty extension to 15yrs/150,000 miles for effected vehicles. Settlement states, "You are not required to complete the KSDS update to obtain the Extended Warranty if your vehicle was previously recalled under NHTSA Recall Numbers 20V750." My vehicle was recalled under 20V750 and should qualify under settlement for warranty extension. Representative with Kia Customer Care stated on 12/20/23 that my vehicle does not qualify for warranty extension because the KSDS update was not completed. This violates the settlement agreement as my vehicle was recalled under NHTSA 20V750. Further, I purchased my vehicle from Archer Kia in Sugarland, TX. Any recalls or updates should have been completed by the dealership before selling to any consumer. Additionally, Archer Kia did not update me as the owner. The engine recall notice was sent to previous owner. I am requesting that Kia replace my vehicle's engine as soon as possible. I have had several phone calls with Kia Customer Care in which I am repeatedly put on hold or transferred. This has caused me to spend hours on the phone with no resolution. I suspect this is a tactic to delay and/or avoid honoring the court ordered warranty extension for a faulty engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #480

Nov 102023

Soul

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Marysville, WA, USA

problem #479

Dec 102023

Soul

  • miles
My car only has 77398 miles and the entire car lost power while I was driving I had to safely coast into a parking space. The engine is making a knocking sound and the battery light and oil light came on. The car has had every oil change on time and documented since it left the dealership in 2014 with 150 miles. Every service has been performed on time as my mother who is a retired veteran of the airforce is the only owner. She gave me the car less than 3 weeks ago. I called my mechanic immediately after I brought the vehicle to a stop and he said this model is known for that and it means the engine is about to blow up. He advised me not to attempt to drive the car and now I am stranded 8 miles from where I live. I have read many forums about the engine problem. I believe a faulty engine is to blame for this incident. I read about kia extending the warranty on this but you are the only organization I know to contact.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

problem #478

Nov 112023

Soul

  • miles
on 11/11/2023: Engine failed/malfunctioned. Engine stalled while driving on the interstate. Traveling 75mph. I felt some sort of slight jolt, looked down at the dash and seen my check engine light blinking. There was not an exit nearby so I proceeded to pull over. As I pull over all lights had become illuminated but check engine light was not blinking anymore and I had first seen my headlights dim twice, next the radio went out, then headlights then my hazard lights and eventually everything turned off. This happened approximately around 10:00 pm and I had made it approximately 20 miles out of town. I felt it was too dangerous to step out of the vehicle. I called for a tow truck to bring my vehicle to the nearest kia and found a ride home myself. My safety was put at risk by being stalled on the side of the interstate with no power to even have the hazards on with high-speed vehicles passing by me. Kia of Fargo, ND inspected my vehicle and found no reason as to why my vehicle had stalled.What they did find was a historic code for my catalytic converter needing to be replaced, which I had brought up to them and they advised me to make an appointment. For approximately the past 2 years I have been bringing my vehicle in to the Kia of Fargo concerning the amount of oil my vehicle is going through between oil changes. Sometimes it seems like the amount of oil "burned" varies but sometimes I can-??t even make it until my next oil change without having to add oil into the vehicle. I have had multiple oil consumption tests completed. Which some of them did come up excessive. From there, they recommended to have an overnight cleaning but I did not notice that this did any improvement. The last oil consumption test completed I was told over the phone that my vehicle did not quite hit the mark where warranty would be able to cover it. I was told that I lost about a quart of oil and then I asked how much you have to lose and they said over a quart... attachments wont load. email

- Fargo, ND, USA

problem #477

Jul 082023

Soul

  • miles
2014 Kia Soul started having engine trouble in July this year (7/8/2023). It was consuming too much oil and we had to get frequent oil changes and refill oil between service visits because the oil was getting low after short periods of time. Engine ended up completely failing making the car inoperable in late August. Later found out this vehicle is part of a recall/settlement due to a faulty engine. Kia did not send us any recall notices or notify us of any potential problems regarding engine failure. Called Kia Customer Care on 11/22/23 about engine failure and to schedule engine replacement. A representative from Customer Care stated that our vehicle did not qualify for an engine replacement in accordance with settlement (re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE) because a KSDS sensor recall (20V750000) was not completed on our vehicle. For the 2014 Kia Soul, there have been 5 recalls (15V123000, 17V608000, 19V120000, 20V750000, and 22V096000) According to NHTSA website, there is only 1 unrepaired recall for our vehicle (22V096). Kia Customer Care was dishonest about our vehicle's recall repair history to avoid having to replace a faulty engine.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #476

Sep 302022

Soul

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #475

Jun 302023

Soul

  • miles
My check engine light was going on and off and I was told that I need to replace my catalytic converter. I went on line to see if my car had a recall it did show other 2014 souls but mine was not part of the recall #19v101. I'm wondering why mine wasn't part of it. I also had my engine replaced by Kia and after researching this I read that a faulty engine could have caused the converter to go. I'm trying to find out why my car wasn't part of the recall and if possible can it be added to the recall Please check into this for me and let me know

- Santee, CA, USA

problem #474

Sep 152023

Soul

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and noticed that the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was the catalytic converter and it needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested to get the vehicle diagnosed at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #473

Aug 022023

Soul 4-cyl

  • 171,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled; however, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #472

Jun 202020

Soul 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,006 miles
The contact's neighbor owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his neighbor-??s garage, another neighbor noticed smoke coming from the walls of the garage. The contact then stated that his neighbors were awakened by another neighbor alerting them of the fire. The contact-??s neighbor was able to exit the home and notified the fire department that extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was inspected by an investigator who determined that the fire was started in the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, on three separate occasions, while his neighbors were driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that oil had leaked profusely from an unknown location and the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research, the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,006.

- Brecksville, OH, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »