2014 Kia Soul Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the catalytic converter was clogged, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
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.
Excessive oil consumption, oil turning dark and burned right after oil change, engine knocking, engine stalling, check engine light did not turned on, no alerts of engine failure. Car started to stall on the freeway hazard to me and other drivers if car shuts down. This car is at risk of engine to blow and might cause a fire. Car was taken to a mechanic and said engine should be replaced completely, car was serviced at dealership and no problems were reported before engine started to knock. Dealership or police haven’t checked the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared even after engine knocking.
OIL CONSUMPTION. I EXPRESSED CONCERN AT 140,734 MILES TO DEALERSHIP AS OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON EVERY 1000 T0 1500 MILES. SERVICE REP SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, $9.000. I HAVE JUST RECD NOTICE OF AN ENGINE CLASS SETTLEMENT. I AM CONCERNED IF ENGINE WOULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHAT HAPPENS.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle, followed by the vehicle coming to a complete stop. The contact stated there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent and the contact was informed that an engine rod had fell out the engine, causing the oil to leak out the engine. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced an unknown code indicating failure with the O2 sensor. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the contact requested that a diagnostic test be performed due to the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that five recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, due to inclement weather, she was unaware that while driving, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The contact also stated that while attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle had gone into Limp Mode due to a KSDS software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist due to the vehicle being out of warranty. The contact was informed that her case would be escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 206,975.
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.
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.
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to approximately 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the catalytic converter had previously been replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was also consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was running hot with a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and then stated that the VIN was not included even though the VIN tool confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). A case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
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.
March of 2021 I started to experience slow take off speeds also the car was riding a little rougher than usual when accelerating with engine light on. I took it to the Kia dealership when they advised me that my catalytic converter went out and had messed up entire exhaust system which they ended replacing which cost me $1800. September I noticed car was ONCE again riding rough with the engine light randomly coming on and going off, I figured maybe I needed an oil change because I was close to the mileage listed. THey advised me that my oil was really low and I should keep an eye on it. November I was trying to accelerate and the car was hesitant at this time my engine light was on while experiencing the issue. Took it back to the dealership they told me my catalytic converter was dirty and they cleaned it out which should fix the issue and my cars oil was once agin dangerously low, which they topped off because it wasn't time for an oil change. Mid december I went back to the dealership because my car was not accelerating properly and engine light was back on. They told me I had NO oil in my car at all, and my engine was not processing oil correctly, I would eventually need a new engine but as long as I kept oil in my vehicle it would operate correctly. While leaving the dealership it seemed to accelerate slightly better than before. I was able to hit 50 mph without an issue while riding in the middle lane my car started to quickly decelerate while my foot was on the gas pedal, I had to immediately move to the shoulder in the middle of traffic I almost was hit seeing that I was decelerating at such a fast pace.My engine light was on and solid when this happened I was able to merge to the shoulder without being hit or hitting someone.Turned the car off and started it back up attempted to get home car will not go past 25 mph. Car is currently not able to be driven safely
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and nearly stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the shaking and excessive oil consumption recurred. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,038.
I have notice that there is a burn smell or melting smell coming in my vent. Has happened several times it’s been a month so I reported to Kia dealership. They tested and said there is nothing wrong. It’s been two weeks since they did the test. The car is acting weird and not wanted to speed and it’s shaking. I’m aware of other problems to other Kia’s but my car is presenting same issues. No lights has pop indicating there is something wrong. I need help with my car or this will be a bigger law suit for the Kia manufacture. You don’t want to put peoples life in danger.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated after an oil change. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where various unknown tests were performed. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil, which caused the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The consumer took the vehicle to Kia of Cherry Hill, NJ, who stated the engine could seize at anytime even though with the car having regular oil changes.
My catalytic converter continuously fails. I have fixed it once, but yet my car still jerks and uses a lot of oil. As for being put at risk, my accelerator takes time to accelerate which can prevent any accidents on the road, putting myself and my family in danger. I have visited my local car dealer and they never mentioned anything about all the recalls my car had. I went in to get my airbags fixed but nothing was ever risen of the rest on the list. From what I know this car was never inspected by manufacturer police. I began to have this problem the first year (2020). This Kia Soul was purchased preowned, and was rarely use by its owner (Pristine Condition). Once I started to drive it more it began to jerk a lot, make clicking noises and the engine oil and check engine light would turn on. It took a while for it to even alert me. I paid all this out of pocket and wasn’t ever brought up anything about the recalls this car had.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal sound and there was a burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. The local dealer was contacted and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact they would not repair the vehicle under the recall as she failed to complete the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and left voicemail messages to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine malfunction and burning excessive amounts of oil and no warnings of this malfunction on dash. Engine will need complete replacement
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
Has consumed more than 15 qts if oil in the last 2.5 months less than 3000 miles. Has had check engine light come on due to low oil. Ha e had to continue to refill oil. Highly concerned I'm going to get stranded due to engine failure. Kia dealership I took it to was no help.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated she had the oil changed in April but when she took the vehicle to an independent mechanic they informed her the vehicle needed another oil change. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed an oil consumption test to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Trend Over Time
Complaints by year
Other Issues
Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2014 Kia Soul has 407 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.