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Kia Soul 2014 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2014 Kia Soul to NHTSA, most often about engine.

All reports

40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2026-10-02 · NHTSA 11768566

I purchased my Kia Soul because I believed I was purchasing a dependable vehicle that I could rely on for my everyday transportation. Unfortunately, my experience with the vehicle has been very different. Over time, I have experienced ongoing and serious problems with the engine, particularly excessive oil consumption. The vehicle consumes oil frequently and requires repeated oil top-offs. I have had to visit the oil service location so often to have the oil checked and topped off that the staff now recognizes me. This is not something I consider normal maintenance for a vehicle that is supposed to be operating properly. My concerns became even more serious when my Kia Soul stalled while I was driving on the highway. I took the vehicle to Kia in [XXX] because I was extremely concerned about the safety implications of a vehicle losing power while traveling on the highway. After inspecting the vehicle, I was told that there was no engine problem. Because the excessive oil consumption continued, I later took the vehicle to Kia in Waldorf. Again, I was told that the problem was not an engine issue. I continued to have problems and eventually took the vehicle to VCD Auto in [XXX] for an independent evaluation. Their assessment was different. They agreed that there was a problem with the engine and that the engine appeared to be defective. I have also experienced problems involving the catalytic converter. After replacing the catalytic converter, I had to have another catalytic converter installed only approximately four months later. The repeated oil consumption and subsequent mechanical problems have caused me to question whether these issues are connected to an underlying engine defect. What is particularly frustrating is that I have repeatedly attempted to address these problems responsibly. I have taken the vehicle to Kia dealerships, had the vehicle inspected, maintained the oil, paid for repairs, and sought an independent mechanic's opinion. Despite INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-09-29 · NHTSA 11767687

Trouble with acceleration, when coming to a full stop then trying to accelerate the car feels like it doesn't want to move. Slows down to approximately 15mph when going up hills even when gas pedal pushed down all the way. Feels like it's about to stall at stop signs, etc.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-09-24 · NHTSA 11766790

I bought the car August 21st 2026 and I'm September 20th I was driving down the interstate and my car starting shaking. I found out it's the catholic converter. I read they're was a recall on the Kia for that issue.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES 2026-09-21 · NHTSA 11765798

The Engine powered down to the point where the car stalled out. It would not accelerate. This was quite dangerous! I was in traffic when this happened. Trying to get it to a safer spot, I restarted the engine a few times; the brakes were extremely hard & wouldn't let me mash them down to catch to stop, so I immediately pulled the handbrake up & shut the engine off. I smelled a weird smell, like something was burning too. I had it towed to the shop & even though No lights were on, we plugged it up & it gave the 0420P code for the Bank 1 sensor Exhaust Flow issue. Mechanic stated he thought it might be the Catalytic Convertor. About 2 weeks beforehand, the oil light had come on, added 2 quarts of oil & it went out. Then the check engine light came on about 2 weeks after that, blinked a couple of times, but went back off.

ENGINE 2026-09-16 · NHTSA 11764822

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power and came to a complete stop. After cooling down for approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle was restarted; however, smoke emanated from the engine bay and entered the cabin, and the vehicle stalled in traffic without warning. The rod bearing engine failure warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the technician inspected the vehicle but refused to perform repairs due to the high mileage. The failure mileage was unknown.

ENGINE 2026-09-14 · NHTSA 11764037

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact researched and discovered that there were several unknown recalls associated with the VIN. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the recall inspection. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced, but the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with rod bearing failure. The contact stated that while leaving the dealer and driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact used an OBD2 tool and retrieved DTCs P0326 and P1236, associated with the knock sensor. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 110,724.

AIR BAGS 2026-08-31 · NHTSA 11760945

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2026-08-29 · NHTSA 11760533

l have a 2014 grey Kia soul with engine problems engine recall. The car has stopped multiple times. The KSDS is already installed since my Kia in limp mode can’t got past 40mph. Its engine recall P1326 knock sensor rod bearing engine recall. Everything on car is up to date oil change last month and all other car parts. Smoke come inside car and outside my 2014 Kia soul making very very dangerous to drive. Its safety issue because of my Kia engine recall. Please please need Kia to give me a free new engine cause of these factors for safety please. Need free engine recall.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2026-08-27 · NHTSA 11760156

Writing to get some relief and a recall for my expenses due to a failed catalytic converter. The same issue was reported and recalled on the 1.6l engine in 2019. 19V120.Mine is 2014 kia soul 2.0l engine. I am showing multiple other reports on this site which had the same issues as well. 11736089 and 1700997. Catalytic converter failure. No codes. Sluggish acceleration, rotten egg smell, high fuel consumption and oil consumption. When merging onto highway, engine redesign to between 3-4000 reps before it goes into overdrive have to jam the accelerator to go. Took to mechanic and while they were doing a test drive, could not get the car to go. Narrowly not getting into an accident with the approaching truck behind them. Vehicle has regular maintenance and is well taken care of. Good thing i got it taken care of before engine failure. All of the combustion gases from the failed catalytic converter could have cost me a new engine, or worse my life. Reached out to kia corporate customer service with no help offered. They tout extended warranties on their cars. But will not honor them. Have the converter and it is clear as day , that it was reaching high temperatures and malfunctioning. What help can you offer?

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-08-15 · NHTSA 11757104

Multiple times with 6 months my check engine light comes on but no code is detected. However, when tested it tells me to look out for code P0420. The issues I have encountered: - High RPM of 2,000 when vehicle is started - Check engine light with no code. Light comes and goes on it own - Car jolts and vibrates high while idling - Car eats oil like no tomorrow. Having to do an oil change every 3,000 miles

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-07-27 · NHTSA 11753054

I own a 2014 Kia Soul 2.0L GDI that consumes approximately one quart of engine oil every 1,500 miles. The engine oil became dangerously low between oil changes without any warning indicator. The vehicle has also experienced reduced engine performance, declining fuel economy, and previously displayed a P0420 catalytic converter efficiency fault code. Replacing the PCV valve did not improve the condition. An overnight piston soak temporarily reduced the oil consumption, but the problem returned, suggesting carbon-related engine deposits. Kia has acknowledged that catalytic converter damage can create a safety hazard in certain 2012–2016 Kia Soul models equipped with the 1.6L GDI engine, and the NHTSA has issued a recall thereof (see "SC176 – 2012-2016 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) LOGIC UPGRADE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN"). My vehicle is equipped with the 2.0L GDI engine and exhibits similar catalyst- and oil-consumption-related symptoms, but Kia declined assistance because my VIN is not included in the campaign. I am submitting this complaint because excessive oil consumption can allow engine oil to become dangerously low without warning, increasing the risk of engine damage or loss of power while driving. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether similar conditions are occurring in 2014 Kia Soul 2.0L vehicles.

AIR BAGS 2026-07-26 · NHTSA 11752884

On Saturday June 18th, I was in a 4 car pile up accident. My kia soul was totaled, and the airbag did not deploy. Following the event, I am seeking medical attention for follow up. Research on the cause for failure to deploy has shown me there was a recall on these car for air bag issues. Please advise if there is a claim to file regarding this recall and accident.

ENGINE 2026-07-22 · NHTSA 11752227

I am filing an official safety complaint regarding an ongoing failure by Kia America and its dealership network to safely execute six simultaneous safety recalls and service campaigns on my 2014 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX]).My vehicle was driven to the dealership in fully functional, running condition. The dealership performed consecutive software flashes (SC229 and PI2002A) alongside major physical dismantling of the steering rack and drivetrain assemblies (SC155, SC155A, and SC144), and engine management modifications (SC176). Upon pickup on XXX, my car began stalling directly on the lot. The dealership verbally dismissed this severe mechanical issue as a bad set of spark plugs.I personally purchased and installed brand-new spark plugs to isolate the issue. On XXX, within 10 miles of driving with the new plugs, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic power loss while driving on a public road, creating an immediate highway hazard. The vehicle will now start but stalls instantly when put into Drive, indicating a massive system conflict or physical grounding/wiring damage caused during the execution of these simultaneous recalls. Brand-new spark plugs did not resolve the issue, proving the dealer's verbal diagnosis was an attempt to dodge accountability. Kia Corporate has explicitly refused to authorize or fund a tow for an inoperable vehicle ruined directly by their own recall remedies. I request an immediate federal investigation into the execution and failure of these combined campaigns on my vehicle. As of XXX, the vehicle remains entirely disabled at my residence. Kia Corporate was contacted and explicitly refused to provide or cover a flatbed tow back to an authorized repair facility, stating only that they would 'see what they could do' if the consumer absorbs the transport costs for their defective recall execution. Thank you- [XXX] & [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE Fire 1 injured 2026-07-17 · NHTSA 11751048

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact became aware of a burning rubber odor and observed grey and brown smoke coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started underneath the front of the vehicle. The local Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle continued rolling and the rear driver’s side tire ran over both feet. The contact had two severely bruised feet; however, medical assistance was not sought. The vehicle was not towed or taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

SERVICE BRAKES 2026-06-28 · NHTSA 11747072

Driving and sudden brake to avoid someone coming out of there drive way to come on the road we were driving on. The rake pedal went down. We carefully Drove home and when got home my husband saw a long leak on our drive way. . Brake line gave out . . Leaking brake fluid. We have many vehicles and we never experienced this .was scary at the time.

SERVICE BRAKES 2026-06-22 · NHTSA 11745587

Calipers were froze from the salt

ENGINE 2026-06-14 · NHTSA 11743971

Oil warning dash light illuminated red. Engine oil dipstick showed empty. Oil had been changed within 4 months. Added approximately 3.5 quarts of oil.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 2026-05-28 · NHTSA 11740615

COMPONENT FAILURE: The engine, power train, and speed control systems failed due to the known Nu 2.0L GDI connecting rod bearing defect. SAFETY RISK: My [XXX] daughter was driving in heavy rush-hour traffic when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and entered a 20 MPH "limp mode." This sudden deceleration created an immediate and severe risk of a rear-end collision, endangering my daughter and surrounding motorists. DEALER CONFIRMATION: The failure was officially confirmed by Flow Kia of Charlottesville (RO #XXX). On Dec 3, 2025, the dealer confirmed active DTC P1326 (KSDS) and documented failed cylinder compression (as low as 150 PSI; min spec is 178 PSI). The dealer issued a written diagnosis stating: "engine replacement is required." MANUFACTURER CONDUCT: Despite their own dealer's written diagnosis and the active P1326 safety code, Kia Corporate issued a bad-faith warranty denial. The dealer also unlawfully charged me $165 for the mandatory KSDS warranty diagnostics. SUMMARY: This is a textbook safety failure under NHTSA Investigation EA 21-003. Kia's refusal to replace the engine under the court-supervised Engine Litigation II settlement represents a systemic failure by the manufacturer to remedy a known safety hazard. 51-page evidence packet attached. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE 2026-05-18 · NHTSA 11738559

Car had recall and new engine was put in April 2024. I’ve had the new engine for 25 months. It started doing the exact same thing as before when engine went out. No power, limp mode, engine violently shaking, rods knocking. Engine light came on. I parked it immediately and called dealership. They said it’s a refurbished engine not new so it does not have the full warranty. This new engine wasn’t new I just found that out this morning. Upon further research in Kia forums, these replacements blew up too. Like we all got the same engines that blew up. Can anything be done about this? This would be the 3rd engine in this Kia. It only had 30k miles on the new motor. Engines last longer than that. I’m now stuck as a travel nurse with finding another vehicle. This is just wrong. I missed work trying to find a car. Has there been any complaints about the replacement motors seizing up and blowing? Online searches show it happening to a lot of people with these Kia souls. Idk what your company does but everyone said to let you know. Idk how that helps but here it is. Can anything be done? My mechanic came by to look at it and said the motor is blown. It has an appointment at dealership for official diagnosis of blown motor.

ENGINE 2026-05-08 · NHTSA 11736659

There is a rod knocking in the engine now. Car has always been properly maintained. There are no oil leaks or anything. The car now will not shift, loses power while going up hill, and is burning oil like crazy. Had the car looked at and was told the engine now needs to be replaced.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2026-05-06 · NHTSA 11736089

My car burns oil very fast. I am putting in more than 5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I have replaced the flex pipe, the catalytic converter two times, and both the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The catalytic converter now needs to be replaced again after only 7 months after being installed. The car keeps getting P0420 codes. I found out this last converter was bad while on the highway going 70 mph up a hill. The speed suddenly decreased all the way down to 50 mph which put me in great danger of getting hit from behind at high speeds. It would not go any faster..

ENGINE 2026-04-14 · NHTSA 11731008

I was driving down a major highway (I65, northbound, indiana) and my vehicle suddenly slowed down and wouldn't accelerate in the middle of traffic. The check engine light came on and was flashing, as well as many other lights on the dash. Thankfully I was able to pull over. I had to wait on the interstate for a tow truck with cars and semis flying past me. It was absolutely dangerous and Kia states they won't cover it because it wasn't dangerous. This is a known issue with this vehicle, and I did get the updated knock sensor when that recall came out. My engine completely stalled on a highway.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2026-04-01 · NHTSA 11728657

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was taken for the oil change, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level was extremely low. The contact was informed that the manifold was cleaned; however, the cause of the excessive oil consumption was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

ENGINE 2026-03-26 · NHTSA 11727196

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed a leak underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the master seal was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The repairs were denied due to the failure not being covered under the recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the master seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,140.

ENGINE 2026-03-23 · NHTSA 11726351

Excessive Oil Consumption/Burning Catalytic Converter Clogging Check Engine Light/Misfires My engine has all of these issues. It has been determined as known KIA issues not driver/owner related. My car has 94,000 miles but none of what's going on is any cause other than KIA issues/problems. I work a full time job and have missed work due to car not being able to be driven at random times.

ENGINE 2026-03-12 · NHTSA 11723863

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights simultaneously illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured engine pin, which caused the knocking sound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 138,929.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2026-02-27 · NHTSA 11720870

The contact’s wife owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and outside around the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was condensation under the gas tank. The vehicle was inspected, and there was corrosion underneath the vehicle on the gas tank, and the rear of the gas tank was separating. The replacement gas tank was purchased but the refurbished gas tank had the same corrosion on the gas tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 2026-02-21 · NHTSA 11719585

My car was not accelerating all the time I was pressing the pedal. a mechanic said it was the engine.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2026-01-29 · NHTSA 11714247

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle started working as intended; however, a fuel smell remained inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There was a fuel odor while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 228,041.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2026-01-28 · NHTSA 11713895

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact was informed that the manufacturer refused to do the recall repairs and stated that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be removed from the premises. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim. Afterwards, the contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 17V608000 (STEERING), 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) were associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE 2026-01-13 · NHTSA 11710655

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The ABS, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 2026-01-08 · NHTSA 11709713

Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed. Details of the Incident: Diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) was confirmed by the Kia dealership. P1326 is part of Kia’s known engine defect population and is tied to safety related engine failures. The dealership documented oil consumption, oil fouled spark plugs, and compression readings below Kia’s minimum specification on all cylinders. The dealership concluded in writing that engine replacement is required. Despite this, Kia denied warranty coverage based solely on a bearing clearance test, without completing the full diagnostic process required under the KSDS settlement. The vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable. Why This Is a Safety Issue: The sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above ~20 mph created a dangerous situation for my daughter and surrounding traffic. This is a known defect pattern in Kia vehicles covered under the KSDS program. The failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a collision. Requested Action: I am reporting this because Kia has not responded to my two complaints nor properly addressed a safety related engine defect that is already part of a national settlement. The incomplete diagnostic process and denial of coverage leave the vehicle unsafe and unusable. I request that NHTSA review this incident as part of the ongoing safety concerns involving Kia GDI engines and P1326 related failures.

SERVICE BRAKES 2025-12-29 · NHTSA 11707517

I was driving my 2014 Kia Soul on Friday 12/12 when without any warning the brakes went out. Thankfully I was able to get it to a parking lot without incident and requested a tow. After having it repaired, the mechanics stated the brake lines completely popped due to brake line corrosion. After researching this issue, I found that my Kia Soul had a Voluntary Service Campaign recall regarding the exact corrosion on the brake lines that would likely be responsible for this catastrophic failure. I was never notified of this possibility despite having my car routinely serviced in NJ and VA. This is a huge oversight on Kia’s behalf – other people with this make and model need to be notified that there could be unseen corrosion happening. Fortunately, I wasn’t on the highway when the brakes went out and thanks to my careful navigation I was able to avoid getting into an accident with others on the road at the time my brakes suddenly failed. Afterwards, I called Kia and requested reimbursement as this was a recall that I was never notified for but they refused as my VIN was not listed under the VSC. Due to the catastrophic nature of the failure and the potential for damage to property, severe injury, or loss of life, I am notifying NHTSA in hopes of escalating this issue and to raise awareness for other Kia Soul drivers. Prior to this incident, NO lights, NO audible warning, OR other signs of impending failure occurred. Had I been notified of this issue through the inclusion in the VSC, I would have been able to take steps to preemptively address this issue and avoid the associated risk of operating such a potentially compromised vehicle.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES 2025-12-02 · NHTSA 11702500

Brakes failed my husband (primary driver of the KIA vehicle) came home from work on 8/19/2024. He pulled off at the local mechanic. Brakes were rusty and there was rust in the brake line so we had to replace. Rusty brakeline became a voluntary recall because it was not just our car that had this problem. We have been going back and forth with Kia since June notice (their case #XXX) and they are blaming the criteria of their voluntary recall with the NHTSA that says that you can only get reimbursed if you can return the parts and document that they were the original manufacturer's parts that were replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES 2025-12-01 · NHTSA 11702240

Upon backing the Kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a Voluntary Service Campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to automobiles driven in high road salt usage states. I live on the coast of Alabama where the air is laden with salt. In fact our building codes here require the utilization of only stainless steel fastners due to this effect. In my opinion this recall should include the coast of Alabama. I did speak with Kia (Case number 25706168) but they could offer no remedy as my car was not operated in a high road salt state.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2025-11-22 · NHTSA 11700997

Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - 152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change 0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - 106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE Firestone - 110.99 (ENGINE ANALYSIS Sept 6, 2025) * POSSIBLE BOTTOM END DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING** NEEDS TO GO TO ENGINE SHOP** DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE (ENGINE ANALYSIS) **HEARS SQUEAKING WHEN ACCELARTING. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING UP THE GRAPE VINE AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF. CAR ALSO TAKES A WHILE TO GET UP TO SPEED.** 5. Catalytic Converter Replacement - 1,100 (Sept 6, 2025) oThe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per Kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - 26.99 (Aug 28, 2025) oCataclean Fuel & Exhaust oSystem Cleaner 7. Valvoline - 140.00 (May 11, 2025) Complete Fuel System 19.99 8.Spark Plug Replacement & Tune-Up - 391.81 (March 29, 2025) Engine diagnostic codes (P0302, P0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling 2,011.13. Kia of Downtown Los Angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE 2025-11-15 · NHTSA 11699520

Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-11-13 · NHTSA 11699298

10/01/2025 I took my vehicle to Crain Kia of Conway for four different safety recalls. Safety Recall 15V123 (SC116) , 22V096(SC229) ,17V608(SC155A) ,and 19V120(SC176). Mr.Jerime York handled my paperwork. I told him my car has. diagnotic code of 420(Catalytic Converter is not operating efficiently on Bank 1) He told me they would take care of me. 10/14/2025 when i got there to pickup my vehicle I ask Mr.York, what they did about safety recall SC176. He said upgraded the module. I brought to his attention that the remedy stated that in addition, they were suppose to check catilatic converter and motor for damage due to module not controlling tempature. He stated he trusted that his mechanic followed repair procedure. i requested a printout of the diagnotic codes my vehicle had when I brought in which they gave me. Ive attached a copy of the diagnosic codes on my vehicle. notice the 420 code also attached is KIA Technical Service diagnostic procedure and repair instructions for safety recall SC176. which they did not do . I question if they did any of the recall repairs. The document prove they did not do the most important one sc176. please help with this situation.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE 2025-10-21 · NHTSA 11694788

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P0420; which was related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the software update was completed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,238.

ENGINE 2025-10-18 · NHTSA 11694328

The engine has absorbed an insane amount of oil the last several weeks, and this week it burned 1/2 quart of oil in four days- it was fully filled to 1 quart monday and by Friday of the same week was halfway gone. Otherwise it has worked well. Other Kia souls in the area are selling for much more money even if they have the same or more miles on them, but because mine needs an engine rebuild due to piston ring issues, it is worth much less than it should be. And there are no available recalls even though this is a known issue for Kia souls.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2014 Kia Soul?
Problems with engine: 25 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 0 and a fire in 1. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.