Is the 2014 Kia Soul EV reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Soul EV?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Soul EV have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2014 Kia Soul EV

○ Not enough data

2014 Kia Soul EV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:09:51.717Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 2
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2014: 2 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	2
2015	6
2016	7
2017	18
2018	3
2019	3
2020	0

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

My four year old son and I where driving down the road and out of nowhere it starts shaking, smoking, and oil starts spewing. I pulled over and called a tow truck. Was told my engine exploded. Called Kia and they will do nothing.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-21

Air bags

1 of 2 total reports mentions: air bags.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

"Takata recall " I had a rear end accident and the airbags did not deploy when the rear end accident occurred on the highway I was hit from the rear and the airbags did not deploy I was moving very slowly at 45 mi per hour I...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-29

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-11-16Steering17V608000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
I
2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Buy-smart checklist

2014 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
Air bags: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V608000 · Steering

FAQ

Is the 2014 Kia Soul EV reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Soul EV?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Soul EV have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.