2014 Kia Soul
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 900
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2014
Opened by NHTSA
61% of complaints
Complaints per year
2014: 900 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
61% · 552 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17
Also filed under Electrical system
While driving, the engine failed and began to smoke then was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-03
The contact's neighbor owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his neighborâs garage, another neighbor noticed smoke coming from the walls of the garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-27
Also filed under Firerelated
Exterior lighting
14% · 130 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and bulbs.
Electrical system
11% · 98 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and key/sender.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact rented a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the passenger's side heated seat caught on fire and burned two holes through the seat. The contact informed the rental agency of the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-03
Also filed under Seats
Power train
6% · 58 reportsEngine and engine cooling
6% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2014Complaint volume 900 complaints filed for this model year.
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2015-03-24Vehicle speed control15V123000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
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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.
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2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-04-17Engine, engine and engine cooling19V120000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged.
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2021-01-25Engine20V750000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-04-04Air bags22V096000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the front impact sensors.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC229.
Buy-smart checklist
2014 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 552 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 130 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 98 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V123000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 17V608000 · Steering
- Recall 19V120000 · Engine, engine and engine cooling
- Recall 20V750000 · Engine
- Recall 22V096000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2014 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2014 Kia Soul is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Soul have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.