Kia Soul Complaints (2014)

905 consumer complaints on file.

#11658108May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The failure had occurred twice in one week. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated during the failures. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who provided the contact with information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655121April 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle Information: 2014 Kia Soul (Base Model) VIN: [XXX] Approx. Mileage at Failure:91,000 Incident Date: [XXX] Complaint: On [XXX], the catalytic converter in my 2014 Kia Soul failed. This follows the completion of recall SC176 on July 14, 2022, which addressed excessive exhaust gas temperatures caused by abnormal combustion conditions. While Kia representatives have claimed that SC176 is unrelated to the catalytic converter, it’s well understood that excessive exhaust heat can lead to long-term thermal damage to emissions components—particularly the catalytic converter. One representative even appeared concerned about the implications of SC176 during a phone call, before quickly changing direction. I believe this catalytic converter failure is a delayed consequence of the issue SC176 was meant to address, especially since the converter is part of the affected exhaust system. This failure not only poses a financial burden—since it falls outside the federal emissions warranty—but may also reflect a broader issue that other 2014 Soul owners could face. The component failed resulting in immediate loss of power on a US interstate highway. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate whether catalytic converter failures like mine are in fact related to the defect addressed in SC176 and whether Kia should be required to offer further coverage or corrective action. Additional Information: I can provide documentation upon request, including: •Receipts showing consistent oil changes and routine maintenance •Service records for all recall work performed on the vehicle, including SC176 (completed on 7/14/22) •A repair invoice for the catalytic converter failure (currently pending — my vehicle is still at the service department as of today, 4/16/25) •A timeline of communications with Kia Customer Care Please let me know if any of these are needed to support further investigation. I’ll gladly provide them once available INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654548April 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted. 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 approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652637April 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with cruise control activated, the RPM's suddenly increased to over 4,000 and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was previously informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced prior to the failure; however, the catalytic convertor had not been replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649186March 19, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle used just four months ago. Since then, I’ve had continual problems with it, costing me a significant amount of money. To date, it required all new tires, a new battery, and multiple problems related to the engine light turning on. So far, these problems have resulted in two sensors being replaced and my catalytic converter becoming so clogged that the car lost all acceleration while on the highway. A Kia dealer wanted $2800 to repair the catalytic converter. I then had to have it towed to private mechanic who only charged me $700 for the same repair. However, the engine light continues to go on. The latest later scan indicates that yet had another sensor needs to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646269March 4, 2025
ENGINE
Catalytic converter overheated. Motor stalled. Wallace Kia, Stuart, Florida ran diagnostics on my vehicle. I brought it into Wallace Kia, Stuart, to get it fixed via the recall. They refused to do it. They said that the catalytic converter overheated and the motor has damage. I don't understand why they won't honor the recall and fix my car. They wanted me to pay for the diagnostics, but they won't send me an invoice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646079March 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, AIR BAGS, STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645562February 28, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ESC warning light illuminated and turned off and on. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire while parked or while driving. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The part was ordered, but the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,806.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645566February 28, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple misfires, codes Codes P062E x2 P0300 P0303 P0302 P0500 P0267 P0264 P050B
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645022February 26, 2025
ENGINE
The engine stalls without warning while driving. It’s been at dangerous times on highways or just driving around town. There’s no rhyme or reason and has almost caused horrible traffic accidents. When calling the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall concerning engine stalling I was treated very rudely and told that there wasn’t any recall issues or problems. However, upon doing an internet search I find that to be a lie. I guess it would take me getting into an accident and suing Kia before responsibility is taken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642397February 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving and my MIL came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an OBD2 scan and it came back with P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold (Bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending CATALYTIC CONVERTER inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1.6L engine and not the 2.0L engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all Kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640731February 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
When I was at work and driving in the parking lot the brake pedal went to the floor. I realized that I didn't have any brakes so I used my emergency brakes to stop. I checked and looked to find the problem: the pressure brake line was leaking under the car before the gas tank. I got my vehicle towed home by AAA. The next day I called the local dealership for the part and they didn't have one and said they could not get one. I waited for the snow to clear here in NC and for the weather to warm up before attempting to replace the line, my next option was the vehicle recycling center (Junk Yard). When I went to look at same-year models and vehicles, they were all rusted in the same place. Please look into this problem before someone gets killed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639428January 29, 2025
ENGINE
Rod bearing three has started knocking and is throwing a catalytic converter code
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633725January 2, 2025
ENGINE
Kia won’t honor engine oil leak recall. Claims negligence on my part but I never had gross negligence. I kept up with everything I was supposed to. I had an oil change at a Florida Kia that may not have been picked up in system but they refuse to fix in warranty and recall. They let my vehicle sit for months and got upset to give any kind of update and was sketchy about diagnosis. The mechanic that worked on my vehicle offered me $1000 when told it’s not gonna work unless I get a new(rebuilt) engine. They said I’d need to tow it home. When I jumped the battery from sitting it ran just fine, as when I drove it in for inspection and of problem with engine. I need a look at my case with having the car checked about oil leaks and being told after inspection that it’s okay and the refusal to fix the engine in the warranty or recalls dime not mine. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632049December 22, 2024
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes are loud been changed to new ones, engine makes a small sound
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627589November 26, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Purchased car on [XXX] less then a week later I tried o purchase Sirius radio for car, however due to being a previous customer I didn’t get a fair enough price for purchase an decided against purchase all together. However due to linking my VIN number ( assuming) kia customer recall center contacted me the very next day called 3xs left me to vmail (still have all voice mails) as KIA Then continually called me and left me voice mails stating vehicle needed to be put in shop due to not safe to drive and I needed to get appointment immediately for recalls on said vin! I called KiA of Wilmington and waited In their waiting room for said appointment for over 4hours. Not only did they lie and tell me I wasn’t in office for that long they forged my time in and out, on said one page non informed piece of paper non receipt stating I was only there for hour an half. When I literally got upset asking demanding for information on what was so dire about my car they told me oh it was nothing my car was just fine. I took there nonsense paper got in car and left. 4 days later my car literally went bonkers the check engine started flashing car wouldnt accelerate then as it started it made a loud pop/ snap sound then seized up locking up so hard it gave me whip lash and wouldnt move another inch let alone provide sound as if car wasn’t still running. I pushed to my home less then 500feet away with help of neighbors whom plugged in my car to read the code which happened to be in direct connection to said recall supposedly checked replaced IN NO WAY FIXED yet said so even though the car had no problems till kia messed with it now it’s completely broken and kia keeps hanging up on me and will not fix or even look at my vehicle I EVEN pleaded I would pay them to fix it they won’t even contact me back. This has to be illegal. Please help me! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621254October 22, 2024
ENGINE
On [XXX] my 2014 Kia Soul caught on fire while I was at a gas station. There had been no warning lights, however when I first started it that day it acted like it didn't want to start. A man ran in the gas station and got their fire extinguisher and put the engine fire out. I called 911 , and when the fire department inspected it they said the fire was completely out. They filed a report and I had my car towed to Glassman Kia Southfield Michigan. It's been there since August 31st, and they still haven't told me what caused my fire. I've been in contact with KIA America in California and have been getting nothing but what seems like a snow job. The car is available at the car dealership for inspection, but only God knows if they have inspected it yet. I am [XXX] with no transportation for almost two months. This is just wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11621309October 22, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an abnormal sound and odor was coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the dealer requested for the contact to pay for the repairs out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620960October 21, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My 2014 Kia Soul ! has had 2 codes, P1326 which is related to a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) which has ties to a known Rod Bearing issue. And a P0420 code related to the Catalytic converter. There was a lawsuit which led to a Recall issued for this vehicle, however, it appears only for 1.6L engine. Mine is 2.0. Just basic online searches have discovered an overwhelming amount of other owners of 2.0 also getting the same issues with there's as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620152October 16, 2024
ENGINE
The engine light and oil light were coming on and the engine was making horrible noises. My wife called me and we had it towed to the nearest dealer, Allentown KIA. The paperwork we received from KIA stated if those 3 things occur, get towed and the dealer will look the car over over. According to the paperwork that we received it could be possible for the engine to be replaced and in addition, a knock sensor recall should be performed. After sitting at the dealer a month before it was diagnosed, they came back with a quote for $9000 for the engine to be replaced because of upper and lower engine noise and timing chain noise, at my expense. I was told it was not covered because I never had the knock sensor recall performed. I never received any paperwork for the recall to be performed. I am a mechanic and I take my car to a private garage for all my service work. I was told there were other recalls not performed. The second person from KIA said that because of an EVAP leak, the engine could not be replaced and they checked the rod bearings by not even taking the engine apart. The engine light is on, the oil light flickers and the engine makes various noises and consumes oil. I do not know what the real story is but I feel my engine should be replaced. I do not know what to do and I own another KIA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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