Kia Soul Complaints (2014)

905 consumer complaints on file.

#11773575October 25, 2026
ENGINE
this vehicle was service with a new engine in 2021 by the kia dealer in South Attleboro mass the car began to start loosing power on 10/15/ 2026 it now needs a new engine again I call the kia dealer to see if it had warranted and they said because it has 198 thousand miles the warranted is gone I don't understand how is a new engine last for only 3 years . no explanation after that please I need someone to let me know what is really happening with these Kia"s cause my 2018 also have the same problem and is not because of oil cause it has been service by the kia dealer itself . although I hav notice also that after service my oil will drop easily and I would have to put more oil in it can anyone get back to me now I have two Kias one 2014 and 2018 with engine problem in the same month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768566October 2, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767687September 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766790September 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765798September 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764822September 16, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764037September 14, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760945August 31, 2026
AIR BAGS
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760533August 29, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760156August 27, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757104August 15, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753054July 27, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752884July 26, 2026
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752227July 22, 2026
ENGINE
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751048July 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11747072June 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745587June 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Calipers were froze from the salt
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743971June 14, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740615May 28, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738559May 18, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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