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At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines under the vehicle can corrode over time, potentially failing and leaking brake fluid, which reduces braking performance.
This page covers 13 recalls, 885 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Soul.
26 mpg combined
9 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2014 Kia Soul's complaint record by a wide margin, with owners frequently describing excessive oil consumption, rod knock, and outright engine failure. Many report burning through several quarts of oil between oil changes, often leading to repeated catalytic converter replacements and persistent check engine light codes tied to catalytic efficiency. Some owners describe sudden power loss while driving, sometimes accompanied by multiple warning lights illuminating at once, requiring a tow. Exterior lighting is the second most-reported system, drawing a notable share of complaints, though the engine issues are far more prevalent and more severe in their described outcomes. The oil consumption pattern shows up consistently across many reports, with owners noting the problem regardless of reported maintenance habits, and the downstream effects, failed catalytic converters, oxygen sensor codes, and eventual internal engine damage, appear repeatedly throughout the complaint set.
885
Total Complaints
34
Crash-Related
68
Fire-Related
24
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Soul has 13 recalls, the most serious being a steering gear defect where the pinion plug can loosen and separate, causing a complete loss of steering control while driving.
Several engine recalls also carry serious risk. High exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, which in turn can crack a piston or break a connecting rod, potentially punching a hole in the engine block and releasing oil onto a hot exhaust. Either scenario can stall the engine without warning. A separate engine recall covers the 2.0L GDI engine, where a software update helps detect developing failures before the engine loses power and cannot restart. There is also a risk of an underhood fire on certain vehicles while driving, though prior repair attempts on some engines may not have fully resolved related concerns. On the chassis side, the brake lines under the vehicle can corrode over time, eventually leaking fluid and significantly extending stopping distances.
Two airbag recalls address the front airbag system: impact sensors can lose communication with the airbag control unit or sustain damage in a severe crash, in either case preventing the front airbags from deploying when needed. The accelerator pedal can bend or fracture under heavy use, making it difficult to accelerate normally. Heated seat wiring can disconnect and allow the seat heater to overheat, creating a burn risk.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines under the vehicle can corrode over time, potentially failing and leaking brake fluid, which reduces braking performance.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your brake lines, apply anti-corrosion treatment, and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring connecting to the heated seat can come loose, causing the seat heaters to overheat.
What the fix does
A dealer will replace the seat heater control unit and seat heater pad(s) as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a severe front crash, the front-impact sensors that trigger airbag deployment may become damaged, preventing the front airbags from inflating when needed.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the airbag control unit software to correct the sensor response logic.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Air Bag Control Unit may lose communication with the front impact sensors, preventing the front air bags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Air Bag Control Unit software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may not detect problems early enough, potentially causing sudden engine failure and loss of power with inability to restart.
What the fix does
Kia will update the engine control module software at a dealer to improve problem detection and prevent engine failure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
High exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, potentially causing abnormal engine combustion and damage to pistons or connecting rods.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control system to prevent catalytic converter overheating, replace the damaged catalytic converter, and replace the engine if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles previously repaired under recalls 2014-237 or 2015-535, the pinion plug may not have been properly secured. This can cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly, resulting in loss of steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pinion plug to verify the previous repair was done correctly. If needed, they will redo the repair using an improved method or replace the entire steering assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pinion plug in the steering gear assembly may loosen, allowing the pinion gear to separate and potentially cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the entire steering gear assembly as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive securing the steering gear pinion plug may be insufficient, allowing the plug to loosen or separate and cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the pinion plug and apply proper adhesive to secure it.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal can crack if pushed too hard, which may reduce how well the pedal works and limit how fast the vehicle can accelerate.
What the fix does
Dealers will add supporting rubber under the pedal stopper to strengthen the pedal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal may bend and fracture due to insufficient support at the pedal stopper.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a rubber support underneath the pedal stopper to reinforce the pedal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering gear pinion plug may have been installed with insufficient thread-locking adhesive, allowing it to loosen and separate. This could cause loss of steering control and crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the pinion plug with a new one that has proper thread-locking adhesive applied.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
