2014 Kia Soul electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

37 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2014 Kia Soul, 7% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 107,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
37
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Injuries
2
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
107,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system33
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer2
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery1
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender1

Electrical System complaints across Kia Soul years

7201016201116201248201337201450201549201615201717201814201927202015202110202214202392024
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k660k–100k13100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 17, 2026107,000 miNYFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11751048 · source
  2. Filed Sep 25, 2025200,000 miFLElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 200,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11689730 · source
  3. Filed Jul 10, 2025138,000 miMNElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a purchased from a Toyota dealer. An email was sent to the car salesman who sold the contact the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 112,485, it was…
    NHTSA complaint #11672500 · source
  4. Filed May 5, 202589,000 miNYElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11658971 · source
  5. Filed Aug 16, 2024OHFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX]…
    NHTSA complaint #11609041 · source
  6. Filed Apr 22, 202491,000 miNJBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking noise and failed to slow as needed. The contact started tapping the brake pedal and eventually the vehicle slowed down and stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the turn signals and unknown warning…
    NHTSA complaint #11584392 · source
  7. Filed Oct 3, 202323,000 miSCElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light remained illuminated and blinked off and on. Also, a knocking and ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment along with a burning oil odor. Additionally, the vehicle would not exceed speeds over 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later taken to…
    NHTSA complaint #11547957 · source
  8. Filed Aug 25, 202360,000 miWIElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11540768 · source
  9. Filed Jun 6, 2023NYElectrical SystemEngine
    This vehicle has a serious oil consumption issue. It was first noticed about three years ago and has been getting progressively worse. As of June 2023 it consumes a full oil tank in about 2500 miles. Oil warning indicators flash very briefly on occasion but the light does not come on until the oil is below the dipstick. I have had it looked at by my local mechanic and by the Kia dealer who sold the car. The Kia dealer did a test and said it did not meet their standards for a…
    NHTSA complaint #11525628 · source
  10. Filed May 3, 2023ILCrashTowedElectrical System
    My car was stolen by a minor who had a USB cable and internet instructions. My car was lacking proper if any anti theft technology by Kia. Because Kia is aware of this issue and did nothing not only myself but anyone who drives a Kia is at risk for a theft or car jacking. The car was recovered and inspected by local police. No car should be made available for purchase without security features that keep you and your property safe. Who knows how things could have ended if…
    NHTSA complaint #11520326 · source
  11. Filed May 2, 2023TNElectrical SystemEngine
    I brought my vehicle into an authorized dealer when my check engine light came on, having just been made aware of the recall notice when I took it in for an oil change earlier that day. He said the recall came about when cars of my make/model/year started catching fire out of nowhere due to engine issues. Given that my car is still under the mileage warranty, at 95k miles, the person at the dealership service center said it would likely be covered & the recall would qualify…
    NHTSA complaint #11520017 · source
  12. Filed Apr 20, 2023MIElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Since I bought this car, I have experienced hesitation, stalling, high RPM idle, fluctuating idle, burning smell, lurching, running though gas very fast (not due to increased driving), engine noises, dash panel half lighting up, hard to accelerate when the headlights are on, or heat, or air con, odd noises..and through this entire time, check engine light comes on and off and on and off...along with my gas gauge saying empty when its full. I have reported ALL of this…
    NHTSA complaint #11518079 · source

Other 2014 Kia Soul problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology