2014 Kia Soul engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V750000Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehicles
  ENGINE

  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.

  Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

  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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

• Recall 19V120000Feb 22, 2019378,967 vehicles
  ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

  Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

  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. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026MDEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11768566 · source
2. Filed Sep 16, 2026TXTowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11764822 · source
3. Filed Sep 14, 2026110,724 miKYTowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11764037 · source
4. Filed Aug 29, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760533 · source
5. Filed Aug 27, 2026WIEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760156 · source
6. Filed Aug 15, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11757104 · source
7. Filed Jul 27, 2026NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11753054 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2026FLEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11752227 · source
9. 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
10. Filed Jun 14, 2026KYEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11743971 · source
11. Filed May 28, 2026VAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11740615 · source
12. Filed May 18, 2026FLEngine

    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,…

    NHTSA complaint #11738559 · source

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