2014 Kia Soul transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026NCBrakesOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11765798 · source
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Jan 8, 2026VAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed. Details of the Incident:…

   NHTSA complaint #11709713 · source
5. Filed Oct 15, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   In June 2024, my 2014 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden engine failure without warning. I was driving on a busy road when the engine began sputtering and quickly stalled. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. I had it inspected at a Kia dealership, who diagnosed the issue as complete engine failure but have not provided me with a full diagnostic report despite multiple requests. This type of failure is consistent with the known defects in the Theta II…

   NHTSA complaint #11693573 · source
6. Filed May 27, 2025MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: My 2014 Kia Soul "threw a rod" (as confirmed by a Kia dealer in Jan 2025) at only 115,773 miles after years of regular (every 3-5K miles) maintenance. I bought the car used in 2017 and have documentation to show the maintenance for the subsequent years. The particular motor at issue is known by mechanics to have problems (according to my own mechanic and at least two…

   NHTSA complaint #11663192 · source
7. Filed Oct 21, 2024FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11620960 · source
8. Filed Jul 22, 2024INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicles KSDS sensor was updated per recall. 2 months later the catalytic converter, PCV valve, and spark plugs needed replaced. After replacing and paying out of pocket in 01/2024, the check engine light began coming on as well as oil light. Vehicle began losing power and going into limp mode. Was taken to KIA and knock sensor was replaced 06/15/2024. Less than 3 weeks later the check engine light was on again, loss of power and check engine began flashing. Towed to Kia…

   NHTSA complaint #11603889 · source
9. Filed Apr 15, 2024TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The engine is consuming motor oil in excess after conducting oil changes. If it goes unaddressed after oil changes, it causes the pins in the engine to not operate properly. This results in a check engine light requiring the owners to get another oil change prior to actually needing one. Kia motors is aware of this issue; however are only willing to replace the engine if it fails due to pins and not the excessive oil consumption if your mileage is over the 10 year/100,000…

   NHTSA complaint #11582994 · source
10. Filed Jan 4, 2024VAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Oil consumption and catalytic converter clogging. My car burns through 5 liters of oil about every 1,000 miles. I've already had the catalytic converter replaced and my mechanic said it's from excessive oil leaking, and the only alternative to fix it is to replace the engine.

    NHTSA complaint #11563600 · source
11. Filed Jun 1, 2023PATransmission & Drivetrain

    Three repeat incidents, a few months apart, introduced same hazard to passengers and others: End of year 2022 (date not remembered): Car was stopped at stop sign at T-intersection to enter busy roadway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high revving, and unexpected forward motion of car lurched into busy intersection - almost collision. April 2023 (two incidents in same month): 1. Car was at lighted intersection on state highway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high…

    NHTSA complaint #11524777 · source
12. Filed Apr 27, 2023ILEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Catalytic Converter malfunction and it was check by my mechanic at Hillebrand Automotive. It causes my 2014 Kia Soul to stop running in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights, massages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This happened 3 months ago. On January 21, 2023. It's still down because i can't afford to have it fix.

    NHTSA complaint #11519239 · 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