2014 Kia Soul Problems

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.

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)

Headlights seem to flicker off and on while using turn signals. Dash lights will brighten during the incident as well.

Flickering lights on off while driving at night turn signal triggers it and does it randomly

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.

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.

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)

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: Diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) was confirmed by the Kia dealership. P1326 is part of Kia’s known engine defect population and is tied to safety related engine failures. The dealership documented oil consumption, oil fouled spark plugs, and compression readings below Kia’s minimum specification on all cylinders. The dealership concluded in writing that engine replacement is required. Despite this, Kia denied warranty coverage based solely on a bearing clearance test, without completing the full diagnostic process required under the KSDS settlement. The vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable. Why This Is a Safety Issue: The sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above ~20 mph created a dangerous situation for my daughter and surrounding traffic. This is a known defect pattern in Kia vehicles covered under the KSDS program. The failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a collision. Requested Action: I am reporting this because Kia has not responded to my two complaints nor properly addressed a safety related engine defect that is already part of a national settlement. The incomplete diagnostic process and denial of coverage leave the vehicle unsafe and unusable. I request that NHTSA review this incident as part of the ongoing safety concerns involving Kia GDI engines and P1326 related failures.

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.

The contact’s wife owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and outside around the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was condensation under the gas tank. The vehicle was inspected, and there was corrosion underneath the vehicle on the gas tank, and the rear of the gas tank was separating. The replacement gas tank was purchased but the refurbished gas tank had the same corrosion on the gas tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 17V608000 (STEERING), and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 MPH. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing several updates, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance with the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

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)

My car was not accelerating all the time I was pressing the pedal. a mechanic said it was the engine.

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.

Calipers were froze from the salt

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 17V608000 (STEERING), and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 MPH. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing several updates, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance with the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact's neighbor owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his neighbor’s garage, another neighbor noticed smoke coming from the walls of the garage. The contact then stated that his neighbors were awakened by another neighbor alerting them of the fire. The contact’s neighbor was able to exit the home and notified the fire department that extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was inspected by an investigator who determined that the fire was started in the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that prior to the failure, on three separate occasions, while his neighbors were driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that oil had leaked profusely from an unknown location and the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research, the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,006.

Check engine light continually emits., code states there is a catalytic converter issue., tire sensor light continues to emit., car idles high and shakes continually. Oil disappears and low oil indicator does not work.

This car has experienced paint issues due to poor bonding of the primer. The paint is literally peeling off the car in sheets. It has been going on for the last 1.5 years , and Kia states that it is not their problem. I have worked patiently with them for almost a year as they have instructed me to go, and get paint estimates. After this was completed they then stated the case was determined “ No Goodwill”.As far as they were concerned ; they determined they were not going to pay to have the car painted.

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER AND PAINT WAS BLISTERING ON THE HOOD END ENGINE JUST BURST INTO FLAMES, FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE DASH, IN MINUTES ENTIRE CAR WAS BURNED

The rear windshield in my 2014 Kia Soul shattered upon getting into it and just closing the driver’s side front door. The car had been parked for about 11 hours and was not running at the time - I hadn’t even started it yet. There was no sign or indication of anything or anyone hitting the window. I am now finding a number of posts online where this is happening. One person posted that their Kia Soul rear window shattered twice in 4 months! I live in Rhode Island and it is December so temperature shifts can be pretty extreme at times and my Kia is usually parked on the side of the road in full Sun. I’m just glad no one was hurt and this didn’t happen to me while driving on the highway. I am the second owner of the vehicle and I bought it with low mileage. I also pretty rarely open the hatch back and always try not to slam any of the doors although it does happen occasionally especially when joined by other passengers. This does appear to be a fairly widespread issue and I hope that Kia is forced to fully address it as it does pose a potentially dangerous safety issue.

SINCE I'VE OWNED MY 2014 KIA SOUL, I'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH A RECALL FOR THE A PIN (SO MY STEERING WHEEL WON'T STOP WORKING) AND MY A PROBLEM WITH MY AXEL NUT 2/01/2017, WHICH BEGAN SHAKING MY VEHICLE ON HWY 16, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD THAT FIXED AND JUST HAD A RECALL SERVICE AND REALIZED THIS WAS SOMETHING I ALREADY PAID FOR, WHICH I'VE REQUESTED A REFUND. IN BETWEEN THOSE INSTANCES, I HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING, IN THE DARK, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A POORLY LIT HWY 302. I HAD THOSE REPLACED AND THE DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT AGAIN, AT NIGHT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTIONS WERE MELTED. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. WITH THAT SAID...THIS CAR HAD A POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH ROLLING, STEERING AND VISIBILITY...PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAPPEN ALL AT ONCE BUT YOU NEVER KNOW. REGARDLESS, I'M STARTING TO WONDER HOW SAFE THIS VEHICLE REALLY IS AND WOULD HOPE THAT KIA WOULD BE A RESPONSIBLE COMPANY AND ASSIST WITH HELPING THE CUSTOMER REMEDY THESE CONCERNS. I REALLY AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND WILL BE DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE MORE REGULARLY. KIA TOLD ME THAT SINCE THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHTS THAN THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT ALL 3 OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUES ARE SIGNIFICANT BUT FEAR MY CONCERNS FELL ON DEAF EARS. MAYBE AN OFFICIAL REVIEW WITH NHTSA WILL KEEP KIA ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR ACTIONS OR LACK THERE OF. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle crashed into the rear end of another vehicle. During the crash, the front end sustained severe damage and the vehicle was destroyed but the driver-side air bag did not deploy and the front driver-side seat belt malfunctioned and did not secure the occupant causing the driver's head to make contact with the steering wheel. The driver sustained a head injury that required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined and the local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 94,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURELY RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MUSCLE STRAINS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS BENT AND THE CHASSIS WAS FRACTURED DUE TO THE CRASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DAYTON (8560 TROY PIKE, HUBER HEIGHTS, OH 45424, (937) 500-5461) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOLT WAS MISSING, THERE WAS FRONT END DAMAGE, AND THE ROCKER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,900...*BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB

VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, STEERING, AND WHEEL AREAS EMIT CLUNKING METAL NOISES WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER EVEN SMALL ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. DEALER HAS "RETORQUED" SOME COMPONENTS, BUT NOISES WORSENING. SOMETHING(S) IS (ARE) LOOSE (LOOSENING).

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, a pinging-type noise was heard coming from the engine compartment along with gray smoke. The vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speed before the engine stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and flames and smoke were present coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire and police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact also indicated that during the incident the front driver's side door could not be manually opened from inside the vehicle and the key fob was used to open the door. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 132,000.

The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the front driver’s side tire pressure monitoring system would erroneously remain activated although the tire pressure was correct. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TWO HOLES THROUGH THE SEAT. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE RENTAL AGENCY OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE FLEET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18. UPDATED 1/29/14*CN..UPDATED 02-04-14 *BF