2014 Kia Soul Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Soul years
The 2014 Kia Soul ranks 2nd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 900 NHTSA complaints, mostly tied to the Engine (67% of complaints, 57 fires). It carries 5 recalls, making it one of the years to avoid for this model.
- Complaints
- 900
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 33 / 69
- Injuries / deaths
- 28 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 24 city / 30 hwy
Top 2014 Kia Soul problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine602 (67%)
- Electrical System187 (21%)
- Other85 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain58 (6%)
- Fuel System57 (6%)
- Steering55 (6%)
- Brakes38 (4%)
- Airbags26 (3%)
- Structure & Body13 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (1%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported shortly after driving or immediately after parking, with smoke and flames from under the hood.
- Steering wheel becoming difficult to turn or losing power assist suddenly, sometimes leading to a crash into a guardrail or loss of control during a turn.
- Air bags failing to deploy during frontal or rear-end crashes despite significant impact force.
- Electrical issues involving door locks staying engaged after a crash and fire, trapping occupants inside until bystanders broke the glass.
- Heated seats catching fire and burning through the seat material even at very low mileage.
2014 Kia Soul recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V096000Feb 18, 2022Airbags128,280 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module:software
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the front impact sensors.
Risk: Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC229.
- NHTSA 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 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.
- NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles
Engine
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.
2014 Kia Soul fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Kia Soul ranks 2nd worst of 16 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 93 and 900 complaints, mostly in the Engine category.
- What are the main problems with the 2014 Kia Soul?
- Owners report Engine problems account for 67% of complaints, including 57 fire incidents, with a median failure mileage of 103,000 miles. Electrical System issues make up 21% of complaints.
- Does the 2014 Kia Soul have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Kia Soul, covering Airbags, Engine (fire risk and catalytic converter overheating), Steering, and an accelerator pedal defect. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2014 Kia Soul compare to other years?
- The 2014 model has a complaint index of 93, close to the 2015 model's 100 (the worst year), while years like 2010 (index 20) and 2019 (index 13) rank as Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Kia Soul?
- EPA rates the 2014 Kia Soul at 26 mpg combined (24 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500.