2014 Kia Soul Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 602 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul, 67% of its 900 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 103,000. The engine area is also tied to three recalls, including one for engine compartment fires.
- Engine complaints
- 602
- 67% of 900
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 57
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 103,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires starting suddenly while driving, sometimes with smoke pouring from under the hood shortly after parking or slowing down.
- Some describe a loud bang or engine 'explosion' followed almost immediately by flames engulfing the vehicle, occasionally while using cruise control.
- Several report a burning smell or check engine light coming on before smoke or fire appeared, in some cases matching a known NHTSA engine and cooling investigation.
- A few owners noticed rough running or a 'lawn mower' engine noise in the days before the engine failed and caught fire.
- One owner found melted engine parts, including piston heads and connecting rods, on the ground after a fire under the hood.
When 2014 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 7, 2014, latest Sep 16, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2014 Kia Soul
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V123000Mar 2, 2015Engine208,858 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
Risk: If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
Engine complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2014 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA lists 602 engine complaints for the 2014 Soul, which is 67% of the 900 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for engine fires on the 2014 Kia Soul?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers engine compartment fires on 2014-2015 Soul vehicles, and dealers inspect for fuel or oil leaks and update the engine control software.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2014 Soul?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2014 Soul is 103,000 miles.
- Does the 2014 Kia Soul have other engine-related recalls?
- Yes, there is also recall 19V120000 for catalytic converter overheating on 1.6L GDI engines from 2012-2016 Soul models, and recall 15V123000 for an accelerator pedal issue on 2014-2015 Soul models.
- Did the engine problems cause any fires or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine area for the 2014 Soul includes 57 fires, 8 crashes, and 7 injuries.