2014 Kia Soul recalls and problems
The 2014 Kia Soul has 5 safety recalls and 904 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2014 Kia Soul vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2014 Kia Soul recalls
Recall 22V-096: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-750: Engine
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 19V-120: Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-608: Steering
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Recall 15V-123: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2014 Kia Soul problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 554 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 130 | |
| Electrical System | 98 | |
| Unknown or Other | 85 | |
| Power Train | 58 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 57 | |
| Steering | 56 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 54 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 | |
| Service Brakes | 31 | |
| Air Bags | 26 | |
| Structure | 11 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 10
- Structure › Body — 8
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 88,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2014 Kia Soul complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Soul years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2014 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Kia Soul: 22V-096 (air bags), 20V-750 (engine), 19V-120 (engine, engine and engine cooling), 17V-608 (steering), 15V-123 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Kia Soul?
Owners report engine problems most often (554 reports), followed by exterior lighting (130). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 88,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.