2014 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 883 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2014 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2014 Kia Soul trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2014 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Kia Soul has 883 owner complaints, 34 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 883
- Crash-related complaints
- 34
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Kia Soul?
The 2014 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, lighting, and electrical systems before purchase.
- Check for any history of headlight or taillight failures.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, lighting, and electrical systems before purchase.
- Check for any history of headlight or taillight failures.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2014 Kia Soul has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with engine problems being the most frequently reported issue. Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults also appear as recurring themes. While the data suggests potential concerns, the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints for the 2014 model year.
- Headlight/taillight failures are the second most reported component issue.
- Electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and steering defects each have a notable number of complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Electrical Faults
All 2014 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 595 | 5 | 56 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 130 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 97 | 4 | 15 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 80 | 2 | 10 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 55 | 12 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 51 | — | 9 | — | |
| Brake System | 32 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 30 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 13 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving down a major highway (I65, northbound, indiana) and my vehicle suddenly slowed down and wouldn't accelerate in the middle of traffic. The check engine light came on and was flashing, as well as many other lights on the dash. Thankfully I was able to pull over. I had…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was taken for the oil change, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level was extremely …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed a leak underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was d…
Excessive Oil Consumption/Burning Catalytic Converter Clogging Check Engine Light/Misfires My engine has all of these issues. It has been determined as known KIA issues not driver/owner related. My car has 94,000 miles but none of what's going on is any cause other than KIA issue…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, ABS, and traction control warning light…
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 …
My car was not accelerating all the time I was pressing the pedal. a mechanic said it was the engine.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehic…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business pa…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The AB…
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 a…
I was driving my 2014 Kia Soul on Friday 12/12 when without any warning the brakes went out. Thankfully I was able to get it to a parking lot without incident and requested a tow. After having it repaired, the mechanics stated the brake lines completely popped due to brake line c…
Brakes failed my husband (primary driver of the KIA vehicle) came home from work on 8/19/2024. He pulled off at the local mechanic. Brakes were rusty and there was rust in the brake line so we had to replace. Rusty brakeline became a voluntary recall because it was not just our c…
Upon backing the Kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a Voluntary Service Campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to a…
Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus…
Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption
10/01/2025 I took my vehicle to Crain Kia of Conway for four different safety recalls. Safety Recall 15V123 (SC116) , 22V096(SC229) ,17V608(SC155A) ,and 19V120(SC176). Mr.Jerime York handled my paperwork. I told him my car has. diagnotic code of 420(Catalytic Converter is not …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The engine warni…
The engine has absorbed an insane amount of oil the last several weeks, and this week it burned 1/2 quart of oil in four days- it was fully filled to 1 quart monday and by Friday of the same week was halfway gone. Otherwise it has worked well. Other Kia souls in the area are sell…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact, who was an independent dealer, purchased the vehicle for resale. The contact researched and identified an unrepaired recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) associated with the VIN. The vehic…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Kia Soul.
2014 Kia Soul Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Soul. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 883 owner complaints, 34 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (595 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (130 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (97 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 34 crash-related reports and 68 fire reports out of 883 total complaints. 29 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Soul?▾
The 2014 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.