2014 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul. This model year has 883 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2014 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
Considering a 2014 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2014 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 883 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
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.
Recalls for 2014 Kia Soul
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2014 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2014 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2014 Kia Soul has 883 NHTSA owner complaints, 34 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (595 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2014 Kia Soul has 34 crash-related complaints and 68 fire reports out of 883 total NHTSA complaints. 29 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Soul. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2014 Kia Soul?▾
The 2014 Kia Soul has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2014 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.