2014 Kia Soul recalls and problems

5 recalls and 903 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Soul.

5
recalls
903
owner complaints
33
complaints mentioning a crash
69
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 Kia Soul recalls

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module, software · Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 22V096000 · reported February 18, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 128,280 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V750000 · reported December 2, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 294,756 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The 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.

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, catalytic convertor · Engine

NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · reported February 22, 2019 · Kia Motors America · 378,967 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Steering

NHTSA campaign 17V608000 · reported September 29, 2017 · Kia Motors America · 342,381 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

NHTSA campaign 15V123000 · reported March 2, 2015 · Kia Motors America · 208,858 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 25, 2026 · Engine

this vehicle was service with a new engine in 2021 by the kia dealer in South Attleboro mass the car began to start loosing power on 10/15/ 2026 it now needs a new engine again I call the kia dealer to see if it had warranted and they said because it has 198 thousand miles the warranted is gone I don't understand how…

Oct 2, 2026 · Engine

I purchased my Kia Soul because I believed I was purchasing a dependable vehicle that I could rely on for my everyday transportation. Unfortunately, my experience with the vehicle has been very different. Over time, I have experienced ongoing and serious problems with the engine, particularly excessive oil…

Sep 29, 2026 · Unknown or other

Trouble with acceleration, when coming to a full stop then trying to accelerate the car feels like it doesn't want to move. Slows down to approximately 15mph when going up hills even when gas pedal pushed down all the way. Feels like it's about to stall at stop signs, etc.

Sep 24, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

I bought the car August 21st 2026 and I'm September 20th I was driving down the interstate and my car starting shaking. I found out it's the catholic converter. I read they're was a recall on the Kia for that issue.

Sep 21, 2026 · Service brakes

The Engine powered down to the point where the car stalled out. It would not accelerate. This was quite dangerous! I was in traffic when this happened. Trying to get it to a safer spot, I restarted the engine a few times; the brakes were extremely hard & wouldn't let me mash them down to catch to stop, so I…

Soul model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2011 3194275
2012 35152523
2013 36672246
2014 59033369
2015 49023484
2016 28162835
2017 12721714

Across all years, the 2014 Soul has the most complaints (903). All Kia Soul years →

Questions

Does the 2014 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2014 Kia Soul, the most recent reported on February 18, 2022 (Air bags: air bag/restraint control module, software, Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 903 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (554 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (130).
How many 2014 Kia Soul complaints mention a crash or fire?
33 of 903 complaints report a crash and 69 a fire; 28 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.