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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2014 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2014 Kia Soul has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel door or charge port door

    "Fuel pump needed replacement"

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Locks and latches

    ""Lock sensor on rear drivers side door,heard the plastic mechanism inside the door break when closing the door. Had to shut off dome lites,& alarm won't set because open door warning is on all the time.""

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Windows

    "Window regulator that controls the rear passenger window cracked & shorted out. Had my private mechanic disable the window in the up position.kia wanted $400 just for the part."

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "The calipers seized up and then I had them replaced."

    Anonymous A., NY (2014 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    "Ive never owned a vehicle that has np needed more continuous brake work than this car. Brake seize up a lot."

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "First set was about 25,000 second set was about 40,000 looking at a third set at about 52,000"

    Anonymous, MA (2014 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""In December 2024, my check engine light came on. I went to a franchise mechanic who stated my bearing rod went beyond limits and that my engine was knocking. He advised me that this is common in Kia/Hyundai products and to take it to a dealer. I took it to a dealer who did a recall software update that only temporarily fixed the problem. Two weeks later, I was driving home from work and the check engine light started blinking and the car went into limp mode. I took it back to the dealer for further inspection. After a few days, the dealer requested all the maintenance records and told me they were submitting the car for a complete engine replacement under a recall/TSB. After sending in the documentation, they contacted me to let me know Kia approved the engine swap. After about six weeks of the initial problem, I had my car back with a brand new engine.""

    Anonymous, NV (2014 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Had check engine light that kept coming on. checked code and took it to my mechanic. He suggested going to Kia dealership as there were several engine recalls. Took it to dealership and yes, they owned up and replaced the engine. They also told me I needed to replace the catalytic converter, but my mechanic could do it cheaper so I had him do it.""

    Anonymous A., GA (2014 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Interior lights

    "They flash on and off when rains"

    Anonymous A., AR (2014 Kia Soul Unsure Unsure)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Paint has peeled off due to sun exposure"

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Coil

    "Have had several coils go out but they are easy to replace and inexpensive to buy on Rock Auto."

    Anonymous A., GA (2014 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    "Engine has been known to have a major problem burning oil. Have to carry oil."

    Anonymous A., FL (2014 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Had off and on problems with it for the past 3 years and basically use cleaner to Band-Aid the problem. Catalytic converter finally went out and had it replaced. Apparently Kia has problems with catalytic converters and too much oil passing through the exhaust system."

    Anonymous A., NC (2014 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    "Steering wheel vibrate between 50 and 60 mph. Very hard to fix. Cv joints replaced ball bearings replaced tie rods replaced problem persist"

    Anonymous, (2014 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2014 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    10*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 18, 2022
    Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V096000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 128280
    ENGINE
    Dec 02, 2020
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V750000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 294756
    ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Feb 22, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V120000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 378967
    STEERING
    Sep 29, 2017
    If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V608000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 342381
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Mar 02, 2015
    If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V123000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 208858
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