2014 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 548 5 crash 52 fire 6 injury 1 death

“This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX] (C.D. Cal.) (https://kiaengineclasssettlement.com/CheckVIN). A copy of the Sharonville Police Report, [XXX] is attached al…”
NHTSA complaint #11609041, 2017 · fire · 1 death(s)

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact became aware of a burning rubber odor and observed grey and brown smoke coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started underneath the front of the vehicle. The local Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle continued rolling and the rear driver’s side tire ran over both feet. The contact had tw…”
NHTSA complaint #11751048, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] my 2014 Kia Soul caught on fire while I was at a gas station. There had been no warning lights, however when I first started it that day it acted like it didn't want to start. A man ran in the gas station and got their fire extinguisher and put the engine fire out. I called 911 , and when the fire department inspected it they said the fire was completely out. They filed a report and I had my car towed to Glassman Kia Southfield Michigan. It's been there since August 31st, and they still haven't told me what caused my fire. I've been in contact with KIA America in California and have…”
NHTSA complaint #11621254, 2024 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 130 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS CONNECTOR MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ANDERSON, 5281 US-76, PENDLETON, SC 29670, AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTION THAT THE HIGHT AND LOW BEAM WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY CONSTANTLY HAD TO REPLACED THE BULB. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHT…”
NHTSA complaint #11386921, 2020 · fire

“Headlights seem to flicker off and on while using turn signals. Dash lights will brighten during the incident as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11691926, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night at 45–50 MPH, the headlights became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over, and the headlights returned to operation but were flickering. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the connectors had melted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10170778 (Exterior Lighting). The…”
NHTSA complaint #11553921, 2023

Electrical System 98 4 crash 16 fire 3 injury 1 death

“This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX] (C.D. Cal.) (https://kiaengineclasssettlement.com/CheckVIN). A copy of the Sharonville Police Report, [XXX] is attached al…”
NHTSA complaint #11609041, 2017 · fire · 1 death(s)

“THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONED, AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. TWO BYSTANDERS COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL ENGAGED. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE GLASS, MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN OPEN THEM - THE DOORS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER UNLOCKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SUPPOSED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - THEY DID NOT.”
NHTSA complaint #10731189, 2015 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact became aware of a burning rubber odor and observed grey and brown smoke coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started underneath the front of the vehicle. The local Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle continued rolling and the rear driver’s side tire ran over both feet. The contact had tw…”
NHTSA complaint #11751048, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 81 2 crash 10 fire 1 injury

“THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONED, AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. TWO BYSTANDERS COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL ENGAGED. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE GLASS, MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN OPEN THEM - THE DOORS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER UNLOCKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SUPPOSED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - THEY DID NOT.”
NHTSA complaint #10731189, 2015 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I drove my car a short distance, parked, and turned off the engine. about 5 minutes after I left my car in the parking lot, we heard a loud explosion and everyone in the office stepped outside. My car became a ball of orange fire and burned for some time. It took 3 fire trucks to contain the fire and several other vehicles were damaged from the explosion. Pictures taken after the incident show the engine was gone (melted maybe). The inside of the car was also burned beyond recognition. My potential death was approximately 5 minutes after I parked my car. The gas tank did not explode; rather, t…”
NHTSA complaint #11535521, 2023 · fire

“The vehicle’s engine spontaneously caught fire on the interstate. Entire car and all belongings inside were a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11498233, 2022 · fire

Power Train 56 1 crash 4 fire 1 injury

“DRIVING SOUL DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER CAR CAME ACROSS THE HIGHWAY- THREE LANES, FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE IN FRONT OF ME TO ACCESS TURNING LANE. I HIT HIS REAR DRIVER SIDE WITH MY FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652449, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft Wayne Kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on i-69 chapel exit in ft Wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control.…”
NHTSA complaint #11515317, 2023 · fire

“Friday January 20th, 2023 while on the freeway my 2014 Kia Soul with less than 75,000 miles spontaneously caught on fire. While merging over to the side of the road the breaks and throttle were inoperable. I was very fortunate that I did not suffer any injuries though it was a very close call. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to maneuver the car over to the side of the road while maintaining the flow of traffic due to the accelerator failure. Once near the shoulder of the road I was unable to stop the car due to the breaks failure which increased the amount of time I was exposed to t…”
NHTSA complaint #11504554, 2023 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 55 5 fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, a pinging-type noise was heard coming from the engine compartment along with gray smoke. The vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speed before the engine stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and flames and smoke were present coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire and police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact also indicat…”
NHTSA complaint #11533268, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, when there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and suddenly there was smoke as well. The contact was able to pull over and EMS were called to the scene, before fire marshals arrived on the scene the fire extinguished on its own. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure but was unable to assist the contact. The failure mileage was approximately…”
NHTSA complaint #11438230, 2021 · fire

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph during rainy weather conditions, the vehicle began to produce a knocking noise, decelerated, and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact's boyfriend opened the hood and confirmed that there was a fire. The fire extinguished itself and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was currently there for diagnostics but not repaired as of yet. During the incident, the police were called but it was unknown if a police report was filed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11432442, 2021 · fire

Steering 55 12 crash 6 injury

“On or about 10/11/22 while driving I completely lost control of the vehicle suddenly. I was unable to break or use my steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over twice and the front airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11489607, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RECALL 17V608 DID NOT FIX PRIOR RECALL 14V332 AND 15V736 PROBLEMS, CAUSED FAILURE OF STEERING, AIRBAGS, AND ENGINE. ACCIDENT ENSUED. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON CITY STREET AT SPEED UNDER 40 MPH. DRIVER WENT TO CHANGE LANES AND STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. REAR-ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF, CHANGE LANE INDICATOR WAS NOTED ON AT SCENE. DRIVER STATES VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE INTO LANE TO THE RIGHT AND, THEREFORE, REAR-ENDED VEHICLE. SEVERE DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF KIA SOUL NOTED. KIA WAS CONTACTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11124244, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE CURB AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS AND BRUISES ALL OVER HIS BODY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER RECALL (SC144). PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE DRIVE SHAFT HUB NUT WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #10986342, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 52 9 fire 1 death

“This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX] (C.D. Cal.) (https://kiaengineclasssettlement.com/CheckVIN). A copy of the Sharonville Police Report, [XXX] is attached al…”
NHTSA complaint #11609041, 2017 · fire · 1 death(s)

“I drove my car a short distance, parked, and turned off the engine. about 5 minutes after I left my car in the parking lot, we heard a loud explosion and everyone in the office stepped outside. My car became a ball of orange fire and burned for some time. It took 3 fire trucks to contain the fire and several other vehicles were damaged from the explosion. Pictures taken after the incident show the engine was gone (melted maybe). The inside of the car was also burned beyond recognition. My potential death was approximately 5 minutes after I parked my car. The gas tank did not explode; rather, t…”
NHTSA complaint #11535521, 2023 · fire

“check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft Wayne Kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on i-69 chapel exit in ft Wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control.…”
NHTSA complaint #11515317, 2023 · fire

Service Brakes 34 5 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT HAD THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND SEAT BELT RETRACTOR REPLACED AT FOLSOM LAKE KIA (12751 FOLSOM BLVD, FOLSOM, CA 95630). AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH DUE TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK STRAIN, HEADACHES, AND INJURED HER LEFT KNEE IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE VEHICLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE R…”
NHTSA complaint #11025437, 2017 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On or about 10/11/22 while driving I completely lost control of the vehicle suddenly. I was unable to break or use my steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over twice and the front airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11489607, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING. I CAME TO A RED LIGHT. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WENT. I PUSHED ON GAS. THE PERSON N FRONT OF ME HIT BRAKES. I HIT MY BRAKES, FELT A HUGE JOLT. CAR ACCELERATED AND WAS NOT BRAKING. I SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF VEHICLE. I WAS WEARING A SELTBELT, BUT MY KNEES SLAMMED INTO DASHBOARD. AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF WHICH EVERYONE WAS SURPRISED BY THIS. I ENDED AT HOSPITAL WITH A CONCUSSION, INJURIES TO MY KNEES, RIGHT ANKLE..ETC MY 2014 KIA SOUL HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE TOTALLED. I HAVE CONTACTED YOU PREVIOUSLY STATING MY VEHICLE HAD ISSUES THAT WERE A SAFETY HAZARD. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11366959, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 31 3 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“On or about 10/11/22 while driving I completely lost control of the vehicle suddenly. I was unable to break or use my steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over twice and the front airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11489607, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON MY CAR STARTED TO EXCELERATE AND REV TO HIGH RPM WITHOUT THE ENGINE SHIFTING GEARS.. THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR MAKING THIS HORRIBLE NOISE, I PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE WAS BARRELING BLACK SMOKE. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH KIA REPORTING THIS, BUT THEY WANTED $800 TO TOW IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, AND IT'S KIAS RECALL FAULT THAT THIS HAPPENED. SO MY CAR WHICH WAS STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD LAST WEEK, IS PROBABLY PICKED UP AND IMPOUNDED BY NOW....KIA SHOULD TAKE OWNERSHIP, TOW MY CAR AND FIX IT, OR I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPP…”
NHTSA complaint #11378446, 2020 · fire

“MY KIA SOUL 2014 JUST BLEW UP AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS A 4 CYLINDER GDI. THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE ENGINE BLEW LOUD AND AS I CAME TO A HALT THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THEN THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. I WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL GOING UP A HIP NOTICED THE ENGINE RIVETING HARD AND THEN THE CAR ENGINE MADE THAT LOUD BANG AND THEN IN 12 MINUTES CAR WAS ENGULFED AND GAS TANK BLEW AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED.”
NHTSA complaint #11080315, 2018 · fire

Air Bags 26 13 crash 1 fire 16 injury

“CAR WAS TURNING AND STRUCK IN THE FRONT END AT APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH. IT WAS SPUN AROUND AND CAME TO A STOP. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED,. WHEN I CALLED KIA THEY WOULD NOT RESPOND AFTER I SENT THEM PICS. PICS ARE ATTACHED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY GEICO. PRETTY MUCH THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS GONE. YOU CAN REACH ME AT [XXX] IF NEEDED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10954255, 2016 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“"TAKATA RECALL " I HAD A REAR END ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE REAR END ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS HIT FROM THE REAR AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY AT 45 MI PER HOUR I BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE POLICE HAVE PHOTOS”
NHTSA complaint #11163905, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED RESULTING FROM DRIVER ERROR IN A DARK RURAL AREA, SHARP S CURVE AND RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GUARDRAIL AND OVER A SLIGHT DITCH, THEN INTO A FENCE. DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FOR EITHER OF THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS. AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AS NOTED IN POLICE REPORT. CHECKED FOR ANY OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VIN, HOWEVER, 2012 KIA SOUL HAD RECALLS FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS. INTERESTING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10683443, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Structure 11 3 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“DRIVING SOUL DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER CAR CAME ACROSS THE HIGHWAY- THREE LANES, FROM A PRIVATE DRIVE IN FRONT OF ME TO ACCESS TURNING LANE. I HIT HIS REAR DRIVER SIDE WITH MY FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652449, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER AND PAINT WAS BLISTERING ON THE HOOD END ENGINE JUST BURST INTO FLAMES, FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE DASH, IN MINUTES ENTIRE CAR WAS BURNED”
NHTSA complaint #11361318, 2020 · fire

“ON DECEMBER 9TH, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:10AM, WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR SUDDENLY BROKE DOWN AND BEGAN TO SMOKE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REMOVED MY IMPORTANT BELONGINGS. WITHIN MINUTES MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I NOTIFIED CITY POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND INSURANCE COMPANY. MY CAR WAS ULTIMATELY DESTROYED AND TAKEN TO A JUNK YARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11160651, 2018 · fire

Wheels 9 2 crash 2 injury

“THIS WAS A RENTAL CAR, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED RESULTING FROM DRIVER ERROR IN A DARK RURAL AREA, SHARP S CURVE AND RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GUARDRAIL AND OVER A SLIGHT DITCH, THEN INTO A FENCE. DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FOR EITHER OF THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS. AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AS NOTED IN POLICE REPORT. CHECKED FOR ANY OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VIN, HOWEVER, 2012 KIA SOUL HAD RECALLS FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS. INTERESTING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10683443, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AS THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND DID NOT FILE A POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V332000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #10749089, 2015 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR OUT OF TOWN, WHEN THEY WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIBLE SOUND AND DIED. I HAD TO WALK TO A CAR RENTAL PLACE TO RENT. CAR. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. I GOT HOME AND THE NEXT DAY THE MECHANIC CALLED AND SAID I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE THAT IT BLEW A HEAD GASKET VALVE. HE RECOMMENDED CONTACTING KIA AS THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THIS CAR FOR THIS PROBLEM. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED KIA AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR AND THEY WOULD PAY TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP. IT IS STILL A GOOD TWO HOURS FROM WHERE…”
NHTSA complaint #11387486, 2021

Seat Belts 6 3 crash 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle crashed into the rear end of another vehicle. During the crash, the front end sustained severe damage and the vehicle was destroyed but the driver-side air bag did not deploy and the front driver-side seat belt malfunctioned and did not secure the occupant causing the driver's head to make contact with the steering wheel. The driver sustained a head injury that required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of t…”
NHTSA complaint #11422309, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURELY RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MUSCLE STRAINS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS BENT AND THE CHASSIS WAS FRACTURED DUE TO THE CRASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSE…”
NHTSA complaint #11142651, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AS I WAS DRIVING I HAD A SUDDEN STOP AND MY CHILD WAS THROWN FROM HER SEAT AS FAR AS TO THE MIDDLE CONSOLE FROM THE BACK MIDDLE SEATBELT. UPON INVESTIGATING WHY THIS HAPPENED I NOTICED THAT THE SEATBELT RETENTION WAS IMPROPERLY WORKING. AS YOU PULL IT OUT IT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO THE SEAT AS DESIGNED. I WAS SCARED AND HYSTERICAL BECAUSE LORD FORBID IF THERE WAS A COLLISION MY CHILD COULD HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THROWN OUT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF COULD GET IT IN THE SHOP THAT DAY MARCH 31,2014 AND THEY WERE SO SWAMPED THEY MADE ME AN APPOINTME…”
NHTSA complaint #10576877, 2014 · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ESC warning light illuminated and turned off and on. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire while parked or while driving. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The part was ordered, but the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage…”
NHTSA complaint #11645562, 2025

“COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE - 11-5-18 - ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN. ALL OIL WAS GONE FROM ENGINE. CAR CANNOT EVEN BE MANUALLY CRANKED. SEEMS TO BE EXACT SAME ISSUE DISCOVERED WITH SAME YEAR 1.6L ENGINES, BUT WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL AS A 2.0L ENGINE FOR WHATEVER REASON. 3 MECHANICS HAVE QUOTED ME A $10K REPAIR INCLUDING AN ENTIRE NEW ENGINE. NO SALVAGE OR USED ENGINES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11207357, 2018

“THE LIGHTS IN MY KIA SOULS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ARE FLICKERING AND GOING OUT COMPLETELY SOMETIMES. VERY UNSAFE WHEN I AM ALREADY DRIVING. HAPPENS TO MY HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR ROOF LIGHTING. IT HAS ALSO CAUSED MY LIGHTS TO STAY ON SOMETIMES AND CAUSES MY BATTERY TO DIE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR IS IDLE OR DRIVING OR OFF COMPLETELY WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11111457, 2018

Suspension 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DAYTON (8560 TROY PIKE, HUBER HEIGHTS, OH 45424, (937) 500-5461) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOLT WAS MISSING, THERE WAS FRONT END DAMAGE, AND THE ROCKER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAI…”
NHTSA complaint #11172720, 2018

“VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, STEERING, AND WHEEL AREAS EMIT CLUNKING METAL NOISES WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER EVEN SMALL ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. DEALER HAS "RETORQUED" SOME COMPONENTS, BUT NOISES WORSENING. SOMETHING(S) IS (ARE) LOOSE (LOOSENING).”
NHTSA complaint #10969205, 2017

“FRONT DRIVE AXLE NUT WAS LOOSE AND CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. NO WORK WAS EVER DONE ON THE VEHICLE IN THAT AREA SO THE NUT LOOSENED ON ITS OWN, NEARLY CAUSING THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF THE VEHICLE. TORQUE WAS CHECKED ON THE NUT AFTER DISCOVERY AND WAS FOUND TO BE WAY LESS THAT THE FACTORY SPEC. OF ~170 TO 198FT. LBS. NUT HAS NO "LOCKING" MECHANISM TO PREVENT BACK OUT!”
NHTSA complaint #10892712, 2016

Visibility 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10732935, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER CLOSING THE DRIVER DOOR, THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10695103, 2015

“THE REAR WINDSHIELD DID NOT SEEM PROPERLY SECURED OR GLUED. THERE IS NO SECURED CORNERS. OCTOBER 5, 2014 I UNLOADED MY GROCERIES WHEN I SHUT THE HATCH BACK THE REAR GLASS SHATTERED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHERS WITH THE SAME CAR AND A FEW HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. THE DEALER STATES THAT THEY DO NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10641926, 2014

Fuel System 3 1 fire

“The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated her daughter's boyfriend was driving approximately 70 MPH with her daughter in the passenger’s seat, when they noticed smoke in the rearview mirror. The driver checked around to see if the smoke was coming from another vehicle and determined that the smoke was coming the vehicle he was driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the driver pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle and noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished with th…”
NHTSA complaint #11429923, 2021 · fire

“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 several occasions, there was condensation under the gas tank. The vehicle was inspected, and there was corrosion underneath the vehicle on the gas tank, and the rear of the gas tank was separating. The replacement gas tank was purchased but the refurbished gas tank had the same corrosion on the gas tank. The vehicle wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11720870, 2024

“2014 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER RECALL INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HONOR RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT EVEN AFTER THE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE CODES WERE E0441. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11413795, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 3

“The rear windshield in my 2014 Kia Soul shattered upon getting into it and just closing the driver’s side front door. The car had been parked for about 11 hours and was not running at the time - I hadn’t even started it yet. There was no sign or indication of anything or anyone hitting the window. I am now finding a number of posts online where this is happening. One person posted that their Kia Soul rear window shattered twice in 4 months! I live in Rhode Island and it is December so temperature shifts can be pretty extreme at times and my Kia is usually parked on the side of the road in full…”
NHTSA complaint #11496214, 2022

“SINCE I'VE OWNED MY 2014 KIA SOUL, I'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH A RECALL FOR THE A PIN (SO MY STEERING WHEEL WON'T STOP WORKING) AND MY A PROBLEM WITH MY AXEL NUT 2/01/2017, WHICH BEGAN SHAKING MY VEHICLE ON HWY 16, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD THAT FIXED AND JUST HAD A RECALL SERVICE AND REALIZED THIS WAS SOMETHING I ALREADY PAID FOR, WHICH I'VE REQUESTED A REFUND. IN BETWEEN THOSE INSTANCES, I HAD BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING, IN THE DARK, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A POORLY LIT HWY 302. I HAD THOSE REPLACED AND THE DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT AGAIN, AT NIGHT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10990454, 2017

“WHEN MAKING A TURN OF CHANGING LANES WHEN TURN SIGNAL IS SET ONCE IT RESETS ALL LIGHTS TURN OFF OR HIGH BEAMS FLASH TURN ON/OFF AND HAVE TO MOVE OR PLAY WITH TURN SIGNAL HANDLE FOR THE LIGHTS TO TURN ONE AGAIN. NOTE WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND CHANGING LANES AT NIGHT I SET THE TURN SIGNAL TO CHANGE LANES AND WHEN IT RESET ALL LIGHTS TURNED OFF LEAVING ME DRIVING IN THE DARK AND MY FAMILY SAFETY WAS AT HIGH RISK. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH TURN SIGNAL HANDLE CAUSING A SHORT, NOTE THAT SOME TIMES INSTEAD OF LIGHTS TURNING OFF THE HIGH BEAMS FLASH ON/OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10970126, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 fire

“THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON MY CAR STARTED TO EXCELERATE AND REV TO HIGH RPM WITHOUT THE ENGINE SHIFTING GEARS.. THEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR MAKING THIS HORRIBLE NOISE, I PULLED OVER AND THE ENGINE WAS BARRELING BLACK SMOKE. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH KIA REPORTING THIS, BUT THEY WANTED $800 TO TOW IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, AND IT'S KIAS RECALL FAULT THAT THIS HAPPENED. SO MY CAR WHICH WAS STILL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD LAST WEEK, IS PROBABLY PICKED UP AND IMPOUNDED BY NOW....KIA SHOULD TAKE OWNERSHIP, TOW MY CAR AND FIX IT, OR I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPP…”
NHTSA complaint #11378446, 2020 · fire

“My check engine light goes on and off and its reading catalytic converter there is a recall for that as well on kia souls”
NHTSA complaint #11441829, 2021

Back Over Prevention 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE BACK OVER PREVENTION CAMERA MALFUNCTIONED AND THERE WAS NO IMAGE DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT DECLINED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,230.”
NHTSA complaint #11415451, 2021

Equipment 1

“DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE NUT LOOSE ON 2014 KIA SOUL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10662251, 2014

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact's neighbor owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his neighbor’s garage, another neighbor noticed smoke coming from the walls of the garage. The contact then stated that his neighbors were awakened by another neighbor alerting them of the fire. The contact’s neighbor was able to exit the home and notified the fire department that extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11546830, 2020 · fire

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, a pinging-type noise was heard coming from the engine compartment along with gray smoke. The vehicle began to lose automotive power and reduced speed before the engine stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and flames and smoke were present coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A fire and police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was later towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The contact also indicat…”
NHTSA complaint #11533268, 2023 · fire

Seats 1 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TWO HOLES THROUGH THE SEAT. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE RENTAL AGENCY OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE FLEET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18. UPDATED 1/29/14*CN..UPDATED 02-04-14 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10554720, 2012 · fire

Tires 1

“The contact owns 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the front driver’s side tire pressure monitoring system would erroneously remain activated although the tire pressure was correct. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11451405, 2019