2014 Kia Soul. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 3
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 59,500 and 113,000 miles. Median 88,000, from 621 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 103,000 | 80,000–120,000 | 360 |
| Lights | 67,000 | 45,000–79,000 | 109 |
| Electrical | 69,500 | 44,000–107,000 | 78 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 76,400 | 41,000–92,200 | 38 |
| Steering | 36,000 | 12,000–60,000 | 43 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | 32% |
| Lights | 20% |
| Electrical | 16% |
| Engine | 12% |
| Speed control | 9% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 902 | 33 | 69 | 24 | 1 | 83 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 5
22V096000 Feb 2022 Air Bags / Frontal
Defect. 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.
Risk. Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy. 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.
20V750000 Dec 2020 Engine
Defect. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy. 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 1-80
19V120000 Feb 2019 Engine
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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 custom
17V608000 Sep 2017 Steering
Defect. 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.
Risk. If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. 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 bei
15V123000 Mar 2015 Vehicle Speed Control / Accelerator Pedal
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Engine fires | 2021 | 2024 |
| Closed | Non-crash vehicle fires | 2019 | 2021 |
| Closed | Non-crash vehicle fires | 2018 | 2019 |
Manufacturer communications 175
Kia filed 175 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- Mdps flexible coupling replacement - this bulletin is issued to provide information about
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides…
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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