general problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

72 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2014 Kia Motor Soul. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul based on all problems reported for the 2014 Soul.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2025

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2024

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking noise and failed to slow as needed. The contact started tapping the brake pedal and eventually the vehicle slowed down and stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The contact stated that the turn signals and unknown warning lights failed to function properly. The contact stated that when the electrical failures occurred, the area of the dashboard surrounding the instrument cluster would be very hot to the touch. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2023

I brought my vehicle into an authorized dealer when my check engine light came on, having just been made aware of the recall notice when I took it in for an oil change earlier that day. He said the recall came about when cars of my make/model/year started catching fire out of nowhere due to engine issues. Given that my car is still under the mileage warranty, at 95k miles, the person at the dealership service center said it would likely be covered & the recall would qualify me for a new engine altogether. I got a call back a few days later that my catalytic converter was plugged, and that I would owe just under $3000 for the repair, as my vehicle did not show the correct diagnostic code to be covered. Once I spoke with kia's corporate consumer satisfaction line, they agreed to bring the car out & retest it. The woman from the service center informed me that the whole engine does in fact need to be replaced now, not just the converter as they initially said, but that it still isn't spitting out the code necessary during diagnostic testing, to qualify it for a recall replacement. Under sc176, my issues exactly are being described as the symptoms & causation for the recall, and yet the diagnostic code does not match. My car is currently still at the dealership's service center, and I am getting some consultation as to whether or not this is a fix that's worth it, at this point.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2023

Since I bought this car, I have experienced hesitation, stalling, high rpm idle, fluctuating idle, burning smell, lurching, running though gas very fast (not due to increased driving), engine noises, dash panel half lighting up, hard to accelerate when the headlights are on, or heat, or air con, odd noises. . And through this entire time, check engine light comes on and off and on and off. . . Along with my gas gauge saying empty when its full. I have reported all of this throughout the entire time since all bought it. Every single time they say "software update" and send me home with nothing ever fixed. Ever. Now again check engine and false fuel reading, hesitations, etc. . . . Again! this engine and fuel pump is bad and explains all of my complaints since 10kmiles. My car has under 80k mi on it, its been a lemon from the start. Hesitation with no pick-up at an intersection and noises. . . . Just beyond dangerous. I have not driven my car on the freeway in 5 years because itis not safe, but kia never checks out problems. They charge for inspection and say "software update". Its maddening.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2022

This vehicle has a serious oil consumption issue. It was first noticed about three years ago and has been getting progressively worse. As of June 2023 it consumes a full oil tank in about 2500 miles. Oil warning indicators flash very briefly on occasion but the light does not come on until the oil is below the dipstick. I have had it looked at by my local mechanic and by the kia dealer who sold the car. The kia dealer did a test and said it did not meet their standards for a recall. There have been a number of times that the oil has gotten so low without indicator warning that the engine will start running rough. On 11/04/22 the engine began bucking and stopped running at high speed. It was brought to the dealer who stated "active dtc p0300 and p0303. Swapped cylinder 3 coil pack and cylinder 1 coil pack. Misfire followed. No signs of cylinder damage". They replaced four spark plugs and cylinder 1 coil pack. They stated that the cause of the issue was inconclusive and they didn't think related to oil consumption. I have recently receive notice of a proposed class action lawsuit from "kia engine class settlement, pobox 4133, portland, or, 97208-4133 1-800-944-1025. I confirmed that the VIN for this vehicle is included in the proposed case. It states very similar issues with many kia vehicles with the same engine. The lawsuit states "class vehicles have a defect that can cause engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and possibly engine fire, and that some owners and lessees have been improperly denied repairs under the vehicle's warranty. ".

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2022

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the contact smelled an abnormal electrical burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dealer however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 60,000.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2022

A loud bang was heard while driving approx. 35 mph on a clear day. The vehicle lost all power, smoke started coming from the hood area and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Driver pulled over, opened the hood and discovered the entire engine compartment in was engulfed in flames. Passersby tried to extinguish the flame with fire extinguishers, but it kept reigniting. The fire department arrived and put out the flames. This could have been life threatening if the driver did not get out of the vehicle. Amica insurance's claims processors and an independent forensic investigator engaged by amica insurance have concluded the engine fire was the result of catastrophic engine failure. The forensic investigator noticed an outward bump in the oil pan and indicated this was likely the result of a separation of crankshaft and or piston rod elements. The investigator indicated he sees about 10 of these engine fires each month. Kia's special unit that addresses their engine fire problem has been notified and are dragging their feet. We have not heard anything from them after filing a claim on or about 3/22/2022. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure event. Gauges and warning systems were all normal. The engine and the engine compartment are a complete loss. Other damage occurred as the fire department worked to extinguish the fire. The forensic investigator and amica's claims processor have declared the car a total loss.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2022

I am unaware of what is able to be inspected of the vehicle at this time due to the amount of damage. My own and other drivers’ safety was at risk when my car began smoking and eventually caught fire. Nothing has been reproduced, inspected, or confirmed by any manufacturer, dealer, or independent contractor. I had my car in park for 2 hours before I began my trip. When I started the car up in the parking lot, the engine ran for about 10 minutes before I left. Within 2 miles of driving, the check engine light came on and the engine started smoking. I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely, put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and evacuated the vehicle. Soon after, the car ignited into flames under the hood and I called 911. The fire department extinguished the fire and reported to me that it was an electrical fire.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2021

My dash lights would flash bright and dim randomly while driving at first. A few weeks later my headlights would flicker from high beam to low beam and dash lights would still flicker. Now about a month into this my headlights still flicker but they have even turned off all while driving and I was told my brake lights go off as well ,dash lights still flicker and my a/c will not work/blow randomly so it seems to be involving electrical .

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2021

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that her check engine light had illuminated on her instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to a dealer where the check engine light was reset; however, the light returned the next day. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the battery was replaced; a week, the contact stated that corrosion had formed on the battery and that her vehicle had stalled while traveling at 45 mph. She stated that several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel as the failure occurred. The contact restarted the vehicle and return home; the next day, the independent mechanic came to her home and performed another battery replacement. Despite the second replacement, the stalling failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were zero recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/07/2021

The vehicle had a strange smell ever since we got it a few years back. Earlier in the month, the headlight and dashlight would flicker with the turn signal. We looked it up and set up an apppointment with a local kia dealership for recall on this issue. Then this week, the engine suddenly quit while the car was parked. The vehicle wouldn't start at all. Kia was notified and they said that there was another recall on engine sc200 on this vehicle that was just announced earlier this year. Online lookup also revealed that the smell issue can be from burning oil or a leak into catalytic converter. Other kia cars from the same years have also said to have had these issues. Then an obd ii check showed the codes 7e8 and 7e9 which has been noted online by other customers as engine problem recall for which kia has replaced their engine free of charge.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2021

Abs light & brake light and other dash board lights are on, and wont turn off. There is a some sort of leak that I am unable to find where it come from. I took it in for a service and to perform recall p12002aq which they did but kia did not attend to, or address the brake light & abs light & unidentified leak reported to them at the time I brought car in. . Instead they wanted to charge a very high fee to address the issues which are the signs of what has caused fire problems with this kia model.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2021

P050a engine code keeps reoccurring with no fix from kia. They keep suggesting "fixes" like replacing the cold air intake valve. Cai mechanical board. Cleaning the carbon is really pricey, but the error code just keeps coming back. Seems to be extremely common. Check engine code keeps popping up despite everything running fine and being clean.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2021

While driving down the highway the car turned off. I was going around 70 mph and noticed when the lights on the dash and radio went out. I had to restart the car while still driving to get it going again. This happened again about 4 days after while the car was stationary and running, again the lights went out and the car had to be started again.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2020

Since first oil change done with delray florida kia I complauof kicking sounds in engine loss of power oil burning smells occasionally. I was told each time they put on computer n nothing wrong. I bought new at 11/2014 now oil lights engine lights flashing on irrationally car consuming oil no leaks just eating iol now 2-3 qts in 2 months knocking getting louder but quiets some after oil change but loss of power and knocking persists. Oil is scary how much it's consumes I have been complains of this issue for first oil change. Was told by dealer no need to change oil more than 2x per year but I still do regularly 3-4,000 or 3 months. I feel damage has been done to car and I am seeking new engine replacement. Dealers never did identify issue said no codes going off. But I noticed it from beginning. Once this year oil was changed I took to get oil done and they said oil was almost empty. I never got oil light. Then nor engine light. The engine light when on the day I took in for oil change. They said the engine could have ceased. I strongly feel I have kept up w maintenance but I feel I got a bad car from the start only to be dismissed each time I complained to dealer. Also there seems to be an electrical issue blows light bulbs constantly and had motor in window replace w stater under warranty most driving is local but many hwy.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/11/2020

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle shut-off independently. The contact stated the failure persisted after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to trophy kia (22020 recreation karson CA 90745, 424-306-3311) where it was diagnosed with a sluggish a engine. The contact stated that the repair would be out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 126,310.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/28/2020

I was driving on interstate 75 north in marietta, GA when my vehicle suddenly lost power in front of an 18 wheeler. I was able to navigate off the next exit. There were no warning lights lit on my dash and there had not been any lit prior to this incident. June 2020 my catalytic converter was replaced under recall #sc176. All of the symptoms point towards engine damage that occurred prior to the recall repair.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2020

Headlights flicker or go off with no warning. In addition, all interior lights and displays flicker at the same time. This has happened both while vehicle is in motion and stopped. The radio and cooling/heating system do not appear to be impacted. This has happened repeatedly, and tonight they went black and stayed off until I pulled over and turned off my car, then started it again. I was nearly rear-ended. The dealership is not returning my calls to tell me if this is something that is under an extended warranty, under recall, or my responsibility.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/19/2020

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 was told to keep checking for my VIN to get added to a recall list. Now this has happened. I was admitted to hospital as well.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2020

I've taken my car to the dealership a couple times and I would like to see if the car can be fixed back to the way the car original was in perfect condition besides normal wear and tear. I am capable of fixing my car if it's my fault but I would really like to have a second hand specialist assist in this matter.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2020

Driving at night with head light on. Used turn signal and when turned corner, dash board lights started blinking on and off and head lights went off then back on two or three times. This has happened now three different times. It doesn't matter which way the blinkers are signaling, the lights in the dash flicker and the head lights go off and on.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2020

Driving down the highway and started stalling cutting out and loss of power it went into limp mode called our dealer they said to far away to tow take it to one closer so we took it to patterson kia and told us it would be 5 weeks before they could put it on the computer and they didn't have a loaner so we are on a waiting list.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2020

I was coming back from a road trip 7/26 and the car starting making a knocking noise I never heard before this car was very new to me with no issues or recalls per the carfax report I just bought it 5/7/2020 and I pulled over popped the hood of the car and the car had a small fire already ignited , I ran back into the car to get my cell phone and the car was already engulfed in a flame seconds later it was a full fire.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2020

My car just doesnt start or will turn off while I'm driving. Leaving me stranded away from home or on the side of the road. I do all maintenance on car. I dont drive more than 20 miles from my home once or twice a week to get supplies for my home. I live in the country and have to drive into town to shop. My car has become so unreliable and unsafe. I've had it looked at by 2 people, the dealership had it told me it was fine. The car is dangerous and no one can find a problem. It will start to turn over but feels like no gas is getting to engine. Sometimes it wont turn over at all. And when I'm driving it will lose power all together and just die while driving. I have read numerous reviews online of the same incident happening to people. So I know this is happening, please help.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/21/2019

Headlight connector has slightly overheated and must be replaced because of slight deformity. Headlight works intermittently at times while driving, sometimes not at all. Kia is aware of this issue but will not repair without charging a fee for vehicles out of warranty. These vehicles should be recalled and repaired with no cost to consumer, due to the fact that some are failing within the specified warranty.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2019

I own a 2014 kia Soul + model. Today while I was driving around 35 mph down a local city street, I started to lose power in traffic. I thought I had some bad gas or something. About a minute or two later, the oil light illuminated. I got a little nervous while driving, so I threw on my hazard lights. I was about a 1/4 mile from the nearest service station (the closest place to evaluate the situation). I proceeded cautiously, driving around 15 mph, to the service station when I started to hear a tapping sound. I became overly concerned then. I made it to the service station, popped the hood, and checked the dip stick. The oil appeared to be at the proper level. Just to be on the safe side, I purchased a quart of oil and poured half of the quart into the car. I got back into the car and started it up. It was still tapping. I was located about a mile and a half from kia atlanta south. So I decided to try to drive to the dealership. Upon pulling out of the service station's parking lot, my car stalled then shut down. The battery light and other service lights popped on. I coasted you the side of the road and called roadside assistant. My kia Soul has approximately 75,553 miles on it. I get my oil changed regularly. I was confused as to why my car was malfunctioning like this. There no signs of smoke or anything. My car just stopped. I had to wait 2. 5 hours on a tow truck. The guy towed my car to kia atlanta south in jonesboro, georgia. The service department was closed. I have to wait until in the morning to find out what's going on. While waiting for the towed, I discovered that there were many cases similar to my current situation. It's strange that there are many others feeling my pain. Now, I'm awaiting on the dealership's verdict.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2019

2014 kia Soul redzone edition, the headlight will turn completely off for around 15 seconds and come back on. They will also flicker when trying to use the turn signal. This is very dangerous especially if you happen to be on a busy freeway and can't stop. Kia says they will not process under warranty if car is over 5 years and 60k miles. They need to have a recall on this, tons of people are having this happen to them with the 2014 kia Souls.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2019

When having my headlights on and using my turn signal either way , my lights will all flicker inside and out and also times where it will go completely black in my car. This is an extreme danger to me and my family and to the point if this car is even drivable at night . A recall needs to be looked into - there are 12 pages of the same complaints , that means there are a lot of people and their families driving in an unsafe vehicle . Also illegal not to use turn signals , which should not be looked over .

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2019

While driving at night the headlights and inside panel lights flickered off and on. At one point on a rural road the headlights went completely off for a few seconds I could not see the road! this is very dangerous and is a safety issue!!.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2019

Headlights mysteriously begin flickering after using turn signal or flicker without using turn signal. Lights have completely turned off without warning at night creating an extremely unsafe driving condition. Headlights have also flickered hitting bumps in road again causing unsafe driving conditions. I never know when this is going to happen - so it does cause some very nervous driving experiences. I'm attaching a document showing other kia Soul owners that have the same or similar problems.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2019

I have a 2014 kia Soul. I am having an issue with the exterior lights. While driving, whether on highway doing 70 mph or in the city doing 10 to 45 mph. The lights go out for 30 seconds will flick back on and do this repeatedly several times. No check engine or other lights are illuminated. It happens more often when using my blinker signals. This has become dangerous. Driving with my newborn baby in car and this happened almost causing a severe accident. I have been pulled over as well due to this issue. It has gotten to the point I do not feel safe driving at night time which causes several issues. Why is there no recall on this issue? this started after taking my vehicle in to fix two recalls a few months ago and has continued.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2019

Late one night, I try to turn on my headlights on. The light would not come on and started to flicker I had to turn them off and on several times to get them on. Them a few months later my driver side head lamp did not work. I replace the bulb. Then I receive a notice from kia there my be a problem with the lights flicking. I when into the victorville kia dealership for a different recall, and ask them to check the problem with the flicker and at the time had the driver head light out and they said that they couldn't re-product the problem and they would not fix the electrical system. I had the head light replace, along with the wires, they had burn up. I just replaced by third headlight. Three (3) head lights within four (4) months.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2019

I was driving down the road doing about 45 miles per hour and out of nowhere my vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. I had to act fast and get off the road so I wouldn't get hit by the oncoming traffic. I had the vehicle towed and come to find out my 2. 0 engine had seized. The tow truck driver from kia International roadside stated that they have been towing kia Souls all month for bad engine problems. I have 65000 miles on my vehicle. My next oil change wasn't until another 1000 miles. No low oil pressure light came on not even the engine light, it just shut off out of nowhere. All the oil was sucked out of the engine, on top of that I have to pay $8,000 to get a new engine. A recall need to be put up about no warning lights on the dashboard.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2019

Whether the vehicle is stationary, in motion, on a city street or a highway, the right headlight will flicker and then go out. No matter what I've done on my end, nothing has solved the issue, racking up unnecessary costs. Once in a while the headlight will stay on longer than expected but suddenly turns off, making it very dangerous while driving on pitch black roads.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2019

I was driving along the highway when I heard a clicking noise. After the noise, my car started to lose acceleration. No matter how hard I pressed the pedal, it just wouldn't go above 5mph and began making a loud noise. Had it checked out and it was determined to be the catalytic converter.



Safety Ratings of Soul Cars
Fuel Economy of Soul Vehicles
Soul Defect Investigations