Vehicles · Insights

2014 Kia Soul

What 2014 Kia Soul owners report most

Engine problems are the dominant complaint pattern for this model, with owners describing sudden power loss and persistent check-engine lights that dealers repeatedly fail to resolve. Exterior lighting and electrical system faults (including at least one report of a seat catching fire) account for a significant share of remaining complaints. Powertrain issues round out the picture, with owners noting hesitation during gear shifts and sluggish acceleration.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 61%
Owners report the check-engine light activating unpredictably, accompanied by a severe reduction in power across the lower gears that persists even after multiple dealer visits. · 51 fire · 5 crash · 5 injured
Exterior Lighting safety 15%
Owners report difficulty unlocking electric doors at night, with the door-unlock system failing to respond promptly during urgent situations. · 1 fire
Electrical System safety 11%
Owners report electrical faults serious enough to cause a heated seat to ignite, burning through the seat material. · 15 fire · 4 crash · 2 injured
Power Train safety 6%
Owners report the vehicle hesitating repeatedly when shifting gears and being slow to build speed, with at least one dealer recommending timing belt replacement. · 4 fire · 1 crash · 1 injured
Engine And Engine Cooling safety 6%
55 reports (6%) · 5 fire

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 888 complaints

Track maintenance, recalls, and costs for your Kia, and see this inside the app.

Get Garage Story Maintenance schedule

General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only, not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Studio AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.