2014 KIA SOUL Engine Problems

My car was not accelerating all the time I was pressing the pedal. a mechanic said it was the engine.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The ABS, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed. Details of the Incident: Diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) was confirmed by the Kia dealership. P1326 is part of Kia’s known engine defect population and is tied to safety related engine failures. The dealership documented oil consumption, oil fouled spark plugs, and compression readings below Kia’s minimum specification on all cylinders. The dealership concluded in writing that engine replacement is required. Despite this, Kia...

Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - $152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change $0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - $106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE...

Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P0420; which was related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the software update was completed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 177,238.

The engine has absorbed an insane amount of oil the last several weeks, and this week it burned 1/2 quart of oil in four days- it was fully filled to 1 quart monday and by Friday of the same week was halfway gone. Otherwise it has worked well. Other Kia souls in the area are selling for much more money even if they have the same or more miles on them, but because mine needs an engine rebuild due to piston ring issues, it is worth much less than it should be. And there are no available recalls even though this is a known issue for Kia souls.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact, who was an independent dealer, purchased the vehicle for resale. The contact researched and identified an unrepaired recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that, because of missing or incorrect VIN information, the repair was declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.

In June 2024, my 2014 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a sudden engine failure without warning. I was driving on a busy road when the engine began sputtering and quickly stalled. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. I had it inspected at a Kia dealership, who diagnosed the issue as complete engine failure but have not provided me with a full diagnostic report despite multiple requests. This type of failure is consistent with the known defects in the Theta II engine that have triggered recalls and extended warranties in similar Kia models. Although Kia has denied coverage for my vehicle, I believe this is a related safety issue. The vehicle stalled unexpectedly, creating a hazardous condition on the road. I was traveling with my toddler in the back seat and felt our safety was at risk. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this failure...

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the malfunction indicator lamp illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the recall information was not listed in the KIA database. In addition, the contact stated that the recall notification was received by mail, and the vehicle was not serviced under the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Car burns through oil like crazy. Most likely has already caused damage to engine. After about 2-3 weeks from getting my oil changed my oil light will start flashing when I brake. After another week it'll start coming on when I accelerate.

My VIN number was included as part of the engine recall up to 150,000 miles. My car sat at the dealership and the engine replacement was denied because the leaking piston were not cover as part of the engine recall. I even called Kia directly and they would not cover the engine replacement. The excessive oil consumption starter at 93K, the engine failed at 120,000 mile and 7 years old. I bought the vehicle brand new and I changed my oil faithfully. I think they denied the engine replacement because they started getting all these other engine recalls. The car was very reliable and no other major problems until this.

Ive tried to get my recalls fixed since I bought the car 2 years ago, Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio has given me the run around, at least 5 attempts of no call backs or prolonged appointment dates not having me on record, my car breaks down I pay for diagnostic blown engine, I pay to have it towed to Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio, it's been there for 5 weeks and they still have not done a diagnostic on it. They are saying they never received my driver's license, then it was proof of ownership, they won't call me back or email. I'm just so frustrated because Kia the main company actually has sent me many letters to get it fixed I call them and they told me their wasn't even a diagnostic done, they tried reaching out to them. Should I tow my car to a different dealer?...

** Component/system that failed: The engine and catalytic converter. An independent mechanic confirmed the catalytic converter is clogged due to engine oil burning and entering the exhaust system. The component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. ** Safety risk: The car struggles to accelerate, especially from a stop or uphill, and cannot reliably reach or maintain highway speeds. It revs at 3,500–4,000 RPM at just 20–60 mph. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially when merging, changing lanes, or avoiding traffic, putting myself and others at risk. ** Problem confirmed: Yes. A trusted independent shop diagnosed and confirmed the engine is burning oil, contaminating the catalytic converter, and advised against replacing the converter until the root cause is fixed, or it will fail again. The Kia dealership dismissed the issue without testing, claiming it’s acceptable to burn 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. However,...

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

In 2023 I had my car repaired at a Kia dealership due to NHTSA Recall Number: 19V120, KIA Customer Care Case Number: [XXX]. It mentioned in recall that the engines may need to be replaced. Even though the engine had made grinding noises when I brought the vehicle in for repair on that recall, the Kia dealership told me my engine did not need to be replaced. However, on [XXX] as I was driving, the car began making loud grinding noises, the check engine & oil light came on and white smoke was coming out of the back. I immediately pulled into a gas station & shut the engine off. After waiting several minutes, I tried to restart the engine and it would not start. The battery had gotten weak. I got a jumpstart from a customer at the gas station, and when the engine turned over a large cloud...

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: My 2014 Kia Soul "threw a rod" (as confirmed by a Kia dealer in Jan 2025) at only 115,773 miles after years of regular (every 3-5K miles) maintenance. I bought the car used in 2017 and have documentation to show the maintenance for the subsequent years. The particular motor at issue is known by mechanics to have problems (according to my own mechanic and at least two others with whom I have communicated, as well as on-line research). However, there is no active recall on it, and the car is "out of warranty." As of the date of this complaint, the car currently is available for inspection upon request. Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: It is my understanding that throwing a rod is a...

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The failure had occurred twice in one week. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated during the failures. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who provided the contact with information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I purchased this vehicle used just four months ago. Since then, I’ve had continual problems with it, costing me a significant amount of money. To date, it required all new tires, a new battery, and multiple problems related to the engine light turning on. So far, these problems have resulted in two sensors being replaced and my catalytic converter becoming so clogged that the car lost all acceleration while on the highway. A Kia dealer wanted $2800 to repair the catalytic converter. I then had to have it towed to private mechanic who only charged me $700 for the same repair. However, the engine light continues to go on. The latest later scan indicates that yet had another sensor needs to be replaced.

Catalytic converter overheated. Motor stalled. Wallace Kia, Stuart, Florida ran diagnostics on my vehicle. I brought it into Wallace Kia, Stuart, to get it fixed via the recall. They refused to do it. They said that the catalytic converter overheated and the motor has damage. I don't understand why they won't honor the recall and fix my car. They wanted me to pay for the diagnostics, but they won't send me an invoice.

Multiple misfires, codes Codes P062E x2 P0300 P0303 P0302 P0500 P0267 P0264 P050B

The engine stalls without warning while driving. It’s been at dangerous times on highways or just driving around town. There’s no rhyme or reason and has almost caused horrible traffic accidents. When calling the local Kia dealer to see if there was a recall concerning engine stalling I was treated very rudely and told that there wasn’t any recall issues or problems. However, upon doing an internet search I find that to be a lie. I guess it would take me getting into an accident and suing Kia before responsibility is taken.

I was driving and my MIL came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an OBD2 scan and it came back with P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold (Bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending CATALYTIC CONVERTER inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1.6L engine and not the 2.0L engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all Kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.

Rod bearing three has started knocking and is throwing a catalytic converter code

Kia won’t honor engine oil leak recall. Claims negligence on my part but I never had gross negligence. I kept up with everything I was supposed to. I had an oil change at a Florida Kia that may not have been picked up in system but they refuse to fix in warranty and recall. They let my vehicle sit for months and got upset to give any kind of update and was sketchy about diagnosis. The mechanic that worked on my vehicle offered me $1000 when told it’s not gonna work unless I get a new(rebuilt) engine. They said I’d need to tow it home. When I jumped the battery from sitting it ran just fine, as when I drove it in for inspection and of problem with engine. I need a look at my case with having the car checked about oil leaks and being told after inspection that...

Brakes are loud been changed to new ones, engine makes a small sound

Purchased car on [XXX] less then a week later I tried o purchase Sirius radio for car, however due to being a previous customer I didn’t get a fair enough price for purchase an decided against purchase all together. However due to linking my VIN number ( assuming) kia customer recall center contacted me the very next day called 3xs left me to vmail (still have all voice mails) as KIA Then continually called me and left me voice mails stating vehicle needed to be put in shop due to not safe to drive and I needed to get appointment immediately for recalls on said vin! I called KiA of Wilmington and waited In their waiting room for said appointment for over 4hours. Not only did they lie and tell me I wasn’t in office for that long they forged my time in and out, on said one page non...

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 been getting nothing but what seems like a snow job. The car is available at the car dealership for inspection, but only God knows if they have inspected it yet. I am [XXX] with...

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an abnormal sound and odor was coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the dealer requested for the contact to pay for the repairs out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

My 2014 Kia Soul ! has had 2 codes, P1326 which is related to a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) which has ties to a known Rod Bearing issue. And a P0420 code related to the Catalytic converter. There was a lawsuit which led to a Recall issued for this vehicle, however, it appears only for 1.6L engine. Mine is 2.0. Just basic online searches have discovered an overwhelming amount of other owners of 2.0 also getting the same issues with there's as well.

The engine light and oil light were coming on and the engine was making horrible noises. My wife called me and we had it towed to the nearest dealer, Allentown KIA. The paperwork we received from KIA stated if those 3 things occur, get towed and the dealer will look the car over over. According to the paperwork that we received it could be possible for the engine to be replaced and in addition, a knock sensor recall should be performed. After sitting at the dealer a month before it was diagnosed, they came back with a quote for $9000 for the engine to be replaced because of upper and lower engine noise and timing chain noise, at my expense. I was told it was not covered because I never had the knock sensor recall performed. I never received any paperwork for the recall to be performed. I am a...

Please see the attached statement for a more detailed explanation. To summarize, Kia will not perform a recall to repair the knock sensor in my 2014 Kia Soul. The reason provided was that my engine needs to be replaced first. However, this recall calls for engine replacement if Kia is unable to perform the repair. The issues I am having with my engine are symptoms of a faulty knock sensor, which is the recall Kia will not repair.

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 along with the Sharonville Fire Department Incident type: [XXX] to this vehicle complaint. These reports go into great detail of this event. Based on this manufacture, and their parent company Hyundai’s history of non-collision fires and the hundreds of prior complaints on file with NHTSA, one might speculate that while...

UNKNOWN. Kia Dealership in Edmond Oklahoma is refusing to do the recalls on my 2014 KIA Soul because the engine has a knock in it which I believe to be from one of the recalls with the engine. KIA manufacturer said that they couldn't do anything about the dealership not fixing the recalls and to take it to another dealership.

My vehicles KSDS sensor was updated per recall. 2 months later the catalytic converter, PCV valve, and spark plugs needed replaced. After replacing and paying out of pocket in 01/2024, the check engine light began coming on as well as oil light. Vehicle began losing power and going into limp mode. Was taken to KIA and knock sensor was replaced 06/15/2024. Less than 3 weeks later the check engine light was on again, loss of power and check engine began flashing. Towed to Kia again to be told that I have to replace the engine out of pocket. This is a huge safety concern, considering the loss of power and all issues with Kia soul for any recalls or warranties have been the same issues with my vehicle. Vehicle had roughly 96k miles at first knock sensor replacement and approximately 104k at final issue.

Vehicle diagnosed with code P0420. Upon further inspection discovered to have catalytic converter damage causing further engine mechanical issues and piston damage.

HIGH SAFETY HAZARD. Check engine light comes on continuously with code P050A. Have tried manufacturer recommended ECM update per service bulletin. All manufacturer updates have been done, authorized dealer repair says no fix. Unable to see other engine problems if check engine light is always on, and returns promptly after erasing. This problem is going to cost lives with other engine problems if not resolved.

Engine knocking, excessive oil burning. Dealer confirmed excessive engine consumption. Currently have less than 2 quarts in engine. Will not last until next oil change. I have two small children and vehicle and have to wait until engine seizes for engine to be serviced. Dangerous situation for my kids.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and 22V096000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Check engine light on and there is no acceleration

The recall for the rod in the motor is not being honored due to me being a second owner. When i called about the recall i was told by the manufacture that because i purchased the vehicle with an open recall and was not informed that it had an open recall.

The engine is consuming motor oil in excess after conducting oil changes. If it goes unaddressed after oil changes, it causes the pins in the engine to not operate properly. This results in a check engine light requiring the owners to get another oil change prior to actually needing one. Kia motors is aware of this issue; however are only willing to replace the engine if it fails due to pins and not the excessive oil consumption if your mileage is over the 10 year/100,000 miles. Both issues are interrelated and the engine needs to be replaced regardless!

The recalls on my car has not yet been resolved. I took the car to CarTown Kia Florence South Carolina and the one in Columbia. First time was at CarTown Kia Florence, they had every excuse that they were short of staff and my car sit there for over a month and claim that I needed to fix the head gasket was the issue in order to do the engine inspection and fix the recall. I took it to the Columbia location and they didn't do the recall but gave me a list of things and mentioned that the recall was not covered under the recall warranty. I'm not sure what that means when I clearly have a recall issue and the car is doing exactly that according to the issues for the recall. I told both places my car was doing exactly what the issues are stating in the...

While driving, the engine failed and began to smoke then was on fire.

Check engine light came on about a month ago and shows bad catalytic converter it is available for an inspection...will not pass inspection so it sits in my driveway

I went to the Car Town Kia USA Florence 2185 W Evans, Florence, SC 29501 for the recalls on my car. My car still has engine skipping tapping knocking noise that gotten worst and my engine warning light is blinking while I'm driving. I reported back to Kia next day, and asked did they inspect and repair or replace the engine because of the recall. I was hoping they would put me in a loaner car or rental car until they fix the problem with the recalls. This is dangerous to drive a car in this kind of condition when it's my only transportation. It is not working to proper design it was made for. On the print out from yesterday the status shows partial completion when they are supposed to fix the recalls. I don't believe they fix, repair or replace what the recall was conveying.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and shook abnormally before returning to normal functionality. The contact retrieved the vehicle from the dealer following the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) and NHTSA Campaign Number 22V096000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Knock sensor and glow sensor is stuck on. Knock sensor has been replaced. Vehicle is still in limp mode. Has no exceleration. Engine light flashing. Have takin it to a Kia dealer and they can't find anything.