2014 KIA Soul Engine and Engine Cooling Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 2, 2026 · 55 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2014 KIA Soul, 6% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 115,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (44% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Catalytic converter: mentioned in 24 of 55 complaints (44%)
  • Engine cooling included: mentioned in 8 of 55 complaints (15%)
  • Abnormal sound: mentioned in 7 of 55 complaints (13%)
  • Upon investigation: mentioned in 5 of 55 complaints (9%)

At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?

Based on 48 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles0 · 0%
10k–25k miles1 · 2%
25k–50k miles1 · 2%
50k–75k miles3 · 6%
75k–100k miles12 · 25%
100k–150k miles23 · 48%
150k+ miles8 · 17%

How serious are the reports?

Of 55 complaints, 5 a fire.

KIA Soul engine and engine cooling complaints by model year

Peak: 2016, with 106 complaints
2010: 5201052011: 4201142012: 322012322013: 452013452014: 552014552015: 582015582016: 10620161062017: 9201792018: 9201892019: 6201962020: 112020112021: 472021472022: 192022192023: 120231

n = 407 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine and Engine Cooling complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2023 Soul12%—
2022 Soul1920%70,000
2021 Soul4720%80,000
2020 Soul113%94,154
2019 Soul64%81,604
2018 Soul94%97,500
2017 Soul93%94,500
2016 Soul10613%101,150
2015 Soul586%112,000
2014 Soul556%115,500
2013 Soul457%138,000
2012 Soul326%137,500
2011 Soul42%90,500
2010 Soul54%13,248

When owners reported it

Peak: 2021, with 13 complaints
2019: 2201922020: 1202012021: 132021132022: 122022122023: 132023132024: 2202422025: 8202582026: 420264

n = 55 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Engine; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertorFeb 22, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 378,967 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was taken for the oil change, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level was extremely low. The contact…

Received Apr 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11728657

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle started working…

Received Jan 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11714247

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business parking lot. The…

Received Jan 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11713895

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2014 KIA Souls have engine and engine cooling problems?

No. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the 2014 KIA Soul (6% of the 902 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2014 KIA Soul engine and engine cooling?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems start?

The median reported mileage is 115,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2014 KIA Soul?

The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 24 of 55 complaints, followed by “engine cooling included” (8).

Other 2014 KIA Soul problems

See all 2014 KIA Soul problems or engine and engine cooling problems across all Soul years.