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2014 Kia Soul Problems: 4 Known Issues

2014 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2014 Kia Soul has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout ($250-$600 repair) and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering ($500-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Soul Suspension1
  • Soul Engine1
  • Soul Electrical1
  • Soul Exterior1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension1
  • Engine1
  • Electrical1
  • Exterior1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2014-2016 Kia Soul, nHTSA recall 17V608000 (Kia SC155) covers 2014-2016 Soul vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering-gear assembly, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. The campaign supersedes 14V332 and 15V736, including vehicles previously repaired under those campaigns.

Common Symptoms

  • Increased steering play or loss of steering control may occur

How to Fix

Check the VIN for recall 17V608000 and arrange prompt Kia dealer service. The dealer inspects and secures the pinion plug or replaces the steering-gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. If steering control changes, stop safely and arrange towing. Do not buy tie-rod ends or a remanufactured rack as a substitute for the recall remedy.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Apr 2024Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 2012-2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI, nHTSA recall 19V120000 (Kia SC176) covers 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine. Excessive exhaust-gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, connecting-rod failure, stall or fire. Kia’s later SC176Y bulletin addresses certain previously repaired vehicles with P0420, with or without a P030X misfire code.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Sonata, Kia Forte, Kia Optima

Common Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp with P0420
  • Loss of power, abnormal combustion or engine damage

How to Fix

Check the VIN and campaign history with Kia. SC176 calls for the Catalytic Overheating Protection ECU update and replacement of a damaged converter or engine as necessary, free of charge. For an eligible SC176Y vehicle with P0420, the dealer follows Kia’s compression-test flow before choosing converter or engine replacement. Do not infer P0430 or purchase radiator, coolant or generic exhaust parts from this page.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Jul 2024Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 2014-2015 Kia Soul, on early second-generation (PS) Souls the headlamp circuit is switched directly through the contacts inside the combination (multi-function) stalk on the steering column rather than through a relay. Those contacts burn and wear, and the resistance rise makes both low and high beams flicker, dim, or cut out entirely — classically when the turn signal is operated, because the shared stalk assembly loads the same worn contact set. Owners describe headlights going fully dark for the duration of a turn signal cycle, which is a night-driving safety problem, not a nuisance. Kia acknowledged the pattern with TSB ELE152 and then extended the New Vehicle Limited Warranty on the multi-function switch assembly from 5yr/60k to 15 years / unlimited miles for 2014 MY Souls built 7/21/2013 through 6/20/2014 — a warranty extension of that length is effectively an admission of a design defect.

Common Symptoms

  • Low and high beams flicker intermittently
  • Headlights go out completely when the turn signal is used
  • Headlights shut off at random while driving
  • Beams dim then recover without switch input

How to Fix

Replace the headlamp multi-function switch assembly (the stalk) per TSB ELE152. If the car falls inside the 2014 build-date window, the dealer performs it free under the 15-year/unlimited-mile warranty extension — bring the VIN and the bulletin number. Cars built after 6/20/2014 pay out of pocket. Do not chase this with bulbs, grounds, or a new battery first; the stalk is the near-universal cause of the turn-signal-linked dropout.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $600

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2014-2020 Kia Soul, the optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without finding a safety-related defect, citing possible road-debris contribution. A long-running class action alleged a manufacturing/tempering defect; after roughly a decade it was ultimately dismissed in Kia's favor.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte

Common Symptoms

  • Loud bang/pop from roof
  • Sunroof glass shatters into small pieces
  • Occurs without impact, often at speed
  • Glass falls into cabin

How to Fix

No recall; sunroof glass is replaced out of pocket or via insurance/goodwill. Aftermarket ceramic film is sometimes applied to help contain fragments if it shatters again.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

Campaign #21V25900013/04/2021

AIR BAGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Campaign #22V03100025/01/2022

ENGINE

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.

Campaign #19V120000
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2014 Kia Soul has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2014 Kia Soul has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering) and Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage and Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $250 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

NHTSA recall 17V608000 (Kia SC155) covers 2014-2016 Soul vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering-gear assembly, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. The campaign supersedes 14V332 and 15V736, including vehicles previously r… Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

NHTSA recall 19V120000 (Kia SC176) covers 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine. Excessive exhaust-gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, connecting-rod failure, stall or fire. Kia’s later SC176Y bulletin addr… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

22/02/2019

STEERING

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.

Campaign #17V60800029/09/2017

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2014-2015 Kia Soul Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout?

On early second-generation (PS) Souls the headlamp circuit is switched directly through the contacts inside the combination (multi-function) stalk on the steering column rather than through a relay. Those contacts burn and wear, and the resistance rise makes both low and high bea… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.