2014 Kia Soul Electrical Problems

Which parts fail

• Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
  2
• Ignition › Anti-theft › Immobilizer/proximity › Key/sender
  1
• 12V/24V/48V battery
  1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1418%
• 25k–50k
  810%
• 50k–75k
  2431%
• 75k–100k
  810%
• 100k–150k
  2329%
• 150k+
  11%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Kia Soul owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact became aware of a burning rubber odor and observed grey and brown smoke coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started underneath the front of the vehicle. The local Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. While exiting the vehicle, the vehicle continued rolling and the rear driver's side tire ran over both feet. The contact had two severely bruised feet; however, medical assistance was not sought. The vehicle was not towed or taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

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 contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that her check engine light had been 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 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 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.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light remained illuminated and blinked off and on. Also, a knocking and ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment along with a burning oil odor. Additionally, the vehicle would not exceed speeds over 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local service center which determined that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

My car was stolen by a minor who had a USB cable and internet instructions. My car was lacking proper if any anti theft technology by Kia. Because Kia is aware of this issue and did nothing not only myself but anyone who drives a Kia is at risk for a theft or car jacking. The car was recovered and inspected by local police. No car should be made available for purchase without security features that keep you and your property safe. Who knows how things could have ended if there was a direct confrontation. If one is crazy enough to steal a car, one may be nuts enough to have a gun.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a purchased from a Toyota dealer. An email was sent to the car salesman who sold the contact the vehicle. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 112,485, it was later discovered that the mileage was approximately 138,000.

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.

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.

NHTSA investigations

Electrical complaints in other Soul years