Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Kia Soul owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 17V608000 (STEERING), and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 MPH. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of oil. The local dealer and Gurley Leep Kia (4028 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545) were made aware of the failure. Both dealers informed the contact that the next available appointment was on December 20th. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact learned that there were two recalls associated with the VIN; NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering) and 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
On or about 10/11/22 while driving I completely lost control of the vehicle suddenly. I was unable to break or use my steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over twice and the front airbags failed to deploy.
i received notice in the mail that there are recalls on my car prior to receiving the notice i had recently got an oil change and i was informed that there is a little leaking and in recall number 20V750 the car can possible catch on fire so i waited for my appointment with the dealer it was inspected and they did not fix leak i had paperwork however i dont know what this [redacted] means what i do know is when i got my car back i was not operating correctly and the check engine light is on and it was not on when i dropped my car off to them i have made at least 5 phone calls reaching out to the dealer and i have not talked to anyone.
Hi I was looking at recalls for the Soul after I saw a possible fire hazard and actually typed my VIN in and saw my car was recalled for a steering issue that could've lead to accidents and I was actually in an accident in 2017 in my 2014 Kia Soul because of something that happened with my steering that caused me to hit someone? A woman in front of me slammed on her brakes and when I tried to get over it's almost like the wheel had completely locked but up but I could still turn it, if that makes sense. There was a weird clunking noise when it happened and sometimes I still hesrit occasionally. I would like to know how to go forward with this. Thank you so much.
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. While the contact's son was driving and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel suddenly locked. The driver crashed into the curb and the vehicle rolled over. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained cuts and bruises all over his body, which required medical attention. The contact informed the dealer who stated that the vehicle was included in a manufacturer recall (sc144). Prior to the crash, the drive shaft hub nut was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
There are 6 recalls on this gem of a car, never received any from Kia, pinion steering is 1 of them, driving on a Saturday morning veering right and car jumped on it's own loss control of steering car it curb and tire and rim I am guessing other damage, had car towed to Kia dealer on8-8-16 still there because they are waiting someone from the head of Kia damage control to come, they told they would be there last week still nobody has come out, I need my car to work how can there be 6 recalls on a car that is less than 2 years old bad enough they passed it thru inspection with a steering issue, please help,
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started pulling to the left as the driver side tire made an abnormal noise. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was inoperable. The contact did not sustain any injuries and did not file a police report. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V123000 (vehicle speed control) and 14V332000 (steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was a complete loss of steering control causing the vehicle to veer off the road. As a result, the contact crashed the passenger's side of the vehicle into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained severe neck, chest, and right arm injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the salvage facility. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. ...updated 03-10-16
Related recalls
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017.
Steering complaints in other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2014 Kia Soul?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Kia Soul, 6% of the model year's 902 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Kia Soul steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-608 (steering, Sep 29, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Soul steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.