2014 Kia Soul Transmission Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  821%
• 25k–50k
  616%
• 50k–75k
  513%
• 75k–100k
  1232%
• 100k–150k
  616%
• 150k+
  13%

Owner reports

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

check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft Wayne Kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on i-69 chapel exit in ft Wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control. My car was still under warranty at 108 months and 89,000 miles. Never had any problem with my Soul until that next day after light came on. I was not notified of the recalls except only recently received an airbag recall on 3/30/2023. I have contacted Kia to file a claim with them.

Friday January 20th, 2023 while on the freeway my 2014 Kia Soul with less than 75,000 miles spontaneously caught on fire. While merging over to the side of the road the breaks and throttle were inoperable. I was very fortunate that I did not suffer any injuries though it was a very close call. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to maneuver the car over to the side of the road while maintaining the flow of traffic due to the accelerator failure. Once near the shoulder of the road I was unable to stop the car due to the breaks failure which increased the amount of time I was exposed to the burning car and smoke. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by the dealer, police, and insurance. There were no warning light before or after the fire was identified. The car was professionally maintained and was in great condition prior to this event.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was at a stop light, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was misfiring and that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to local dealer and was diagnosed with loss of pressure on cylinder #3. The PSI pressure was five. There was an indication of the vehicle leaking and burning engine oil. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact immediately shifted into neutral (N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then shifted into drive (D) and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

In June 2024, my 2014 Kia Soul (VIN: [redacted] ) 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. …

COMPONENT FAILURE: The engine, power train, and speed control systems failed due to the known Nu 2.0L GDI connecting rod bearing defect. SAFETY RISK: My [redacted] daughter was driving in heavy rush-hour traffic when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and entered a 20 MPH "limp mode." This sudden deceleration created an immediate and severe risk of a rear-end collision, endangering my daughter and surrounding motorists. DEALER CONFIRMATION: The failure was officially confirmed by Flow Kia of Charlottesville (RO #[redacted]). On Dec 3, 2025, the dealer confirmed active DTC P1326 (KSDS) and documented failed cylinder compression (as low as 150 PSI; min spec is 178 PSI). …

Three repeat incidents, a few months apart, introduced same hazard to passengers and others: End of year 2022 (date not remembered): Car was stopped at stop sign at T-intersection to enter busy roadway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high revving, and unexpected forward motion of car lurched into busy intersection - almost collision. April 2023 (two incidents in same month): 1. Car was at lighted intersection on state highway. Break depressed. Engine RPMS started high revving (loudly noticed). Was familiar with condition so heavily leaned on break while RPMs continued to climb. When intersection light turned green, break released, and car lunched forward. 2. Car traveling in heavy stop-and-go city traffic in downtown urban area. Break was momentarily depressed and held. Again, engine RPMs regain to REV loudly. …

The Engine powered down to the point where the car stalled out. It would not accelerate. This was quite dangerous! I was in traffic when this happened. Trying to get it to a safer spot, I restarted the engine a few times; the brakes were extremely hard & wouldn't let me mash them down to catch to stop, so I immediately pulled the handbrake up & shut the engine off. I smelled a weird smell, like something was burning too. I had it towed to the shop & even though No lights were on, we plugged it up & it gave the 0420P code for the Bank 1 sensor Exhaust Flow issue. Mechanic stated he thought it might be the Catalytic Convertor. About 2 weeks beforehand, the oil light had come on, added 2 quarts of oil & it went out. Then the check engine light came on about 2 weeks after that, blinked a couple of times, but went back off.

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.

Transmission complaints in other Soul years