VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Soul Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2014 Kia Soul Ev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Soul Ev years?

Soul Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted23 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 23 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 0 complaints
Soul Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Soul Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags150%
Engine150%

Does the 2014 Kia Soul Ev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V608000SteeringSeptember 29, 2017 · 342,381 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“"TAKATA RECALL " I HAD A REAR END ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE REAR END ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS HIT FROM THE REAR AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY AT 45 MI PER HOUR I BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE POLICE HAVE PHOTOS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 27, 2018 · crash

“MY FOUR YEAR OLD SON AND I WHERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND OUT OF NOWHERE IT STARTS SHAKING, SMOKING, AND OIL STARTS SPEWING. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. WAS TOLD MY ENGINE EXPLODED. CALLED KIA AND THEY WILL DO NOTHING. I AM 1800 MILES OVER MY 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND HAVE DONE EVERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2017

2014 Kia Soul Ev — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Soul Ev reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2014 Kia Soul Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2014 Kia Soul Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Kia Soul Ev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.