EngineCritical
GDI engine rod knock / seizure (2.0 Nu / Theta).
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for knock and confirm any engine recall/warranty work.
2014 Kia Soul problems
A 2014 Kia Soul is now 12 years old, so an average example has covered around 162,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2014 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2014 Kia Soul is 12 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 162,000 miles. At that mileage 6 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Turn these known faults into a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact Kia Soul · $9.
Build the inspection planFaults a 2014 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~162k miles an average 2014 car has covered.
EmissionsHigh
Catalytic converter failure damaging the engine on some cars.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Scan for catalyst codes and ask about any related engine work.
SteeringMedium
Steering coupler noise / clunk.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a knock when turning at low speed.
HVACLow
AC performance drop.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Confirm cold AC output.
TransmissionHigh
Judder or hesitation when pulling away from a standstill, particularly on 7-speed DCT models.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Select drive and accelerate gently from a standstill on an incline. Feel for a harsh shudder or delayed clutch engagement before the car moves.
SuspensionLow
Creaking, groaning, or a spring pinging noise from the front end when turning the steering wheel.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine on a flat surface. Turn the steering wheel fully from lock to lock while stationary and listen for binding noises from the front strut top mounts.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
Body and ElectricalMedium
Tailgate refuses to open via the exterior handle due to a failed microswitch or water ingress in the latch.
- Typically appears
- 5-7 years
- What to inspect
- Lock and unlock the vehicle, then attempt to open the boot using the exterior rubber release button multiple times to ensure consistent operation.
InfotainmentMedium
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, registers ghost touches, or shows visible delamination under the glass.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Turn on the ignition, tap various screen quadrants, and test the sat-nav map dragging. Look closely at the screen edges for air bubbles.
Inspecting a 2014 Kia Soul?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planKia Soul · frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
Practical and cheap, but check the GDI engine history carefully.
What engine problems does the Soul have?
GDI rod-knock and catalytic-converter failures; confirm any recall work.
Is there an engine warranty?
Extended powertrain coverage applied to many affected engines; verify it.
What should I check on the 1.6 CRDi diesel engine?
The 1.6 CRDi is generally robust but suffers from EGR valve carbon build-up and DPF blockages if used primarily for short urban trips. Check the service history for regular oil changes to protect the turbocharger, and ensure there are no hesitation issues during a test drive indicating soot accumulation.
Are there any specific issues with the Soul EV variant?
The first-generation Soul EV can suffer from battery degradation, reducing its already limited range. The On-Board Charger is also a known failure point, preventing the car from accepting an AC charge. Always test both standard AC charging and CHAdeMO rapid charging during a forecourt inspection.
Does the 2nd generation Soul have a timing belt or a timing chain?
All internal combustion engines offered in the UK 2nd generation Kia Soul, including the 1.6 GDI petrol, 1.6 T-GDI petrol, and 1.6 CRDi diesel, utilise a timing chain rather than a cambelt. These chains are designed to last the life of the vehicle, provided routine oil changes are maintained.
Other Soul model years
Buying a Kia Soul? Build a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact car · $9.
Build the plan