2014 Kia Soul Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2014 model year · 945+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 945+ owner reports, the 2014 Kia Soul has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage ($0-$6,000 repair) and Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage with 678 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

678 owners

On the 2012-2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI, the 1.6L GDI engine in 2012-2016 Souls can produce excessively high exhaust gas temperatures that damage the catalytic converter. The damaged converter can cause abnormal engine combustion, leading to piston damage and connecting rod failure. NHTSA recall covers over 350,000 vehicles. Kia will inspect and replace the engine if damage is found.

This issue also affects: BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series

Common Symptoms

Check engine light with catalyst efficiency codes (P0420)
Rattling noise from catalytic converter area
Engine misfires and rough running
Loss of power during acceleration
Sulfur smell from exhaust
Knocking noise from engine (if piston damage has occurred)

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall eligibility. Dealer will inspect the catalytic converter and engine for damage. If catalytic converter is damaged, it is replaced free of charge. If piston or connecting rod damage is found, complete engine replacement is performed under recall. Dealer also installs KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 678+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteIf you hear any knocking from the engine, stop driving and have the vehicle towed. Continuing to drive can cause catastrophic connecting rod failure
UpgradePremium radiator provides improved cooling capacity (Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator)
View on Amazon
UpgradePre-mixed coolant ready for top-off or full flush (Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze Coolant)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $6,000

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678+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified678 reportsLast reported by owners Jul 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

267 owners

On the 2014-2016 Kia Soul, a faulty pinion plug in the steering rack can cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering assembly, resulting in a complete loss of steering control while driving. NHTSA recall covers approximately 340,000 Soul vehicles. This is a critical safety defect requiring immediate attention.

Common Symptoms

Steering wheel suddenly becomes loose or disconnected
Complete loss of steering control
Clunking noise from steering rack before failure
Steering play increases gradually

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall immediately. Dealer will inspect the steering rack pinion plug and replace the steering gear assembly if necessary, free of charge. This is a critical safety recall - do not delay repair.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 267+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is a critical safety defect. If you notice any increase in steering play or clunking from the steering rack, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to a dealer
UpgradeInner and outer tie rod ends for steering precision restoration (Moog Tie Rod End)
View on Amazon
UpgradeRemanufactured power steering rack for complete steering system repair (Cardone Remanufactured Steering Rack)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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267+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified267 reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 945+ owner reports, the 2014-2014 Kia Soul has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2014-2014 Kia Soul has 2 known issues documented across 945+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage and Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, typically costs $0-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

The 1.6L GDI engine in 2012-2016 Souls can produce excessively high exhaust gas temperatures that damage the catalytic converter. The damaged converter can cause abnormal engine combustion, leading to piston damage and connecting rod failure. NHTSA recall covers over 350,000 vehi… Repairs typically run $0-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

A faulty pinion plug in the steering rack can cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering assembly, resulting in a complete loss of steering control while driving. NHTSA recall covers approximately 340,000 Soul vehicles. This is a critical safety defect requiring immediat… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

2014 Kia Soul Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2012-2016 Kia Soul: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2014-2016 Kia Soul: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?