2014 Kia Soul power train problems
56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2014 Kia Soul — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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 [XXX] daughter was driving in heavy rush-hour traffic when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and entered a 20 MPH "limp mode." This sudden…”
filed May 28, 2026
“Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous…”
filed Jan 8, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 2 | 7% |
| 2023 Soul | 4 | 8% |
| 2022 Soul | 12 | 14% |
| 2021 Soul | 26 | 12% |
| 2020 Soul | 88 | 24% |
| 2019 Soul | 5 | 4% |
| 2018 Soul | 31 | 15% |
| 2017 Soul | 19 | 7% |
| 2016 Soul | 61 | 8% |
| 2015 Soul | 60 | 7% |
| 2013 Soul | 14 | 2% |
| 2012 Soul | 21 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2014 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.