Fatal parked-vehicle fire tied to an unperformed recall
A parked, unoccupied vehicle caught fire and killed its owner
Check engine light: Off
A parked, unoccupied 2014 Kia Soul caught fire and killed its owner, per NHTSA ODI #11609041. The underlying defect was already subject to an open NHTSA recall (20V-750, non-collision engine fire) that had not been performed on this vehicle before the fire occurred, and the vehicle would have separately qualified for the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement.
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Excessive engine oil consumption
Oil becomes dangerously low between changes
Check engine light: On
Excessive engine oil consumption is described as oil becoming "dangerously low between oil changes."
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Rod bearing failure, knock sensor code P1326
"Rod knocking in the engine"
Check engine light: On
Rod bearing failures ("rod knocking in the engine") are tied to knock sensor detection code P1326 — the Theta II engine defect family, a further Kia confirmation.
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Brake line corrosion, complete brake failure
"Massive fluid loss"
Check engine light: On
Brake line corrosion causes "massive fluid loss" and complete brake failure while driving.
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Sudden loss of motive power, enters limp mode
Unexpected stalling on highways
Check engine light: On
Sudden loss of motive power puts the vehicle into limp mode; separately, unexpected stalling occurs on highways.
Owners report dealerships refusing recall work or denying coverage for this problem.
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No Sound from Speakers
There is no sound from the speakers
Check engine light: Off
There is no sound from the speakers. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 67 owner reports on file.
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Manual Transmission Difficult to Shift Into 1st Gear
The manual transmission is difficult to shift into 1st gear
Check engine light: Off
The manual transmission is difficult to shift into 1st gear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.
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IMPORTANT — THIS GENERATION IS TIED TO A DOCUMENTED FATALITY. A parked, unoccupied 2014 Kia Soul caught fire and killed its owner. The underlying defect was already subject to an open NHTSA recall (20V-750, non-collision engine fire) that had not been performed on this vehicle before the fire occurred. Separately, excessive engine oil consumption is also commonly reported on this generation.