The NHTSA said last week that the 2014 Kia Soul is being recalled due to front airbags that might not deploy in an accident. At the start of a violent crash, communication between the control unit and front impact sensors can become confused, and the airbags won’t deploy.
The 128,280 Soul hatchbacks involved in the recall. The problem might make injuries more likely. It has nothing to do with the deadly Takata airbag recall, which has shaken up the auto industry lately and is the biggest recall in automotive history.
This is the 2014 Soul’s fifth recall. Prior recalls covered a problem with the catalytic converter that might start an engine fire as well as a broader recall for Souls with 2.0-liter inline-4 engines that pose a risk of engine fire.
As early as April 7, owners of 2014 Souls with the airbag problem will receive notice. They will be instructed to take their Soul to a Kia dealer, where the control unit software will be updated without cost. Additionally, Kia would compensate owners who paid for the work to be done. Visit Kia’s recall page or call customer support at 1-800-333-4542 for further information on the status of your Soul.
In This Article...
Which Kia models are subject to an airbag recall?
Irvine, CAFebruary 5, 2022Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 410,619 vehicles across a number of models due to faulty airbags that may not deploy in the event of a collision, endangering the lives of the vehicle’s occupants.
The following models are included in the Kia airbag recall:
- Kia Soul, 20172019
- Kia Sedona, 20172019
- Kia Soul EV, 20172019
- KIA FORTE, 20172018
- Kia Forte coup 2017
Which Kia Souls are subject to a recall?
- 253,281 models from 2017 to 2019 Kia Souls built between July 25, 2016, and December 24, 2018
- 953 Model Years 2017 to 2019 Kia Soul EVs made between May 18, 2017, and September 28, 2018,
- From March 2, 2017, 108,693 Kia Fortes for the model years 2017 to 2018 were built.
- up to July 27, 2018
- 47,690 models from 2017 to 2019 Kia Sedonas built between July 12, 2016 and January 10, 2019
- On October 4, 2016, 2 (two!) 2017 Kia Forte Koups were produced.
Kia Recall Contact Information
Instructions on how and when to bring their Kia into a dealership should be sent to the owners of these vehicles by first class mail at the address on file. On March 21, 2022, letters are anticipated to be mailed. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC226 is the Kia recall number.
The ACU will be examined by dealers. A dealer will swap out the Airbag Control Unit for a “better” one if the airbag warning light is already on. If the light is not on, a software update will be applied that, according to Kia, will guarantee proper airbag deployment in the case of a collision.
Recall Reimbursement and Unaffected Cars
Kia asserts Sedonas produced in 2019 after January 10 come standard with an upgraded airbag control unit. Kia Fortes for the 2019 model year and new-generation Kia Souls for the 2020 model year both received a different component. According to the Defect Notice Report on the NHTSA website, “Kia will reimburse owners for repair charges previously paid pursuant to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan submitted May 11, 2020.”
According to Kia and NHTSA, there have been no crashes that have been associated with problems with the airbag systems on the impacted Kia models to far. However, 947 warranty claims and 13 customer complaints have been made in relation to the flaw.
What issues are there with Kia Soul?
A “A failing engine that cannot be repaired is referred to as a “blown engine.”
Even if an engine fails, it could still be possible to fix it.
On April 17, 2019, Kia announced a recall for the 2016 Kia Soul due to the vehicle’s propensity for blowouts or engine failure.
Out of all the Soul model years, the 2016 Soul has the highest prevalence of this issue, while it also affects the 2012 and 2015 models.
High exhaust temperatures can damage the 2016 Soul’s catalytic converter, which leads to irregular engine combustion. This may result in the failure of any and all engine parts, including piston rings, gaskets, seals, and even a fire beneath the hood.
At 70,000 to 80,000 miles of use, this engine breakdown issue begins to manifest itself.
One of the riskiest issues a car can have is an unforeseen engine failure because it can occur at any time, even while you’re being pursued on the highway.
If a car manufacturer recalls a part, you can normally get the defective item replaced without charge within a specific time period that varies depending on the year the car was released to the public.
To be as safe as you can be, if you own a Kia Soul that is subject to this recall, you should get in touch with your local Kia repair center right away.
Not all failed engines are blown, but all blown engines are failed engines. the word “Blown engine is a general term for an irreparably damaged engine, regardless of the reason of failure.
A new engine for the Soul costs $7000, but replacing a blown engine can set you back thousands of dollars.
Depending on how extensive and challenging the repair is, replacing a single, specialized part can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5000.
You will undoubtedly notice when your engine blows, but you might not be able to identify the problem right away. The following are warning indications of an engine blowout or failure:
- white smoke clouds emanating from the hood
- Black smoke coming from the tailpipe
- unusually loud hammering noises
- Unexpected braking
While Kia Souls from 2012 to 2016 have their own unique causes for their propensity for engine blowouts, it’s important to note these general measures you may take to avoid engine blowout or failure:
- Never let the oil in your car become too low. every 3,000 miles, physically check the oil
- Avoid maintaining the car’s high RPM for an extended amount of time.
- If you experience strange banging while driving, stop right away.
Kia Souls are catching fire in what year?
ATLANTA
Unexpected fires are starting in new autos. With Kia automobiles, Channel 2 Action News has been on top of this for years.
Even after a significant settlement with the federal government, recalls and safety warnings continue to be issued.
Hyundai and Kia released “For a few models, such as the 20142016 Kia Sportage, the 20162018 Kia K-900, and the 20162018 Hyundai Santa Fe, park outside orders.
The company claimed that even when the vehicles are off, they still run the risk of catching fire.
The 2020 Kia Soul owned by Ginger Evans experienced precisely that. Just a short distance from her Blue Ridge house, it caught fire.
“I consider the idea that someone’s loved one would have to pass away because, Kia, are they really taking this seriously? said Evans.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because Channel 2 Action News has covered a number of recalls, government complaints, and settlements involving late-model Kia and Hyundai vehicles catching fire for the past four years.
The firm did not include many late-model Souls in recalls or in its significant settlement with federal regulators, despite the fact that many of those we’ve covered were Kia Souls.
Do Kia Souls have many issues?
The Kia Soul dominated the market for more than ten years with its boxy appearance, which people either love or detest, good safety ratings, and a long list of standard amenities. Today, the Soul is among Kia’s best-selling vehicles and is still a serious competitor in the subcompact crossover SUV market.
Despite being a reliable small SUV, there have been several problems, complaints, and recalls across a number of model years. There are some Kia Soul years to stay away from when purchasing used.
The worst Kia Soul years to steer clear of due to reliability difficulties are listed below, along with the safest years for used purchasing.
Which Kia Soul Years to Avoid?
If at all possible, stay away from buying a secondhand Kia Soul from one of the following model years:
- Kia Soul 2012
- Kia Soul (2013)
- Kia Soul (2014)
- Kia Soul 2015
- Kia Soul 2016
Kia Soul
The 2012 Kia Soul should be avoided at all costs, according to the people from Car Reports, who cite 470 NHTSA complaints. Body integrity issues and flawed safety features were its principal shortcomings.
Clunking noises when turning are this Soul year’s most prevalent problem. Owners have mentioned hearing a clunking or popping sound when rotating the steering wheel. Additionally, some owners have heard loud rattles when driving on roads or hitting small bumps. Owners are perplexed that there hasn’t been a recall because this body integrity issue is so prevalent.
The 2012 Soul’s unlatched hood while driving is another potential issue. Although this is a rare problem, it poses a serious safety risk, particularly on roads or freeways.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Kia Soul
Several owners of the 2013 Soul have suffered engine failure, which has been known to occur at roughly 85,000 miles or more. Some users reported hearing a banging sound emanating from the engine, while others just experienced an engine failure. The expected fix for this issue is to replace the engine, which will set you back a whooping $5,000.
A few owners reported that their Soul’s engine had started to make a ticking noise, which is less serious. The ticking noise, which may be anywhere from mildly bothersome to frighteningly loud, compels owners to visit their nearby Kia dealership. With an average repair cost of $4,100, we cannot recommend the Soul model year.
Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul is the greatest loser in terms of complaints. The 2014 Soul is unquestionably one of the worst Kia Soul years to stay away from, receiving more than 900 complaints. Similar to the 2013 Kia Soul, the 2014 model similarly receives a pitiful 1 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports.
One of the 2014 Soul’s most serious problems, according to a number of Consumer Reports owners, is engine failure. This issue appears to be connected to the oil pump in the Soul, which results in higher-than-normal oil consumption by the engine. One owner said that the car began requiring a quart of oil every 300 miles.
The 2014 Soul has a terrible comeback of the engine’s annoying ticking/knocking noise. The initial diagnosis by technicians is that this occurs at about 105k miles and is caused by low oil. However, the owners who are meticulous and keep up with their oil changes are the ones who complain the most.
Kia Soul
The 2015 Kia Soul is another vehicle you ought to stay away from, with more than 700 NHTSA complaints and four recalls to its name. The 2015 model of the Soul has numerous engine problems, just like the other problematic Souls on our list.
Engine failure is the issue that needs to be addressed first. Around 80k miles is the typical mileage at which this problem appears. Many customers have noted that the engine initially made knocking or ticking noises or began to burn more oil. The Soul’s engine finally just stopped working. You will be responsible for paying the estimated $4,620 cost of the engine rebuild or replacement if this occurs.
Excessive oil use is another area of concern. It seems that the engine guzzles oil like it’s nobody’s business when it’s not breaking down.
Check out our list of the top 10 most dependable used sedans available if you’re ready to start looking for a used automobile and reliability is important to you.
Kia Soul
The number one issue with the 2016 Soul, as measured by the severity scale, is a blown engine. According to several accounts, the 2016 Soul’s engine is prone to blowing up, particularly after 90k miles. This is not only dangerous, but an engine replacement will cost you almost $7,000 as well.
Additionally, Kia Soul owners complained that their car simply won’t start. Although there are indications that there may be a battery issue, most concerns are unrelated to this.
Common Kia Soul Problems
Although the Kia Soul is extremely reliable in every way, there are a few persistent issues that impact cars from a few years ago. Here are a few examples:
- spike in cruise control There are rumors that some Soul models have a surgey cruise control technology. Owners reported that when the SUV was in cruise control mode, it would suddenly accelerate and then slow down to a crawl. As of the time of writing, Kia has not yet addressed this potentially deadly problem.
- a ticking clock
- Although it’s not the most typical of Soul models, 2013 Soul owners find it extremely annoying. Hearing loud knocking or ticking noises emanating from the engine is not enjoyable. The Kia Soul has yet another problem with its engine.
- spinning while clicking
- The 2012 Soul’s clunking sounds when turning were a problem for owners. This is unquestionably a body integrity issue that Kia overlooked.
This question’s solution is more complex than you might think. Let’s examine the distinctions between gasoline and diesel engines as well as the precise number of spark plugs that a diesel engine truly has.
Kia Soul
One of the most dependable Kia Soul generations was the second one ever produced. A adaptable, reasonably priced, and all-around useful compact SUV is the 2011 Soul. Car Complaints awarded the 2011 Soul a “Pretty Good” Seal of Approval for dependability, stating that it is “pleasant to drive, roomy, and trustworthy.”
Kia Soul
The 2018 Soul features a huge luggage area, a roomy interior, a nimble turbocharged engine, and top-notch reliability ratings. In fact, the 2018 Soul received a fantastic Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power of 84 out of 100.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul made a victorious comeback the following year with its 2019 year model. The 2019 Kia Soul received praise for its smooth ride, great utility, and respectable fuel efficiency. You may put your reliability concerns to rest because the 2019 Kia Soul received a reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.