2014 Kia Soul: excessive oil consumption

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · MD

I purchased my Kia Soul because I believed I was purchasing a dependable vehicle that I could rely on for my everyday transportation. Unfortunately, my experience with the vehicle has been very different. Over time, I have experienced ongoing and serious problems with the engine, particularly excessive oil consumption. The vehicle consumes oil frequently and requires repeated oil top-offs. I have had to visit the oil service location so often to have the oil checked and topped off that the staff now recognizes me. This is not something I consider normal maintenance for a vehicle that is supposed to be operating properly. My concerns became even more serious when my Kia Soul stalled while I was driving on the highway. I took the vehicle to Kia in [XXX] because I was extremely concerned about the safety implications of a vehicle losing power while traveling on the highway. After inspecting the vehicle, I was told that there was no engine problem. Because the excessive oil consumption continued, I later took the vehicle to Kia in Waldorf. Again, I was told that the problem was not an engine issue. I continued to have problems and eventually took the vehicle to VCD Auto in [XXX] for an independent evaluation. Their assessment was different. They agreed that there was a problem with the engine and that the engine appeared to be defective. I have also experienced problems involving the catalytic converter. After replacing the catalytic converter, I had to have another catalytic converter installed only approximately four months later. The repeated oil consumption and subsequent mechanical problems have caused me to question whether these issues are connected to an underlying engine defect. What is particularly frustrating is that I have repeatedly attempted to address these problems responsibly. I have taken the vehicle to Kia dealerships, had the vehicle inspected, maintained the oil, paid for repairs, and sought an independent mechanic's opinion. Despite INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine · WI

Writing to get some relief and a recall for my expenses due to a failed catalytic converter. The same issue was reported and recalled on the 1.6l engine in 2019. 19V120.Mine is 2014 kia soul 2.0l engine. I am showing multiple other reports on this site which had the same issues as well. 11736089 and 1700997. Catalytic converter failure. No codes. Sluggish acceleration, rotten egg smell, high fuel consumption and oil consumption. When merging onto highway, engine redesign to between 3-4000 reps before it goes into overdrive have to jam the accelerator to go. Took to mechanic and while they were doing a test drive, could not get the car to go. Narrowly not getting into an accident with the approaching truck behind them. Vehicle has regular maintenance and is well taken care of. Good thing i got it taken care of before engine failure. All of the combustion gases from the failed catalytic converter could have cost me a new engine, or worse my life. Reached out to kia corporate customer service with no help offered. They tout extended warranties on their cars. But will not honor them. Have the converter and it is clear as day , that it was reaching high temperatures and malfunctioning. What help can you offer?

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

I own a 2014 Kia Soul 2.0L GDI that consumes approximately one quart of engine oil every 1,500 miles. The engine oil became dangerously low between oil changes without any warning indicator. The vehicle has also experienced reduced engine performance, declining fuel economy, and previously displayed a P0420 catalytic converter efficiency fault code. Replacing the PCV valve did not improve the condition. An overnight piston soak temporarily reduced the oil consumption, but the problem returned, suggesting carbon-related engine deposits. Kia has acknowledged that catalytic converter damage can create a safety hazard in certain 2012–2016 Kia Soul models equipped with the 1.6L GDI engine, and the federal safety agency has issued a recall thereof (see "SC176 – 2012-2016 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) LOGIC UPGRADE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN"). My vehicle is equipped with the 2.0L GDI engine and exhibits similar catalyst- and oil-consumption-related symptoms, but Kia declined assistance because my VIN is not included in the campaign. I am submitting this complaint because excessive oil consumption can allow engine oil to become dangerously low without warning, increasing the risk of engine damage or loss of power while driving. I request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether similar conditions are occurring in 2014 Kia Soul 2.0L vehicles.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Engine · OH

There is a rod knocking in the engine now. Car has always been properly maintained. There are no oil leaks or anything. The car now will not shift, loses power while going up hill, and is burning oil like crazy. Had the car looked at and was told the engine now needs to be replaced.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Engine · IL

My car burns oil very fast. I am putting in more than 5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I have replaced the flex pipe, the catalytic converter two times, and both the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The catalytic converter now needs to be replaced again after only 7 months after being installed. The car keeps getting P0420 codes. I found out this last converter was bad while on the highway going 70 mph up a hill. The speed suddenly decreased all the way down to 50 mph which put me in great danger of getting hit from behind at high speeds. It would not go any faster..

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · 101,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS). The vehicle was taken for the oil change, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level was extremely low. The contact was informed that the manifold was cleaned; however, the cause of the excessive oil consumption was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · PA

Excessive Oil Consumption/Burning Catalytic Converter Clogging Check Engine Light/Misfires My engine has all of these issues. It has been determined as known KIA issues not driver/owner related. My car has 94,000 miles but none of what's going on is any cause other than KIA issues/problems. I work a full time job and have missed work due to car not being able to be driven at random times.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · 138,929 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights simultaneously illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured engine pin, which caused the knocking sound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 138,929.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

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 situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed. Details of the Incident: Diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) was confirmed by the Kia dealership. P1326 is part of Kia’s known engine defect population and is tied to safety related engine failures. The dealership documented oil consumption, oil fouled spark plugs, and compression readings below Kia’s minimum specification on all cylinders. The dealership concluded in writing that engine replacement is required. Despite this, Kia denied warranty coverage based solely on a bearing clearance test, without completing the full diagnostic process required under the KSDS settlement. The vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable. Why This Is a Safety Issue: The sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above ~20 mph created a dangerous situation for my daughter and surrounding traffic. This is a known defect pattern in Kia vehicles covered under the KSDS program. The failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a collision. Requested Action: I am reporting this because Kia has not responded to my two complaints nor properly addressed a safety related engine defect that is already part of a national settlement. The incomplete diagnostic process and denial of coverage leave the vehicle unsafe and unusable. I request that the federal safety agency review this incident as part of the ongoing safety concerns involving Kia GDI engines and P1326 related failures.

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Engine · CA

Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - $152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change $0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - $106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE Firestone - $110.99 (ENGINE ANALYSIS Sept 6, 2025) * POSSIBLE BOTTOM END DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING** NEEDS TO GO TO ENGINE SHOP** DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE (ENGINE ANALYSIS) **HEARS SQUEAKING WHEN ACCELARTING. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING UP THE GRAPE VINE AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF. CAR ALSO TAKES A WHILE TO GET UP TO SPEED.** 5. Catalytic Converter Replacement - $1,100 (Sept 6, 2025) oThe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per Kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - $26.99 (Aug 28, 2025) oCataclean Fuel & Exhaust oSystem Cleaner 7. Valvoline - $140.00 (May 11, 2025) Complete Fuel System $19.99 8.Spark Plug Replacement & Tune-Up - $391.81 (March 29, 2025) Engine diagnostic codes (P0302, P0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling $2,011.13. Kia of Downtown Los Angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Nov 15, 2025 · Engine · FL

Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Engine · OH

My VIN number was included as part of the engine recall up to 150,000 miles. My car sat at the dealership and the engine replacement was denied because the leaking piston were not cover as part of the engine recall. I even called Kia directly and they would not cover the engine replacement. The excessive oil consumption starter at 93K, the engine failed at 120,000 mile and 7 years old. I bought the vehicle brand new and I changed my oil faithfully. I think they denied the engine replacement because they started getting all these other engine recalls. The car was very reliable and no other major problems until this.