2014 Kia Soul: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · ME

The contact’s wife owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and outside around the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was condensation under the gas tank. The vehicle was inspected, and there was corrosion underneath the vehicle on the gas tank, and the rear of the gas tank was separating. The replacement gas tank was purchased but the refurbished gas tank had the same corrosion on the gas tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine · 228,041 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle started working as intended; however, a fuel smell remained inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There was a fuel odor while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 228,041.

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

I was driving and my MIL came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an OBD2 scan and it came back with P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold (Bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending CATALYTIC CONVERTER inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1.6L engine and not the 2.0L engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all Kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Engine · 58,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was running hot with a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and then stated that the VIN was not included even though the VIN tool confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). A case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2021 · 93,500 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, exhaust fumes entered the cabin causing a headache. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.

Filed Jul 27, 2021 · Engine · VA

The exhaust manifold failed and yes, it is available for inspection. My daughter's safety was put at risk after I was advised by Kia service center that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. My daughter experienced the burning smell of fuel and the vehicle would not accelerate and would not go above the speed limit of 20, when on an incline. I took my vehicle to Kia service center on July 14, 2021 following the instructions written on the federal safety agency Recall # 20V750 notice I received from Kia and they advised me that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. I paid $405 for replacement parts and service, left the service center with the impression that the vehicle was repaired. My daughter drove the vehicle back and forth to work and everything was okay until July 22, 2021 one week and a day after the repair, the MIL illuminated. I took the vehicle back to the service center and I was then advised that I needed to replace the exhaust manifold and all four coils. I was also advised that the exhaust manifold is on national back order with no expected date. I was told to call Kia corporate and Kia corporate office has advised me that there is nothing they can do to assist me. The associate at the Kia service center said I could drive the vehicle but after a while it would cause other damage to the engine. I questioned the service center manager about why would they tell me that the repair they made on the 14th fixed the issue. He informed me that they had no way of knowing what the issue was until the MIL light came on. I informed him that it is an issue that there was no warning lamp to advise of the first two parts I paid for that they said was the issue. Kia would not afford towing to service center. Kia service center has confirmed that the problem with the vehicle now is the exhaust manifold. The vehicle/component have been inspected by Kia service center. First visit to Kia no warning lamps/messages, there was the burning smell of fuel.

Filed Jul 16, 2021 · Engine · CT

Banging in engine Consuming excessive amounts of oil Oil light flickering Check engine light on Loss of power Car shakes when idle Gas/ fuel odor Brought to mechanic, valves pistons replaced. Banging stopped other stated problems continue.

Filed Jun 24, 2021 · Engine · CT

While I was driving on the highway, I heard a loud banging coming from the front of my car. I took it to a repair shop and was told it needed a valve replacement but it was only a matter of time before I would need to replace the engine. I did have the valve job done at great expense to me. However the engine light came on and despite having each of the problems fixed generated by the codes that came up, the engine light never went off. Now I understand there is an engine recall and the problems described are exactly what is wrong with my car e.g. engine light is on, check oil light flickering on, gasoline/fuel odor. I also had the catalytic converter replaced at my expense, only to find out there was a recall on that too. I need to have my engine replaced. This is a safety issue. Kia needs to make good on its promise.

Filed Mar 17, 2021 · Engine · NC

Bought this vehicle used it's always using excessive oil no leaks its just using even when it was newer. Had to replace the catalytic converter because of the excessive oil burn. Had problems with poor engine performance gradually until it got severe enough it was not able to be driven. Took it in for a recall on the engine they stated it had passed all test even though there was a ticking sound coming from the engine. All so strong smell of fuel coming out the tail pipe. From my research at least couple of the items discussed here are common with these vehicles. The 1.6 has had similar issues and had the engine recalled altogether. The 2.0 needs a recall as well instead of with technical requirements to work around replacing all engines. I think something is wrong with the design of the engine. I'm hoping kia can recognize & resolve the issue.

Filed Feb 17, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 93,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 kia soul. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v608000 (steering) and 20v750000 (engine). The vehicle was towed to trophy kia downtown los angeles (1945 s figueroa st, los angeles, ca 90007, (213) 342-0802). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the system was down. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2020 · Engine · 83,000 miles · OK · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 kia soul while driving a loud noise had occurred smoke and exhaust fumes were present the owner was concern the vehicle would stall. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH a loud sound was heard coming from under the vehicle before smoke and exhaust fumes were present inside the cabin. The vehicle was driven to the home and parked. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer roper kia (320 hodgon rd, joplin mo) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 17v120000 (engine, engine cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2019 · Acceleration · 48,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 kia soul. When the vehicle was in use, the rpms accelerated to 4 without warning up 48.897 miles. The contact also noticed an abnormal fuel odor coming from the ventilation inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to bill doraty kia (2925 medina rd, medina, oh 44256, (888) 628-4559), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v123000 (vehicle speed control). The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.*dt *tr