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Exterior lightingPart report

2014 Kia Soul Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
130about this part
Share
14%of 903 total for the year
Median mileage
67,005miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 130 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2014 Kia Soul, 14% of the 903 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,005 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Whether the vehicle is stationary, in motion, on a city street or a highway, the right headlight will flicker and then go out. No matter what I've done on my end, nothing has solved the issue, racking up unnecessary costs. Once in a while the headlight will stay on longer than expected but suddenly turns off, making it very dangerous while driving on pitch black roads.”

NHTSA complaint #11196158, filed 2019-04, 70,000 miles

“I have had to replace the driver's side headlight three times in the last 2 months. When replacing headlight I use gloves so as not to touch the glass. I researched this problem on the internet and notice that many owners are having the same problem. There should be a recall since this is a definite safety issue. Vehicle was moving when issue occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #11083889, filed 2018-04, 56,700 miles

“Takata recall my 2014 Kia SOUL has been experiencing problems with the headlights turning off while in motion at night! They both begin to flicker and they turn off and just leave me with my low running lights on. This is a very serious issue its not the first time Kia has been notified of this and this is a safety hazard!! This has happened to alot of people and need to be a recall”

NHTSA complaint #11241430, filed 2019-08, 83,000 miles

“The driver side headlight will flicker or entirely turn off. We have replaced the bulb multiple times with manufacture products and discovered the electric plug to the headlight is melted. This is a safety issue as we cannot drive at night safely. Each time we replace the bulb it stops functioning in a few days to weeks.”

NHTSA complaint #11163639, filed 2018-12, 76,000 miles

“Takata recall.. Drivers side low beam keeps going out. Previously it would be out one day then when I would start my car it would come back on. In the picture both lights are working but 5 mins before only the passenger side was working. This has been an going issue for about 2 years now. Sometimes I had to replace the bulb after it being out for over a week but the bulb was not blown.”

NHTSA complaint #11160640, filed 2018-12, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025433%
202426%
202347%
202163%
202062%
201954%
201842%
201710%
2016182%
2015364%
201413014%
2013102%
2012102%
2011137%
201032%

Other parts of the 2014 Kia Soul

Engine
554 complaintsElectrical system
98 complaintsOther or unknown
86 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
58 complaintsFuel system
57 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsSteering
55 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsWheels
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2014 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology