TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM) system on some 2014-2016MY Soul (PS) vehicles with Gamma 1.6L GDI engines, produced from August 29, 2013 through July 26, 2016, which may exhibit an MIL ON with DTC P050A (Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Soul fuel system problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Kia Soul have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Air Drain Case on some 2014-2018MY Soul (PS), produced from July 21, 2013 through June 1, 2017, some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB), produced from June 21, 2011 through March 31, 2017, some 2014-2017MY Forte (YD), produced from February 18, 2013 through March 2, 2017, and some 2017MY Forte (YDm) vehicles, produced from May 16, 2016 through March 6, 2017, which may experience an early shut-off during fuel refill and/or a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination with DTCs P0449 or P0451.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. In these engines highly pressurized gasoline is injected via a common fuel rail and injectors that deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. In comparison, in a conventional Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) engine, the gasoline is injected into the intake port of each cylinder at a relatively low pressure. Due to high fuel pressure in a GDI system, servicing the GDI system requires special attention
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP - INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER OR HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION - RESTRICTED FUEL LINE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. Customers may experience an intermittent lack of power or hesitation upon acceleration. The malfunction indicator lamp may not illuminate or DTC P0087 may be stored (history). This is possibly due to a restricted low pressure fuel line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER OR HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION ? RESTRICTED FUEL LINE - Customers may experience an intermittent lack of power or hesitation upon acceleration. The malfunction indicator lamp may not illuminate or DTC P0087 may be stored (history). This is possibly due to a restricted low pressure fuel line. DTC P0087: Fuel Rail/System Pressure ? Too Low
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2014 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, fuel system issues most often appear around 122,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.