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CriticalCommonEngine

Kia Soul: 2.0 Nu GDI connecting-rod bearing failure and fire risk

2.0 Nu GDI connecting-rod bearing failure and fire risk is a common engine fault on the Kia Soul on the 2014–2019 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $5,500 to $10,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 8 documented faults on the Kia Soul.

Vehicle
Kia Soul
Engine
2.0L
Years
2014–2019
Fuel
petrol
System
Engine

This page covers the Kia Soul as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Kia Soul faults8 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The PS Soul's 2.0 'Nu' GDI engine was the subject of a Kia recall (around 295,000 US vehicles, 2014-2015 Souls) for excessive connecting-rod bearing wear that can let the rod punch through the block, dumping oil and risking an under-bonnet fire. Dealers inspected/tested engines and fitted knock-sensor (KSDS) software, replacing engines where needed. On NZ/AU-delivered and imported cars, confirm the recall work was done and listen hard for any bottom-end knock — this is the make-or-break check on a PS Soul.

What you would notice

  • Deep metallic knock from the engine
  • Ticking that worsens under load
  • Oil light / stalling
  • Burning-oil smell or smoke (in bad cases)

How to check it

Where to look. Engine bottom end — connecting-rod bearings inside the block

  1. Start from cold and listen for any knock or heavy tick deep in the engine, then rev gently and listen again.

  2. Ask if the KSDS software and recall inspection were completed and whether the engine has ever been replaced.

  3. Check the oil for metallic glitter.

What it costs to put right

$5,500 to $10,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Was the engine recall / KSDS update completed?”
  • “Has the engine ever knocked or been replaced?”
  • “Any evidence of an engine warranty claim?”

Now check the Kia Soul you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

  • autoevolution 'Kia Recalls 295,000 Vehicles Over Connecting Rod Bearing Problem'
  • Kia E2 Engine Class Settlement FAQ (kiaengineclasssettlement.com)

Kia Soul buyer questions

Is 2.0 nu gdi connecting-rod bearing failure and fire risk serious on a Kia Soul?

We rate it critical and common on the Kia Soul. The PS Soul's 2.0 'Nu' GDI engine was the subject of a Kia recall (around 295,000 US vehicles, 2014-2015 Souls) for excessive connecting-rod bearing wear that can let the rod punch through the block, dumping oil and risking an under-bonnet fire. Dealers inspected/tested engines and fitted knock-sensor (KSDS) software, replacing engines where needed. On NZ/AU-delivered and imported cars, confirm the recall work was done and listen hard for any bottom-end knock — this is the make-or-break check on a PS Soul.

How much does it cost to fix on a Kia Soul?

$5,500 to $10,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Kia Soul years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2014–2019 Kia Soul. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Start from cold and listen for any knock or heavy tick deep in the engine, then rev gently and listen again. Ask if the KSDS software and recall inspection were completed and whether the engine has ever been replaced. Check the oil for metallic glitter. Look here: Engine bottom end — connecting-rod bearings inside the block