Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul has a mixed reputation as a used vehicle, with notable recall campaigns related to the engine, steering, and airbags. There are numerous complaints about engine and electrical issues. Given the limited data, it's crucial to conduct a thorough inspection, especially focused on engine health and steering integrity. If considering purchase, carefully review any available service records and question the seller about past maintenance and any issues experienced.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Kia Soul has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 903 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V096000 Front Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V750000 Engine Damage May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V120000 Overheated Catalytic Converter May Damage Engine NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V608000 Steering Gear May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V123000 Accelerator Pedal may Fracture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 554 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 130 complaints
- Electrical System 98 complaints
- Unknown or Other 85 complaints
- Power Train 58 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 55 complaints
Of the 903 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 69 a fire; across all 903 complaints, owners report 28 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
High exhaust temperatures
How to check: Look for signs of engine overheating or prior repairs.
Pinion gear separation
How to check: Check steering for looseness or unusual play.
Airbags may not deploy
How to check: Ensure airbag system warning light is off.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises at startup.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent check engine light.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check steering response and feel for looseness.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive.
- 04
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe for any hesitation or surging.
Red flag: Vehicle hesitates or surges abruptly.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test engine power and smoothness in acceleration.
Red flag: Lack of power or rough acceleration.
- 06
Cruising at high speed
What to check: Listen for unusual engine or wind noise.
Red flag: Persistent or loud noises indicate issues.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine been repaired or replaced?
- Have there been any steering issues?
- Has the airbag system been checked?
- What major repairs have you done?
- Are there any unresolved recall notices?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and repair records
- Recall completion proof
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents, if available
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Kia Soul at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Kia Soul? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.