Buyer Research

2014 Kia Soul — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $6,000–$11,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Deciding between model years? Compare the 3 Kia Soul years we've written up →

Kestrel Take

Boxy, roomy, cheap, and easy to live with, from Kia's recall era. The 2.0L Nu is the engine to research, and the catalytic converter is a theft magnet. Do the VIN homework and it's a practical, distinctive little car.

What we checked

Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 898 owner complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul, across 5 recall campaigns.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 68% of them are about one thing — the engine. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

5 recall campaigns cover this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Not written up yet: the lights (130 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2014 Kia Soul

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Engine failure / GDI engine coverageHigh — wallet impact

Kia extended engine warranties across several engines. Any knock that tracks RPM is a walk-away.

Repair cost (estimate): $0 if covered, $4,000-$6,000 if not

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (607), steering (55).

ABS module fire risk recallHigh — wallet impact

Part of the broad Hyundai/Kia recall. Verify closure.

Repair cost: $0 recall

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under electrics and electronics (98), the brakes (34); 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on this model year.

Catalytic converter theft targetMedium

High clearance and easy access make the Soul a top converter-theft target.

Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$3,000

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Suspension and wheel bearing wearLow

Front bearings and struts wear on higher-mileage cars.

Repair cost (estimate): $300-$700

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Engine knock
✗Open recalls
✗Sudden loud exhaust — stolen converter
✗Oil consumption

Good Signs

✓Recalls closed with paperwork
✓Catalytic converter shield installed
✓Original owner with warranty balance

Found a specific Kia Soul?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2014 Kia Soul in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

Get My Verdict — $7.99

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Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.

Other Kia Soul years

2016 Kia Soul

$8,000–$13,000

2018 Kia Soul

$8,000–$13,000