2013 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 662 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 22 involved a crash and 45 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineFeb 22, 2019
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsDec 29, 2014
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
Campaign 14V822000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The check engine light has been on about a few weeks. While driving on the highway at approx 65 miles per hour my car started losing power and the temperature gauge indicator went to "H". I pulled off the highway and noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from the hood. I waited about 10 minutes then got back on the road again the temperature gauge began to rise to "H". I pulled off several things before reaching home. The next day the car was towed to Hollywood Kia. My car has been at the shop for 2 weeks. I was giving a repair bill of $1500. I need help please and can't afford to pay for the repairs. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 6, 2023
About 3 months ago my steering wheel started rattling and continues to get worse I haven’t had it looked at yet but I think I need to also my dash lights come off and on all the time do you think I have a problem
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2023, crash
Our 2013 Kia Soul accelerated on its own at a Sonic drive-in restaurant. First ran into a brick wall and then when put in reverse, it continued at accelerated speed until it came to a stop. Nobody injured - just the car. Afterward I did some research and found it has been a problem with various makes and models of Kias.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 20, 2023
Car’s check engine and oil light came in and flickered. Went to get an oil change and have them check the car. I turned the car off when I got there. When I went to start the car to wind the windows down, the mechanic saw sparks, I saw smoke coming out of the engine and he yelled for me to stop trying to start it. We opened the hood, tried again and the same thing happened - almost caught on fire. Now, the engine won’t turn over. He said the battery is good. He said the engine is done.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2023
The brake lights go out all the time. They work one day and then not the next. This is a known issue with Kia vehicles. Apparently this is a wide spread issue that effects many Kia brand cars not just the Soul model that I drive. I have people stop me saying they did not see my brake lights come on at all when I obviously had to. Why hasn't this been a recall? This is a problem that could end in fatalities.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Mar 18, 2023
I have been having major battery issues switching out my batteries and them going out fast. Also when I'm driving my car shakes when it goes above 60 miles per hour, also when I change gears I noticed I get a hard thump when I change my gears. The electrical in the car sometimes it goes off and on my radio has completely went out it comes on when it wants. Cruise control when I put it on sometimes just cuts off when I'm driving. Engine runs kind of rough when I first got my car everything was smooth but after 6 years I noticed everything started running the little rough.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 14, 2023
Catalytic converter is going out. Although apparently there was no recall for MY car in particular but there has been a recall for the converter overheating and damaging the engine. Car no longer goes over 40 mph; meaning I can no longer use the freeway. Oil light comes on at least twice a month. Even after a oil change It comes right back on. Check engine light never goes off. Piston Rod is damaged which then contributes to a oil leak. This has been happening over a 6 month time span. I call myself fixing one thing then something else more detrimental breaks.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 5, 2022
the catalytic converter is damaged, soon the engin could fail, and there is a recall on the catalytic converter for this car type and model and year. it has all the symptoms that the converter is damaged, tried to liquid to fix it it did not work It is available for inspection no risk yet, inspected and problem was confirmed engine light is on
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 10, 2022
2013 Kia Soul randomly turns off. It has 101K miles. No dash or warning lights come on before this happens. Then after it turns off an oil can icon, battery icon and a steering wheel icon with exclamation come on the dash and the air is still on, so its on battery power. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and AC and restart the car. The second issue that is happening. It is also randomly struggling to start up. I have bought a new battery thinking it was the issue. Still it randomly has startup cranking issues. The random engine power off has happened while slowing down to go over a speed bump, while idling at a stop lights and while i tried to engage the reverse to backup. It is also randomly struggling to start after these engine power off events. Never consistent. Sometimes it starts right up after the power off and others it takes several cranks before it starts. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and restart it. I drive 5 miles to work and luckily don't need to go over 35MPH to get there, but I shudder to think what could have happened if i was going faster and the engine cuts off. I have had it diagnosed at a non Kia reputable mechanic repair shop, where they tested the battery and is shows to be good(Should since it is new). Since it sounded like an electrical issues they tested and cleaned the power and ground cables. They attached the scan tool and checked all the modules on the vehicle and no diagnostics trouble codes were stored in any of the modules. But the problem continues. I have scheduled another diagnostic with a Kia dealership Sept 29, 2022 to see if they can figure this out. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. Like i mentioned I shudder to think what could of happened the times I was on the highway driving at 60-65MPH and the only way to get it turn back on is to put it in park and restart it and hope it starts right away before an accident occurs. Not driving til fixed
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2022
2013 Kia Soul base model when Kia reset engine because catallactic convertor (to show proper MPG) this started shortly after. Soul started having fuel levels drop to EMPTY after fueling. With fuel light & engine light coming on. Driving a short time fuel gauge then shows correct amount. This is occurring more often, talking with other Kia Soul owners they have seen it also. I am told sensors in fuel tank will need replaced almost $1000.00 but nothing can be done until lights stay on all time with NO GAURENTEE it will fix problem. Both of my Souls have this issue, I have 1 Soul still on the road, Soul 2 was traded in. Pictures from a video as event was happening.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2022, fire
My car without warning started smoking from the hood. I immediately parked the car, popped the hood, and flames starting rising from underneath before I had even exited the vehicle. Within 5 minutes of the smoke, my car was completely on fire.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2022
While driving down the highway, or turning around a curve the engine stops. The car can be restarted after it is put un park. Not always possible on a busy road.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Feb 2, 2022
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Jan 28, 2022
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21 and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 3, 2022
It all started when I thought I received bad gas a couple of months ago after filling my tank up with regular gas from a Speedway , It didn't start right away, and that never happened and then it continued to Be hard to accelerate, as I drove it. That has happened on 2 other occasions since that incident a couple of months ago I would push the pedal to the floor and the RPM would not move it stayed on zero. The accelerator was resistant to move, but I made it home. Spoke a mechanic friend, who's done body work on my car, and thought, as I did, I had bad gas.. suggested, I get the fuel tank flushed and filled, which I did at Jiffy Lube. I've since put HEET in on every fill up, and used premium gas. Happened again yesterday am on my way home from work about about 830am. I was stopped at a light, it cut off, I put it in park, and cut it back on, but it was hard to accelerate. I made it home, but now extremely worried, given all the spontaneous fires, and engine problems. It's my only source of transportation, so I'm in desperate need of help.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 6, 2021
My 2013 Kia Soul has been stalling while idle or at red lights. In addition, sometimes it is difficult to start and I have to attempt several times. Lately, once I do start the vehicle and begin to drive, it’s as if the vehicle doesn’t know which gear to maintain. As a result, the car will attempt to “cut off” driving and l literally will have to pull over immediately in attempt to not be hit or run off the road, as the car is practically in neutral by its own choice. Also, the “emergency brake” light is on, even though the emergency brake is not being used.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 4, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. DUE TO THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 2, 2021
I HAVE A 2013 KIA SOUL, I HAVE BEEN PAYING MY LOAN ON THIS CAR SINCE 2016. I TAKE CARE OF IT AND ROUTINELY DO OIL CHANGES ON IT AND UP KEEP. OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST FOUR MONTHS I NOTICED MY CAR ACTING UP, I HAD TAKEN IT TO SHOPS AND NONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS NOT STARTING UP, I WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE MY WHEEL TO MIRACULOUSLY GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THEN ONCE IT STARTED IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AND WOULD SLOWLY GO INTO NEUTRAL. PROGRESSIVELY IT GOT WORSE, MY CAR WOULD TURN OFF IF I WAS PARKED OR AT A STOP SIGN OR WHEN GOING 20MPH OR LESS. ON 12/24/2020 AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN AS I RESTARTED IT, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANGING AND THE CAR WAS JUMPING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED IT OFF AND GOT IT TOWED. I AM AT A LOSS AND COMPLETELY AT RISK WITH THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.
Electrical system, Sep 27, 2020
VEHICLE WILL JUST RANDOMLY NOT START. GET IN CAR TURN ON KEY AND NOTHING, LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT ALL WORK, BUT CAR WILL NOT START. SO FAR IF YOU WAIT A SHORT TIME AND TRY AGAIN IT STARTS AND ALL IS FINE. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I REPLACED IT AND ALL WAS GOOD FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, AND THEN ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO IT DID THE SAME THING, WOULD NOT START. WENT ABOUT MY BUSINESS IN ANOTHER CAR, CAME HOME ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER, GOT INTO CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANYTHING THAT THE DEALER CAN DO. THEY REPLACE DIFFERENT PARTS, BUT IT OCCURS AGAIN. LOTS ON MONEY BEING SPENT AND NO RESULTS TO BE HAD. VERY FRUSTRATING . THIS HAS HAPPEN ABOUT 15 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, BUT IT DOES START IF YOU WAIT AWHILE. AT LEAST MY HAS, BUT I NOTE THAT OTHERS HAVE NOT.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 27, 2020
MY CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING 75MPH WITH 70K MILES THATS ABOUT WHEN A VEHICLE SHOULD BE BREAKING IN NOT BREAKING DOWN. MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE, GAS PLAY. THE RADIO SOMETIMES DOESNT COME ON AND MY ENGINE JUST SOUNDS CLOGGED
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2020
IT'S BEEN A LOT OF COMPLICATIONS WITH THE CAR STEERING COLLAR CAR MAKE A LOUD SOUND WHILE DRIVING OVER 60MPH KNOCK SENSOR CAUSES A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH HOLDING GAS ENGINE IS VERY LOUD
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 19, 2020
WELL THE FIRST ITEM IS THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL DOOR. THE SECOND PROBLEM RIGHT LOW BEAM LIGHT HAS BEEN OUT NOW FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE WE HAD SWITCHED BULBS WE HAVE TRACED WIRES EVERYTHING REPLACE THE RELAY STILL CAN I GET THAT TO WORK AND SOMETIMES HE DOES LUNDS HIGHWAY ROAD YOU HIT BUMPS ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON IN CAR IT IS SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL SHORT IN A CAR SOMEWHERE
Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE BATTERY POWER WAS DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER HOLLYWOOD KIA LOCATED AT (6011 PEMBROKE RD. HOLLYWOOD FL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2019
ENGINE LITE WHEN ON. GOT A RECALL NOTICE. HAD RECALL PERFORMED. RECALL STATE THAT IF DAMAGE WAS DONE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER IT WOULD ALSO BE REPLACED. A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER RECALL PERFORMED ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SAYING CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. THEY SAY I NEED TO PAY $2000 TO GET FIXED. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT TIME OF RECALL.
Electrical system, Seat belts, May 28, 2019
RADIO/BACKING CAMERA STOPPED WORKING. HAD CAMERA REPLACED EARLIER. RADIO COMES ON BUT PLAYS NO SOUNDS.