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: engine
303 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converters. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 5, 2024
My complaint has to do with the current recall on my vehicle. It's not driveable as it's safety hazard - engine quits at stops no rpm's panel lights (ABS, battery (brand new as mechanic I went to put on diagnostic machine and that's only thing that showed) oil light and malfunction indicator illuminate and then everything goes off including my headlights (I was driving early evening). Called local dealer (I never received notice but by chance looked up to see if any recalls and saw it on your website. they rudely said "you know as much as we do about when we'll get parts to repair recall". Clearly it's shorting out and I'm not going to endanger myself or others but what do I do? I've have a number of medical issues and am missing necessary appointments. How much longer is it expected before recall repairs can be made? I do Thank you for all you do. I am grateful an entity exists that look out for us. Least I don't feel totally lost.
Engine, Feb 23, 2024
Engine Light is flashing rapidly on my car, I am unable to drive the vehicle due to safety reasons and the vehicle started slowing down then the wheel locked up and the car cut off while driving a short distance. There is a knocking and ticking sound coming from the engine. Took the car to KIA dealership they said they couldnt fix the issue with the Engine and gave me no solution. I had to pay for a rental car and do ride shares (lyft and Uber) to get around because I was told by the Dealership Adviser that doesnt supply Loaner cars or put you in a rental until you car is serviced for the recall. My car was at the Kia Dealership for two weeks. When I picked up my car i was told by the Dealership Adviser that the Engine is going bad and it will not last very much longer in need to purchase a new one soon.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 16, 2024
I'm already aware of the recalls on alot of vehicles including my 2013 KIA SOUL and am aware of a judges ruling on this. How can KIA SOUL play God with peoples lives? I already filed a claim but still not not getting any help until the end of April. I'm a [XXX] woman who is at risk of getting hurt not to mention other people/and or other people close to my vehicle. This is just beyond wrong. I saved for 2 years to get a more dependable vehicles and now have to worry about an explosion. I already filed a claim but I'm scared. The radio has been funky since I got it last year. It's a used vehicle buy to me it looked new to me. I love it bur now afraid to even get in it but really don't have a choice since I'm [XXX] and don't have anyone else to get help or have another vehicle to use. I depend solely on myself. I need help with getting another vehicle until all of this mess is taken care of. I have gas gauge issues, revving up randomly, caution light staying on now and yesterday I had smoke coming out under the dash and then it just stopped while I was trying to pull off and call for help but it stopped so I came back home. The oil was changed right after I got it last year and I put new tires on it with the money I got from a junk yard in Johnson City that came to get my 98 Ford Escort that my church family helped for me after a very traumatic accident that killed my little senior rescue pommy, totaled my vehicle and I spent several days in ICU. I live on a very strict monthly income and this has caused more anxiety and panic issues that I can't even get under control with breathing exercises, journaling and taking my fur baby for walks and am back on my regular meds. Please someone needs to help me or I'm just going to give up. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
In November, the platform through whom I rent my Kia Soul delisted the vehicle due to a safety recall. Within a week, I received a notice for Recall 23V652. The issue is that the car can experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice helpfully pointed out that an engine fire can increase the risk of injury, but that no fix is in sight, yet. I can no longer support my son and his education (I was using the money from renting out the vehicle to pay for tuition), I cannot even drive the car to get another part time job,and despite calls and letters, nothing is being done to fix the car. It's been 4 months without transportation. To add insult to Russian-Roulette injury, ANOTHER notice arrived from Kia advising that thieves have an easy time breaking into a stealing certain vehicles (Offer QHJWT) and if I could just drive my car and get someone to agree to have the ticking flame-bomb in their parking lot, they would fix this - at no charge. I need the car to work. I need the fix. If not, I need my money returned. I continue to make payments on a car I cannot drive. I will also file a complaint with the FTC. Note: when I first filed, I did not smell a burning smell. I got that smell on a quick 4 minute trip to the store, so do not drive the car at all.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
I bought my KIA SOUL 2013 last year after saving for it bc I needed something more dependable and love it but I don't feel safe anymore bc of the possibility of an engine explosion. There's always been something funky about the radio coming when I start it but now there's a caution light staying on and the oil and everything else checks out. Also the gas lever starts blinking when I've just filled it up. What I don't get is how these people can play God with people's lives? I need a dependable vehicle to be able to go help my granddaughter needs me. At first the radio issue I blamed on me just being PARONOID thankfully I know there is something major going on.I don't let my fur baby go with me anymore, not risking hi life, it's bad enough I have worry about myself and it's just wrong.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 4, 2024
Caution light on since October 23rd of 2023. My question is how your company can play God with people's lives. Gas light lever going crazy, caution light on for 2 months
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 31, 2024
Slow to accelerate abs light on Engine light on
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 30, 2024
While driving, the lights flickered, then car shut down in the middle of the road. I could smell something burning. No warning lights came on. Had to tow the car. Found out there was no oil in the engine, when I should have had 2000 miles to go until next oil change. Engine seized. Apparently there is an oil consumption recall on almost all other kias for oil consumption EXCEPT my car
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2024
On [XXX] I was driving my 2013 Kia Soul in the center lane on [XXX] when all of a sudden the whole dashboard panel lit up and then everything went off and the car came to a halt. the engine was dead it would not start nothing would turn on. I had to push my vehicle from the center of the 3 lane highway off to the right side breakdown lane. I had to call AAA to have them tow my car to my mechanic. After looking over the vehicle i was informed that my engine had seized up and there was no oil in the engine. I had my oil change a little less then a month ago from the date of the incident. There was no low oil light warning that came on while I was driving my car. This same car I have had issues with the catalytic converter and issues with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that i had to pay over $1400.00 to have repaired and had several issues with it trying to get it to pass safety inspection and safety emissions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Electrical system, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, the tachometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination and upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. After starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and PCV valve. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating to merge into traffic, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 159,198. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating to 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 30, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. An odor of smoke began to emit into the cabin of the vehicle then smoke entered into the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact vision of the roadway was impaired due to the excessive smoke. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb where the vehicle came to a stop and she was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a fire report. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. There were warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, he observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head exhaust valve had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,461.
Power train, Engine, Nov 15, 2023
My whole engine will shake and it turns off randomly when stopped. Also, while car is on it will shake the engine which causes it to shake the whole car. My car will shake so bad I have to put my foot on the break hard for it not to move while the jumping is happening.
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)
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she exited the expressway and pulled to the side of the road until the vehicle cooled down. The contact continued driving; however, after 10 minutes of driving the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, and the contact pulled to the side of the road each time. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was awaiting to be towed to the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 159,203.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in traffic. While driving the following day, the vehicle stalled again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2023
I had and oil change refused because the dip stick showed no oil. I had to add an additional oil of 2.5 quarts to get the oil change done at another service center. there was no visible oil leeks. The 1.6L engine burned thru the oil in 3000 miles. my odometer reads 96361 miles.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2023
Engine rod bearings loose torque and piston break make a hole into block, I fix the engine but my cat converter failed
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.