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, Mar 24, 2022
In mid January 2022 I purchased from Baba's Autos in Houston 2013 Kia 5 speed 4cyl [XXX] vin. I immediately saw was using oil like 1gal per month. I took to Elite Auto in Feb2022 and they say engine recall on this as piston rings shot why oil blow-by. Was caused by a NHTSA Safety reacll #19V120000 with recall date 2019-02-21 so I took in on 9Mar22 as some outstanding recall items like software update and Catalytic check. They said on 9Mar22 "No Issues" with Catalytic converter. less than 3 days later on 12Mar22 I broke down driving less than 60 miles to northwest side of Houston with code P0240 Catalytic inefficiency trying to get to my kids who were broke down from a flat tire near 290 and 610. I towed to Clear lake area w/ AAA and on Monday 14th had towed over to Gay Family Kia. I was expecting to get a Catalytic converter replaced due to the NHTSA Safety recall as the damage caused to my 2013 Engine but after 2 weeks of waiting on 24MAR22 I was told by Roy that I would have to pay for the catalytic converter nearly $2k which should be covered under the Safety recall. I also should be provided a new engine as existing is sucking oil due to piston ring damage. At the moment, my Kia is in the Gay Family Service center and it seems any recall on my vehicle has been zeroed out of the national database even though any Catalytic converter upgrades have not been completed. My trust in Kia products has been damaged. My trust in Gay Family Kia service center is also damaged as I was stuck without transportation for 2 weeks. And though my vehicle has 139k miles why won't they change out the engine if there is piston ring damage that was caused by their faulty catalytic converter that they don't want to pay to change out even though the NHTSA 19V120000 safety recall clearly states is result of overheating Catalytic Converters. I don't know who to talk to now as this doesn't seem right. Can someone please help me [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over safely and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact later took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there had been engine gouging and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
Unknown
Engine, Feb 21, 2022
Took my car in for recall and they said I need an engine but will not replace it free of charge. Also the catalaytic converter was clogged and someone tried to take it off to get me home when I broke down on side of road. They won't replace it even though it was malfunctioning and I had to do what I could to get off side of road. They replaced the computer thing but said the engine would be at my cost. Can you please help. This is at Lancaster Kia in Pennsylvania.
Engine, Feb 17, 2022
Purchased used 2013 Kia Soul July 2018. June 2019, vehicle was taken to Kia Dealership for SC176-19V120 ECU Logic Upgrade. Neither catalytic converter nor engine were replaced during recall repair. In 2020, vehicle began consuming oil and poor mileage. No smoke or leak detected. Had vehicle inspected by local mechanic, who could not find pooled oil or a leak. Suggested replacing PCV valve and had that done, but symptoms persisted. April 2021 Engine Misfire Code P0300 and P0303 for cylinder 3 and multiple cylinder misfires detected. Local mechanic also checked for burning oil or leaks. Engine made knocking sounds on acceleration. Mechanic performed fuel system cleaning, and replaced spark plugs and coils. Engine knocking stopped, but loss of oil and poor mileage remained. Oct 2021 Campaign PI2002A Knock Sensor software update to ECU was performed by local Kia dealership with no other repairs performed. Feb 2022, visible oil leaking from beneath car and check engine light. Local mechanic diagnosed CodE P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), and heard engine knocking. Recommended replace catalytic converter and reprogram ECU for short term fix, followed by engine replacement due to wear and damage from catalytic converter. Suggested I contact dealership who performed recall repairs to see about warranty or replacement of engine due to recall repairs failing to correct faulty engine issues.
Engine, Feb 15, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60mph when the engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road. The contact was informed by a passerby that the engine was on fire. The contact then called the fire marshals and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was taken and no injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was awaiting a response. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximate. 78,000.
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.
Engine, Jan 31, 2022
Received Engine Code P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1. There is an existing recall NHTSA # 19V120000 ( Kia Recall SC176), with similar issues and I received a letter from Kia to get the recall repaired, but when entering my VIN, my vehicle is not on the recall list, and now I believe I am experiencing this recall on my vehicle. If the cat. the converter is clogged it can cause engine failure and possibly a fire in the near future. Unfortunately, Kia will not repair my vehicle as the VIN is not listed. The possible repairs are in the thousands for a new catalytic converter, which I have seen may other customers not get reimbursed if they fix it on their own. I am hoping this can get on their radar to add my car to the recall. My vehicle is a 2013 Kia Soul (Base Model 1.6 liter). Thank you.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be due to a piston slap. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Jan 10, 2022
May, 2021 the check engine light came on. The engine appeared to be sluggish upon acceleration. Took vehicle to be serviced at Meineke in Berlin. NJ. They suggested filling tank with high octane gas. They also changed all fluids and filters as well as installed all new spark plugs. Engine continued to be sluggish and once again check engine light came on. On 8/24/21 an email was sent by the Federal Court attaching an information pamphlet regarding a recall in response to a "knock sensor detection system". I immediately attempted to make an appointment with the Turnersville, NJ Kia Dealer. I was told they were booked up for 6 to 8 weeks. I made an appointment, but subsequently cancelled when I was able to be seen by Keller Auto repair on 8/26/21. They diagnosed a "bad ground circuit ". They advised we should take the vehicle to a Kia dealer. I was able to get an appointment with Cherry Hill, NJ Kia dealer for 8/26/21. I was given a $426.45 invoice to perform recall along with a transmission service purge & fill and drive belt replacement. Unfortunately, engine problems were worsening. The vehicle was stalling at every stop sign, traffic light and acceleration. I inquired about the "knock sensor" recall and was told they would submit a claim to Kia for engine replacement. Claim was denied! Vehicle has been rendered as inoperable and unsafe. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
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.
Engine, Dec 23, 2021
I believe my catalytic converter. My engine light came on and I took it to AutoZone and they put it on the tester and they said it was my catalytic converter.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making ticking and knocking sounds. Upon registering the vehicle on the manufacturer's website, the contact was made aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and both mechanics diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer upgraded the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic and diagnosed the vehicle with engine rod knock failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not honor the recall since the contact was the second owner and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 184,963.
Engine, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that there were similar vehicles experiencing the same failure. The mechanic notified her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer and was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Engine, Dec 5, 2021
My car is having the exact same problem (engine damage from rod bearing wear) as the issue that triggered Recall No 20V-750 in Kia Forte, which also has the same 2.0L Nu GDI engine. My mechanic discovered the problem, which has blown my engine, and I know there is no motive for him to lie about it because he advised me to ask Kia to replace the engine and did not attempt to sell me the service himself. I have performed all recommended maintenance on time, and the only previous owner of the car provided documentation of doing the same. I know not many people who buy a Kia Soul spring for the premium trim with this engine so there may not be many complaints about it yet, but my hope is that the 20V-750 recall will at some point be extended to my car's model and trim as my car has only about 85,000 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 19, 2021
On a Sunday our started to turn off at red lights and stop signs. Then a loud pop happened, white smoke came out, and the car died on the interstate. The piston rod had broke and cracked the engine block. We did not even know there was anything going on until the car broke like it did.
Engine, Nov 11, 2021
Had the car for two months the engine light came on and it locked up to where I couldn’t go past ten mpg. I had it towed to Kia of Dayton and they won’t fix it.
Engine, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was making a tapping sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jerking while idling. The contact who is a certified mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had a valve tap failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine, Oct 15, 2021
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road but was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to the lack of engine oil and the overheating of the catalytic converter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis to confirm that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be placed. The manufacturer informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the recall was already closed. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated she continued to drive the vehicle and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 13, 2021
I took my 2013 Kia Soul into the dealership in Rockwall because it had a recall. The dealership states that the problem with my particular car is in fact due to the recall. The engine has seized. The dealership is refusing to do any of the necessary repairs and said that they are no longer responsible for the car as we didn't bring it in a more timely manner. The service department is horrible about returning phone calls and has had the Soul since 9/22/2021, they scheduled the repairs, I paid to have it towed to the dealership as they requested. Now they are refusing to pay or do any of the repairs.
Engine, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the piston dislocated out of the engine. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a family member’s residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,914.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
Engine locked up on the highway at high speed. We had to get the car off the road very quickly. Our mechanic diagnosis was lower bearing failure resulting in a seized engine. No symptoms were noticed before seizing up.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted however, several functions remained inoperable. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 231,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2021
P420 code bad Cat. Seems there was a recall for this. Can't remember if i got it done but if so got a raw deal.