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 and engine cooling
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving and making turns, the vehicle made abnormal popping sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the flex coupler was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was making abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer completed an oil change and serviced the fuel system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was excessive clearance in the rod bearing. The dealer replaced the short block and all gaskets; however, the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as the catalytic converter was never replaced under the recall. The dealer informed the contact that she would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and was making abnormal knocking sounds intermittently while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned on the hazards lights and exited the highway. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact then pushed the vehicle to a gas station with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,956.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed with a rod bearing knock. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact also stated that while shifting into drive, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions the engine overheated and was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to the previous update performed, the recall could not be applied to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that it might be the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). There was no additional assistance provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the catalytic converter was replaced. After the repair the vehicle began to drive sluggishly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and exhaust pipe. The failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but had not yet approved the engine replacement. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2022
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS TO A FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED TWICE IN 2 YEARS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAY ONLY LAST FOR A YEAR OR TWO. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL 19V120.
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 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 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle lost power when it was shifted into PARK. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle after two attempts however, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed nor repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as it was out of warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's boyfriend. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) could not be completed on the vehicle because the vehicle did not have an extended warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 87,450.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, a loud knocking noise was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced due to metal shavings being found in the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would call him back. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had misfired and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined the repair due to software update not being updated prior to the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 119,784.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2021
2013 Kia Soul. Consumer writes in regards to NHTSA safety recall 19V120. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND PISTONS WERE DAMAGED. THE CYLINDERS MISFIRED AND OIL ENTERED THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PISTON BLEW WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED OIL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE STOKES KIA DEALER (202 S GOOSE CREEK BLVD, GOOSE CREEK, SC 29445) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT NO CODES WERE FOUND AND THEREFORE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PURCHASED USED AND DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A REPLACEMENT UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.*DT*DT*JB*DT*AS
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2019
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS. *LD *JS
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER DARCARS LANHAM KIA (9020 LANHAM SEVERN RD, LANHAM, MD 20706) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND TWO OXYGEN SENSORS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) ON APRIL 12TH 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING AN EVALUATION FROM A KIA HEADQUARTERS MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOSSETT KIA (1900 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.