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: steering
151 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 27, 2024
No warning indicators but my steering couple has worn and my steering now has play. Many forums says this is a know problem for KIA and they should cover but I do not see a recall.
Steering, Feb 19, 2024
There is a known issue with the MDPS Flexible coupling effecting a large number of KIAs but Kia apparently hasn't included all cars manufactured during this period of time
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)
Steering, Jan 22, 2024
Steering coupler failure causes excessive vibration and notchiness in the steering. KIA informs me that this was covered by an extended warranty which expired in January 2023. I believe this to be a serious safety risk and this vehicle should be recalled by KIA to replace this part at no cost to the consumers.
Steering, Jan 4, 2024
My steering coupler is bad
Steering, Jan 2, 2024
I looked it up. It's called the STEERING COUPLER. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but I was never notified about it before the warranty ran out August 2023. Now it affects the steering. Here is a service notice that I found online if that helps: TSB ID: 10159268. Thank you
Steering, Dec 14, 2023
The dealer originally said it was the steering coupler that was bad and needed replaced for $2000. Then they call back two weeks later to say the steering assist motor was bad and it needs to be replaced for an additional $2400. Still waiting for the parts and repairs. I see many other complaints on the steering, should this be a recall?
Steering, Nov 22, 2023
I’ve had the steering slip several times and recently the steering coupler went out causing loose, bumpy steering and a popping sound when turning.
Steering, Nov 21, 2023
Steering coupler needs replaced per Dealership. Vehicle has 72,000 miles only. No recall notice received. One owner. I feel they could replace an expensive item less than $550. Goodwill
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2023
Stering wheel makes a load clacking sound also lots of slack in the wheel git alignment twice and still making the sound and drifts to the right and steering wheel shakes when driving and breaking.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
My MDPS steering wheel coupler has completely failed. I never recieved a letter from kia and only found out they had a warranty extension through searching the web to see what the horrible noise and play in my steering wheel was. I dont qualify for this extension by 9 months. I purchased my car 1/2013 and that puts me past the 10 year mark. I see Kia has extended this warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles on the newer cars with the same mileage, is there a chance they will do it with the souls or have they and maybe i am missing it.
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
Steering, Sep 30, 2023
The steering on my 2013 Kia soul makes a clunking noise when steering left or right. The steering feels very unstable while driving. If I reach 75 mph the steering gets very noisy and loose. I’m now afraid to drive the vehicle. Upon researching this issue, I found that I am not the only one experiencing this problem. I haven’t taken it to a dealer as of yet. I wanted to see if there was a recall on it. There has been no warning lamps or messages appearing.
Steering, Sep 10, 2023
My 2013 Kia Soul does not currently have a recall issued for it, but there is a known steering problem that has resulted in 345,000 Kia Souls being recalled. The recall starts with models manufactured in 2013, and yet my model has been excluded. The recall that was issued affects Souls manufactured for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, spanning manufacture dates from July 21, 2013 though September 30, 2015. Warning signs of an impending failure could be a clunking noise from the steering rack when turning. My 2013 Kia Soul has been experiencing this same clunking noise that has been increasing in severity and causing issues with steering. I am extremely concerned about the safety of driving a car with known steering issues. When I contacted my Kia dealer directly about this concern, they said that the recall wasn't issued for my VIN number. The issue appears to be prevalent for Kia Souls dating back further to 2012, as I have researched to see if others have experienced the same or similar issue. I have attached screenshots of other consumers who have experienced this issue and were also not included in the recall years. There were no warning lamps or messages and the issue has gotten progressively worse, and much more severe, over the past few weeks.
Steering, Aug 31, 2023
Steering coupler is going out. KIA will not cover repair even though it covers 10 years and unlimited miles.
Steering, Aug 20, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MDSP, Steering wheel. The steering wheel makes a loud click/clang sound when turning the wheel right or left. This occurs when car is in parking or moving condition. Yes, it is available upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My teenage son (high school) and wife are the main drivers and are now very concerned about their safety. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No not yet. Kia has informed us that the 10 yr extended warranty has expired and they will not be able to cover this issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
Steering, Jul 7, 2023
Steering feels unstable. Knocking noise near steering gear box when turning wheel and steering feels sloppy.
Steering, Engine, Jun 25, 2023
My engine light is on. Second, I hear a noise when I turn my steering wheel.
Steering, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown part was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Mar 21, 2023
My steering wheel is so loose that I am afraid to drive my car. This is a recent problem in the last month.
Steering, Mar 2, 2023
Steering wheel makes a rattling sound when I drive. I would like to know if this is a safety risk? The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Warning light come on.
Steering, Oct 2, 2022
My steering wheel is rattling when going around 50-60 mph. When driving on a gravel road the car bounces all over the place when going more than 5 mph. Steering functionality is seriously compromised. 60,000 miles, single owner, no wrecks or potholes hit.
Steering, Sep 22, 2022
My steering wheel just started shaking as I turning a corner. Now, if I go over 60 mph my car wants to jump all over the road. I’ve been told it’s the (MDPS) steering coupler by a few mechanics. Download the recall letter from Kia advising of this and the dealership says my VIN is not covered.
Steering, Jul 5, 2022
Steering coupler bad Looked online and the noise my car is making When I go back-and-forth with the steering wheel when the car is turned on but I’m not driving ! Makes a clicking noise it also make that noise when I’m driving
Steering, May 31, 2022
Steering coupler has failed within the steering system making the steering not as it normally has functioned.