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
662 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair and the engine replacement due to the warranty being expired. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 5, 2023
Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 27, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the recall was serviced; however, the check engine soon after the recall repair. While driving at 55 MPH, a fellow motorist flagged the contact down to alert her that a fire had started from underneath the vehicle. The flame had died out once the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The contact suffered no injuries and a fire report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
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.
Engine, Mar 20, 2023
Took car to dealership for a safety recall. After picking up the car the engine light was on, I immediately called them and was told to take car back. after two weeks of checking my car , they call and tell me that it's the catalyctic converter was faulty. this same dealership had fixed that catalyctic converter recall previously. now they want me to pay to have it fixed.
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.
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.
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.
Engine, Feb 26, 2023, fire
Vehicle traveled down I-65 normal cruising. Had a check engine light illuminated. Code pulled as a P0420 diagnosed for Catalytic Converter. Because of this code, the oxygen sensors eventually went out. Sensors were replaced. Two months later the code for O2 sensors being bad came again. Vehicle was seen by another driver on right side with flames showing under the engine while driving. From there, a noise was heard, seen later as a hole made in the bottom of the cast iron block. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road. I had gotten out to pop the hood, where white smoke was fuming from. Then I seen flames arise and grabbed all personal belongings fearing the worst (explosion). Flames simmered down after 1 hour passed. Engine was not started but with a hole in the bottom, fear of a rod being slung is scary.
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, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and overheated. Additionally, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown fault code. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
My 2013 Kia Soul was diagnosed with engine failure. My mechanic stated no trouble codes, all fluids full. No diagnostic codes at all. At above 30 mph my vehicle blows black smoke. My mechanic found Kia TSB 222 Excessive Oil Consumption. He wrote up that he warned me not to drive vehicle and have towed to KIA dealer. Contacted KIA dealer and was told my vehicle not covered as I was second owner. The vehicle had 105302 miles when I bought it in May 2021 and currently has 112446 as of today. There is a class action lawsuit pending on these issues. It shouldn't matter who the owner is when an engine fails because of defective workmanship. KIA is aware of this specific problem and are doing everything they can to NOT make it right by the consumer. This recall should encompass all vehicles with the defect. This is not some recall for a window seal that falls out. This renders the vehicle completely useless and valuable only as scrap. Imagine all the people who did everything right and now have no vehicle due to an issue over which they had no control.
Power train, Feb 10, 2023
Check Engine Light Came on again after KIA BURLINGTON claim repairs was done and closed out repairs. Diagnostic Code is P0420. First Report was filed in 11/22, Service Manager at KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ISSUES ON MY CAR AND STATES “NOT HER PROBLEM” and she can not help me. Second and Last Complaint was filled on 2/9/23. Service Manager AT KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ON MY CAR OR GIVE DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR. HER COLLEAGUES STATES “SHE TRANSFERRED MY FILES TO GREESBORO KIA, For my home dealership”. I am (zuria) is unclear why. In addition, her other colleague stated “she doesn’t want to help me because I am African American”. However, I did witness her on 2/9/23. Come out and speak to caucasian person, while telling her peer she did not have to speak to me regarding my recall on my KIA SOUL 2013. HER BEHAVIOR AS A SERVICE Manager IS UNACCEPTABLE. Had to drive two hours away to get help with my recall on 2/9/23. I’m disgusted with service at KIA BURLINGTON. Open Safety Recall Check February 22, 2019 19v120000 February 22, 2019 19v120000 December 29, 2014 14v822000 Engine 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. Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor 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. Structure:body:roof and Pillars KIA Motors America (Kia) IS
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, Jan 26, 2023
My engine been making noise past two years
Visibility, Jan 26, 2023
Rear hatch glass shattered randomly out of no where. No impact to the glass or others around to cause it. Others safety was at risk due to glass falling off the car as I was driving. My safety was jeopardized due to when it happened as I was driving, I jumped and drove left of center.
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a significant amount of engine oil was leaking underneath the engine onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to a gas station and was then towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for repairing the vehicle as she failed to repair the vehicle under unknown service campaigns that had been sent to her. However, the contact had not received the notifications. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2023
Engine loses power and then stops now car won't start catalytic converter the gas cap the 02 censorAnd the throttle body
Engine, Jan 19, 2023
Check engine light came on and was showing issues with the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. I took it to the dealership where I purchased the car and they told me there was sludge built up due to lack of maintenance (regular oil changes). I have proof of regular oil changes being done. They told me there are no recalls (there is an open investigation on my make and model) and I would have to pay for a new engine which costs more than the car is worth.
Air bags, Jan 16, 2023, crash
I was involved in a car accident where a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit him in his side with the front passenger side of my car resulting in the car to roll two times. As a result of the airbags not deploying the windshield came into the car causing lacerations to the face of the passenger and as the car was rolling his right arm was out of the window causing him to have to have staples put in his arm and the skin on his hand was gone both driver and passenger had concussions and I feel that these injuries could have been avoided if the airbags (front and side ) were to deploy !
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
My engine failed and I thankfully was able to get my car to my mechanic but had I not, I could have stalled on the highway and caused a car accident.
Engine, Dec 23, 2022
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND HAS BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND WON'T HOLD OIL FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME.