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, May 16, 2022
The car broke down in concord nc in February 2022 they said it was the catalytic converter and it was on back order. Then the end of April they put the part on and the engine locked up. They said to come and get it there was nothing the could do.
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, Apr 29, 2022
The engine threw a rod while we were on the highway due to the recalled part. Our safety was at risk as it was me (23), my husband (27), our two kids ( 2 year old and 4 month old) and my husbands brother (23) in the vehicle when it malfunctioned. We were lucky enough to safely get off the highway without harming ourselves or anyone else. We had the vehicle towed to a shop and they informed us that it threw a rod in the engine but insurance didnt come out. There werent any messages on prior to failure but once it happened a few lights came on. The check engine, oil, and a light that had a steering wheel and an exclamation point by it.
Engine, Apr 28, 2022
I called the Nashua Kia dealership spoke to Chrissy and she had said they found two recalls on my 2013 Kia soul as I was explaining to her the problem she quickly told me that’s another problem she must’ve been in a bad mood or some thing hung up on me I’ve called two places now they gave me the run around very very rude she shouldn’t be working the front desk if she has an attitude and just hangs up on people I’m just trying to get help..
Engine, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine had seized. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic stated that the oil level was low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The mechanic had not performed a diagnostic test; however, the mechanic stated there was oil burning from the tailpipe, which caused the regular low oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,700.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2022
2013 Kia Soul base model when Kia reset engine because catallactic convertor (to show proper MPG) this started shortly after. Soul started having fuel levels drop to EMPTY after fueling. With fuel light & engine light coming on. Driving a short time fuel gauge then shows correct amount. This is occurring more often, talking with other Kia Soul owners they have seen it also. I am told sensors in fuel tank will need replaced almost $1000.00 but nothing can be done until lights stay on all time with NO GAURENTEE it will fix problem. Both of my Souls have this issue, I have 1 Soul still on the road, Soul 2 was traded in. Pictures from a video as event was happening.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2022, fire
My car without warning started smoking from the hood. I immediately parked the car, popped the hood, and flames starting rising from underneath before I had even exited the vehicle. Within 5 minutes of the smoke, my car was completely on fire.
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
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
Car has - low - 41500 miles There is a play in the steering wheel and a " tump- tump" sound can be heard when at a stop and low speeds- while turning the steering wheel.
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.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel started making an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the plastic bearing bushing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,577.
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.
Steering, Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering column would make a popping sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Feb 2, 2022
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
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.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Jan 28, 2022
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21 and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
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.
Steering, Dec 28, 2021
Has a thud while turning the steering wheel left and right at a stop. Steering wheel shakes and vibrates when droving over bumpy road or train tracks. Steering for now unaffected.