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, 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.
Service brakes, Dec 15, 2021
Nearly totalled Kia soul 2013, engine lost compression, then stalled. In the middle of highway, Preventing me to exit or stop, since brakes dont work when car isn't running.towwed it to dealership, they claim that it's part of recall sc176, which states engine failure, because of defect in motor, yet claim mine isn't part of recall, 19v120000
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, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while making a left turn, she heard an abnormal noise from the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination but noticed the steering noise was progressing. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the flexible coupling to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Steering, Nov 28, 2021
Steering system 'clunking' and getting unstable, increasingly 'loose.' Called local Kia service department about six weeks ago but they never returned my call. Contacted live agent online yesterday, hopefully someone will call back. I'm very afraid to drive 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.
Steering, Oct 12, 2021
there is a knocking noise in the steering, there is apparently a recall out for this issue on this make and model with similar years.
Steering, Sep 30, 2021
I have a clicking noise in the steering wheel when I’m driving. Turning the wheel to left or right it clicks. This is not safe
Steering, Sep 28, 2021
My steering wheel is making a loud thudding sound when I turn it to the left or right. It started when I was driving on the highway during a road trip. It feels super unsafe and I’m bringing it to the dealership tomorrow. This seems like it should be a recall from Kia and that as car owners, we should not have to pay for this common and serious problem.
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.
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
I had a serious issue with my steering yesterday. When I tried to parallel park my car yesterday, I turned the steering wheel both left and right to try and park and then I heard loud clunking noises in both directions until my steering wheel gave to the point where it could turn all the way around without turning the wheels at all. It's my understanding that others with my same year of Kia soul are reporting the same and starting in 2014, there was a safety recall. 2013 should be included in the recall because had I been driving, I could have been in a very serious accident.
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, Jul 15, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her leaseholder was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 6, 2021
My 2013 Kia Soul has been stalling while idle or at red lights. In addition, sometimes it is difficult to start and I have to attempt several times. Lately, once I do start the vehicle and begin to drive, it’s as if the vehicle doesn’t know which gear to maintain. As a result, the car will attempt to “cut off” driving and l literally will have to pull over immediately in attempt to not be hit or run off the road, as the car is practically in neutral by its own choice. Also, the “emergency brake” light is on, even though the emergency brake is not being used.
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2021
1) wiring harness is malfunctioning causing bulbs to prematurely blow. I’m constantly having to replace turn signal bulbs, headlight bulbs, taillight bulbs and break light bulbs. 2) I’ve read many accounts online that this is a common occurrence in the 2013 Kia Soul. 3) this put drivers behind me at risk when my tail lights/break lights fail. Since they are behind me, I have no idea that they have failed because there’s NO warning lights that alert me to the issue. 4) I have left MULTIPLE MESSAGES at MULTIPLE LOCATIONS and PHONE NUMBERS for Kia and their service departments, for over a month and NOBODY HAS returned my phone calls.