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.
Tires, Jul 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN CP662 TIRES, SIZE: P195/65R15. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE; HOWEVER, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT A WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE BELT FAILED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Seat belts, Wheels, Jul 2, 2016
I HAD 3 PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT BUT THE CENTER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED FROM THE START. THIS DIDNT CHANGE REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY TIMES IT WAS ATTEMPTED. IT HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER BECAUSE I COMPLAINED IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN I HAVE 3 PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS HAD A SMALL GRADUAL DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. DEALER DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. LATER I HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE BY SOMEONE ELSE. THEY SHOWED ME BOTH FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES COULD NOT BE ALIGNED TO TRUE. THEY SAID THE FRONT WILL BE FIXED BY NEW STRUT BUT BACK IS A STRAIGHT AXLE THAT CANT BE ALIGNED. THE CAR ALWAYS DRIFTED RIGHT AND STILL DOES. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALER WITH 10 MILES ON IT
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2016, fire
THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT CAUSE AND EXPLODED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN A CAR COMING THE OTHER DIRECTION FLAGGED US DOWN BECAUSE FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER FLAMES WERE ENTERING IN THE CABIN AND IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. THE BRAKES AND ELECTRICAL HAD FAILED SO IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR. IT EXPLODED 2 MINUTES AFTER WE WERE ABLE TO VACATE THE VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2016
VERY SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, WE DROVE TO CA. DURING THE DRIVE, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD SLOW TO TURN (LIKE INTO A DRIVE OR PARKING LOT) THE CAR WOULD ACT LIKE IT HAD A VAPOR LOCK- STARVED FOR FUEL. I WOULD PUMP THE GAS A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THE CAR WOULD RESPOND (SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY). THIS WAS AT LESS THAN 6K MILES. AFTER TRIPS TO THE DEALER, WHO RODE ALONG WITH ME AND KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT FOR THE MANAGER TO DRIVE, THEY RETURNED IT SAYING THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE MY ISSUE. SO, NOTHING COULD BE DONE. TWO SUCH COMPLAINTS AND I'M 30K MILES FURTHER ALONG WITH THE ISSUE STILL PRESENT. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE!
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN TIMES AND EACH TIME, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Air bags, Equipment, Apr 27, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IN ADDITION, THE NAVIGATION FUNCTIONED IMPROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,800.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK MORE THAN ONCE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE PEDAL AGGRESSIVELY TO GET THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO RELEASE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Engine, Feb 2, 2016
MY 2013 SOUL PLUS GETS EXHAUST INTO CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. THE REAR MUFFLER OR CONVERTER DIRECTS THE EXHAUST STRAIGHT DOWN, NO TAIL PIPE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH DURING SNOW WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Nov 24, 2015
THE POWER STEERING GEAR LOCKS UP RANDOMLY. IT MAKES A CLUCKING SOUND AND CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. KIA DEALERSHIP WORKED ON THE STEERING GEAR WITH ONLY 8000 MILES ON IT. IT APPEARED THAT THE GLAND NUT BACKED ITS WAY OFF THE SHAFT WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL CONNECTS TO THE GEAR. THE CAR NOW HAS 12,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. WHEN THIS FAILS THE STEERING CAN DETACH FROM THE STEERING GEAR LOOSING ALL ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR. I NOTICED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE AND THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALL 2013 KIA SOULS ON THE INTERNET. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED THERE SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. IF THE STEERING HAD LOCKED UP ON A LANE CHANGE IT MAY HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT.....UPDATED 12/07/15 *BF; 4/27/18*JB *TR
Visibility, Nov 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE AND SHUTTING THE DRIVER DOOR, THE REAR GLASS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,195.
Steering, Oct 20, 2015
FOR 5 MONTHS THERE HAS BEEN A THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING 2 COMPLETE REVOLUTIONS IE: WHEN PARKING OR TRUNING INTO A DRIVE THRU LANE AND JUST 3 DAYS AGO MY STEERING WHEEL SEEMS LIKE IT JUMPED A NOTCH AND ALTHOUGH ITS STILL DRIVING STRAIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL HAS CHANGED POSITION ABOUT 5 TO 7 DEGREES TO THE LEFT...
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 30, 2015, crash
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. DRIVER VEERED RIGHT ACCIDENTLY AND WENT OFF ASPHALT SURFACE INTO DITCH. VEHICLE ROLLED END OVER END TWICE AND LANDED UPRIGHT FACING SOUTH ON THIRD ROLLOVER. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES OF FRONT, TOP WAS CRUSHED IN, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BENT INTO WHEEL WELL, WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND CAVED IN. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HOOD. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. THE MAJOR COMPLAINT WAS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY TO PROTECT DRIVER. VEHICLE ENGINEERS FROM KIA MOTORS NATIONAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED IN A ROLLOVER BECAUSE CAR WAS NOT EQUIPPED THAT WAY. HE REPORTED THAT THE AIR BAGS IN FRONT WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN A FRONT IMPACT, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN A SIDE IMPACT. THE CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS AND NOT REPAIRABLE.
Power train, Jul 10, 2015
BOUGHT THE KIA SOUL NEW IN AUGUST 2012. SINCE NOVEMBER 2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A SUDDEN PRONOUNCED HARD DOWNSHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. IT'S AS THOUGH THE BRAKE WERE ABRUPTLY APPLIED. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE THEN BEING WORSE IN COLD WEATHER AND MADE DRIVING THE CAR A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE KIA WESTSIDE DEALER IN KATY TEXAS THREE TIMES THUS FAR. FIRST TIME THEY DEALERSHIP CHECKED BRAKES ONLY DESPITE BEING TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS SUDDEN HARD DOWNSHIFTING; THEY DID NOT TEST DRIVE THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD ONLY THE BRAKES WERE CHECKED AND ARE GOOD. SECOND TIME THE SAME SERVICE DEPARTMENT TEST DROVE THE CAR EARLY IN MORNING AND EXPERIENCED THE SUDDEN HARD DOWNSHIFT AND AGREED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED; CANNOT CONFIRM, WILL ASSUME THEY DID. THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINED ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGE. THE CAR WENT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A THIRD TRY A MONTH LATER. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEN CONTACTED THE KIA TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT; THE DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AS IT IS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED. THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME HAD ANOTHER 2023 KIA SOUL IN WITH SAME PROBLEM AND CHECKING INTERNET FOUND OTHER OWNERS OF KIA'S WITH SAME COMPLAINT. THE SAFETY IN DRIVING THE CAR IS A CONCERN NOW WITH A MIND THAT IT WILL GET WORSE AND PERHAPS LATER CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Suspension, Jun 29, 2015
VEHICLE SKITTERS AND FISHTAILS WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH ON BUMPY ROADS, ESPECIALLY CURVES. THE ESC SEEMS TO CORRECT THE SKITTERING IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT IS QUITE SCARY. SO FAR, THIS HAS HAPPENED ONLY ON DRY PAVEMENT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN ON WET OR ICY PAVEMENT.
Service brakes, Jun 10, 2015
THE CAR WENT IN FOR IT'S FIRST YEARLY INSPECTION AND THE KIA DEALER SAID THE BACK ROTORS WERE RUSTY AND WANTED TO CHARGE 110 DOLLARS TO CLEAN THEM. THEY EVENTUALLY CLEANED THEM UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE BACK ROTORS WERE RUSTY BECAUSE THE BACK BRAKES NEVER WORKED SINCE IT WAS NEW. NOW SINCE THE BACK BRAKES NEVER WORKED THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES NEED REPLACED AT 26,000 MILES AND KIA WON'T ASSUME ANY OF THE COST AS THEY ARE SAYING THAT IS NORMAL. THE CAR HAS BEEN VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE SINCE IT WAS NEW WITHOUT BACK BRAKES AND THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THAT DURING THE FIRST INSPECTION.
Seat belts, May 21, 2015
AFTER BUCKLING THE SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND GOING DOWN THE ROAD IF YOU TRY TO LEAN FORWARD ONE FINDS THAT THE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT PERMIT ANY MOVEMENT YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT AND THEN RETURN IT TO ITS PARKED POSITION AND THEN PULL IT BACK OUT AGAIN. ONCE THAT HAS BEEN DONE YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD OR PULL ON THE BELT ONLY ONCE BEFORE IT LOCKS UP AGAIN. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WHEN THE SEAT BELT DOES THIS BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ONE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT IF THERE WAS A LOT OF TENSION ON THE BELT FROM ITS OWN TIGHTENING. ONE SHOULD BE FREE TO LEAN FORWARD TO OPEN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OR TURN TO ATTEND TO MATTERS IN THE BACK SEATS. I HAVE ACTUALLY SIMULATED A SCENARIO WHERE THERE WAS EXTREME TENSION ON THE BELT FROM PUSHING BACK IN MY SEAT AND TIGHTENING THE BELT BY PUSHING THE BELT BACK UP OVER MY SHOULDER AND WHEN I TRIED TO RELEASE THE BELT IT WAS SO HARD TO PRESS THE RELEASE BUTTON THAT I HAD TO ASK MY WIFE TO GET A RUBBER MALLET AND A LONG SCREWDRIVER SO THAT I COULD HIT THE RELEASE BUTTON WITH THE SCREW DRIVER AGAINST THE RELEASE BUTTON. IT FINALLY DI DISENGAGE. I TOLD MY WIFE TO GO TO THE DEALER AND TELL THEM TO FIX IT AND SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE NOW HAVE A2015 KIA SOUL AND THE SEAT BELTS DO THE SAME THING. THE ONLY ADVANTAGE WITH THE 2015 IS THAT THE SEATS ARE WIDER AND AS SUCH ITS NOT TO HARD TO GET THE SCREWDRIVER AGAINST THE RELEASE BUTTON TO DISENGAGE THE SEAT BELT. I FIND THIS SITUATION TO BE EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS THIS PROBLEM COULD BE THE ROOT CAUSE OF FATALITIES.I HAVE MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER IN REGARD TO THE 2015 AND THEY SAID THEY CHECKED IT AND IT WORKS FINE.IT DOES NOT WORK FINE BY ANY STANDARD. I THINK THE DEALER/KIA KNOW THER'S A PROBLEM BUT NEED TO BE TOLD TO FIX IT.
Engine, Apr 30, 2015
AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING I HEARD WHAT SEEM TO BE BELT NOISES. AS I DROVE TO WORK, THE NOISES INCREASED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND DECELERATED. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY WORKPLACE 5 MILES LATER, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE PAST 2-5 MPH. I CALLED THE KIA SERVICE AND CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER STATED ENGINE IS NO LONGER USABLE, BUT SO FAR REFUSED TO FIX BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE PROOF OF OIL CHANGES BY A DEALER. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Apr 17, 2015
IN THE FRONT RANGE OF COLORADO WE FREQUENTLY GET SEVERAL INCHES OF WET, HEAVY SNOW IN THE FALL, WINTER AND SPRING. WE HAVE TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE A GARAGE AT HOME AND AT WORK. WE ALWAYS COMPLETELY CLEAR SNOW FROM ALL GLASS SURFACES AND CHECK THE OPERATION OF THE WIPERS BEFORE DRIVING THE CAR. WE BOUGHT AN EXPENSIVE TELESCOPING COMBINATION SCRAPER, BRUSH AND SQUEEGEE DESIGNED FOR CMVS TO CLEAR AS MUCH SNOW AS WE CAN REACH AND SEE FROM THE WHITE PAINTED ROOF OF THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING IT. AFTER THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WARMS UP IT APPEARS TO LOOSEN THE BOND BETWEEN THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND ANY RESIDUAL OR NEWLY ACCUMULATED SNOW. NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN UNDER NORMAL BRAKING SNOW HAS SLID FORWARD OFF THE ROOF ON TO THE WINDSHIELD OBSCURING ALL FORWARD VISIBILITY AND INSTANTLY CREATING A SEVERE COLLISION SAFETY HAZARD. FURTHERMORE, WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED TO CLEAR THE SNOW THE WIPER MOTORS ARE TOO WEAK TO MOVE THE SNOW REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO BLINDLY BRAKE TO A STOP UNABLE TO SEE WELL ENOUGH EVEN TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE OF TRAFFIC TO A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. THIS HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AGO AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT A BUSY INTERSECTION IN SLICK SNOWY ROAD CONDITIONS DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR. AFTER COMING TO A STOP WITHOUT HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER MY FIVE FOOT, TWO INCH TALL 68 YEAR OLD WIFE HAD TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AND MANUALLY REMOVE(FOR THE SECOND TIME) SNOW FROM THE WINDSHIELD WHILE BEING SUBJECTED TO HONKING HORNS AND ONE-FINGERED SALUTES FROM ILL-MANNERED MOTORISTS. UNTIL KIA CHOOSES OR IS REQUIRED TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AN OTHERWISE GREAT LITTLE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 30, 2015
I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR STATE EMISSION & INSPECTION. UPON TESTING, THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS, THEY WERE MISSING PCS. I WAS TOLD THAT I "FAILED TESTING" BECAUSE OF THIS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE POSSESSION OF MY VEHICLE OR DRIVE AWAY FROM THE SHOP, IN THE CURRENT CONDITION, AS IT WAS UNSAFE AND AGAINST THE STATE LAW. I HAD TO COMPLETE ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS AT THAT TIME. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY (BUMPER TO BUMPER WITH KIA) AS I HAD NO CHOICE TO DRIVE IT TO THE KIA DEALER FOR REPAIRS. I ASKED THE MECHANIC IF HE HAD SEEN THIS TYPE OF DEFECTS ON OTHER SOUL VEHICLES AND HIS REPLY WAS YES, ALL THE TIME. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 21, 2015
WHEN I STOP SUDDENLY THERE IS A TERRIBLE SOUND IN MY FRONT RIGHT BRAKE, AND THE PEDAL GOT STUCK AND HARD, CANNOT STOP THE CAR COMPLETELY. I FEEL MINE AND OTHERS LIFE ARE ON RISK DRIVING THIS SPECIFIC CAR, SOMETHING IT'S TERRIBLE WRONG FOR THE FIST TIME THAT I START DRIVING THIS KIA SOUL 2013, BRAND NEW. PLEASE, I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP, I DO NOT FEEL SAFETY. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE BATTERY WAS CHARGED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN UPDATED 11/10/2015*JS
Air bags, Feb 22, 2015
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR KIA SOUL ON JAN.29. TO DATE (2/22/15) I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REACH THEM BY PHONE OR E-MAIL EVEN THOUGH I HAVE CALLED EVERY DAY. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE WHATSOEVER TO ANY OF MY CALLS OR E-MAILS. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SERVICE FOR THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IN MY CAR?. I HAVE SEVERAL LONG TRIPS PLANNED IN THE NEAR FUTURE & WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS FIXED BEFORE I LEAVE. PLEASE RESPOND WITH SOME HELPFUL INFO AS I AM AT MY WITS END. *TR
Structure, Feb 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V822000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.