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.
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2015
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR YOU TURN THE KEY AND IT DOES NOT TURN OVER. YOU HEAR A CLICK, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHT AND RADIO PLAYS BUT THE CAR DOESN'T START. SOMETIMES YOU CAN TURN THE KEY UP TO 10 TIMES BEFORE IT STARTS. HAPPENS 2-3 TIMES A WEEK SPORADICALLY. THE CAR DOES EVENTUALLY START. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ALSO LOCKS BY ITSELF AT TIMES WHEN YOU SHUT THE DOOR. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND FOR 17 DAYS, THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND VIDEOED IT ON JAN 5 AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO THEN KEPT CAR FOR 14 DAYS AND SAID THEY HAD OVER 150 STARTS AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THE PROBLEM TO OCCUR AGAIN AND AN TECH WILL BRING PORTABLE EQUIPMENT TO THE CAR AND TEST IT THEN. DEALER HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD IN TRYING TO FIND CAUSE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 15, 2014, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME AS I TRAVELED IN THE STRAIGHT LANE. MY SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE IS CAVED IN, BUT NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. BOTH OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE DEPLOYED. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 19, 2014, crash
VEHICLE WAS HIT IN RIGHT REAR CORNER BY ANOTHER CAR. SENT VEHICLE INTO A SPIN WHERE IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT RIGHT BY MILITARY TRUCK, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPIN UNTIL IT CAME TO A REST ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY...UPDATED 12/03/14 *BF UPDATED 5/11/2015 *JS
Steering, Nov 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,336.
Tires, Wheels, Nov 12, 2014
SUBMISSION FROM RE NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT ON KIA SOUL 2013 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT FLAT. THE WHEEL AND RIM WERE BENT. THE DEALER STATED, THE CONSUMER MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER DISPUTED THAT NOTION, STATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON CADENZA WHEELS, AS THEY WERE PRONE TO CRACKING, IF A POTHOLE WAS HIT. *JB
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2014
I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP FOR A HANDFUL OF SECONDS UNTIL IF FINALLY STOPPED JUST IN BACK OF BUT NOT TOUCHING A BMW IN FRONT OF US. WE BOTH HEARD A SCRAPING/PULSING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES AS THE PEDAL WAS FULLY DEPRESSED BUT THE CAR WAS STILL GOING FORWARD. HAD THE CAR NOT STOPPED JUST SHORT OF THE CAR AHEAD I FEAR ME AND MY SON WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I SAW A SIMILAR COMPLAINT ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM WHICH INDICATED THIS WAS ALSO A NHTSA COMPLAINT. THIS CAR HAS SIMILAR MILEAGE (12800) AND WAS A 2013 KIA SOUL. *TR
Air bags, Sep 4, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, HEAD, BACK AND LEGS. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, BACK AND LEGS. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2014
SUDDEN DECELERATION QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER INCLUDING STEERING, BRAKES, COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AND DASH INSTRUMENTATION. DEALER FOUND "NO PROBLEM" AND DID NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH OR ANYTHING ELSE. *TR
Steering, Jul 4, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS I WENT INTO MY TURN I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING FUNCTION WAS HARD. THE STEERING WHEEL AND STABILITY/ TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON MY PLANNED ROUTE TO WORK. DUE TO THE HOLIDAY THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT OPEN TODAY AND THE VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED TO BE DEPENDABLE IS PROVING TO BE NO LONGER THAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Interior lighting, Jun 25, 2014
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS ON THE DASH BOARD INVOLVING THE LIGHT INDICATOR FOR THE HEAD LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW, HIS HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. HE DISCOVERED THE INDICATOR DISPLAYED THE SAME PICTURE FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND TIME, AS HE ENTERED HIS PARKING SPOT, IT BECAME OBVIOUS THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON, YET THE DASH BOARD INDICATED THERE WERE.
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2014
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING SCRAPING NOISES WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. MY MECHANIC ASSUMED IT WAS THE FRONT BRAKES ALTHOUGH IT ONLY HAS 14K MILES ON IT. THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS ARE FINE BUT THE BACK ROTORS HAVE GROOVES THROUGH THEM AND THE BRAKES THEMSELVES ARE MOTTLED LOOKING. CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE DEALER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID #1-HE COULD NOT HEAR THE SCRAPING AND #2-THE BRAKES ARE FINE WITH PLENTY OF WEAR LEFT ON THEM. WHEN I QUESTIONED WHY THE BACK ROTORS WOULD WEAR BEFORE THE FRONT AND WHY THEY WOULD BE WORN AT ALL WITH ONLY 14K HE HAD NO ANSWER. SINCE THERE WAS ENOUGH WEAR REMAINING ON THE REAR ROTORS THERE WAS NO ACTION REQUIRED BY THEM. MASTER CYLINDER? E-BRAKE? *TR
Service brakes, Jun 4, 2014
I BOUGHT A KIA SOUL 2013 USED WITH 12,400 MILES ON IT SATURDAY MAY 31, 2014. WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014 I WAS TAPPING ON MY BRAKES TO STOP FOR A LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND NOT VERY LOUD BUT A CLICK. THE KIA SOUL DID NOT STOP. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES A LITTLE HARDER MY CAR DID NOT STOP FOR ANOTHER FOOT OR TWO. THANK GOD THERE WAS NOT ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THE OTHER CAR FOR CERTAIN. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. THE KIA SOUL IS ALSO PULLING TO THE RIGHT I TOOK THE CAR IN TUESDAY JUNE 3, 2014 HAD THE CHECK OUT WAS TOLD THE ALIGNMENT WAS GOOD THE REASON FOR PULLING WAS BECAUSE EACH TIRE HAD DIFFERENT PRESSURE, WAS TOLD THAT ALL TIRES WERE THE NOW THE SAME PRESSURE. DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK TODAY THE KIA SOUL AGAIN STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I AM ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM FINDING OUT TO REGISTER THAT I BOUGHT A USED KIA SOUL 2013 THAT STILL IS UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. I DID NOT BUT THE KIA SOUL FROM A KIA DEALERSHIP. *TR
Service brakes, May 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED CREATING AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE INCIDENT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND THE BRAKES APPEARED TO BE SKIPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Power train, Electrical system, May 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED ON. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE CONTACT PUSHING THE GEAR RELEASE BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Apr 22, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUIDE RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND WRIST INJURIES, A BROKEN FINGER, AND MINOR BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Tires, Wheels, Mar 30, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN, WITHOUT ANY PROVACATION, THE TWO TIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL. HOLE WAS THE SIZE OF A 50 CENT PIECE. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON MARCH 26, 2014. WE WERE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE REAR TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL AGAIN. MILEAGE WAS 36,646. *TR
Air bags, Mar 27, 2014, crash
I WAS SECOND IN LINE AT A STOP SIGN AND WAS HIT BY 2006 FORD F150 TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THE ONLY 2 AIRBAGS THAT DEPLOYED WERE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE 2 IN THE PILLARS COMING DOWN ALONG THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT DEPLOY, NEITHER DID THE ONES ON THE DOOR. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 7, 2014
OUR 2013 KIA SOUL ONLY HAS ONE MANUAL DOOR LOCK WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE DRIVER DOOR. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING, THE KEY BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN OR WON'T TURN AT ALL. IF THE KEY BREAKS WHILE SOMEONE IS ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR, THERE IS NO OTHER LOCK TO ALLOW THE PERSON TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH A SECOND KEY. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR WHICH I HAVE KNOWN TO ONLY HAVE ONE MEANS OF UNLOCKING THE DOORS TO THE VEHICLE, THAT IS, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK. THE CAR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO LOCKS SO THAT IF ONE PERSON BREAKS THE KEY WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE LOCK IN FREEZING CONDITIONS A RELATIVE CAN USE A SECOND LOCK AND SPARE KEY TO OPEN THE OTHER LOCK. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2014
CAR HAS PROBLEMS PLAYING MP3S IN WHICH I HAVE USED AUDACITY TO SPLIT UP INTO MULTIPLE TRACKS. THERE IS FREQUENTLY CRACKING/POPPING SOUNDS FROM THE AUDIO, AND WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR (AFTER HAVING LISTENED TO SAID MP3S ON THE PREVIOUS TRIP), SOMETIMES THE RADIO DISPLAY SCREEN IS BLACK. NO BUTTONS WILL TURN IT ON. IT'S COMPLETELY DEAD. I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS ONLY HAPPENS WITH FILES THAT I'VE HAD RUN THROUGH AUDACITY AND SPLIT UP INTO SEPARATE TRACKS. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Jan 16, 2014, crash
WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT NEXT TO CAR THAT WAS ALREADY PARKED, WAS BARELY MOVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR TAKES OFF HITS THE CURB AND HITS THE WALL OF A BUILDING, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING THAT MORNING WITH NO PROBLEM UNTIL THAT TIME. FRONT END WAS TOTALED WITH POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE WHEELS/AXLES DUE TO THE IMPACT WITH THE CURB. COUPLE OF DAYS LATER NECK PAIN PROBABLY DUE TO WHIPLASH, GLASSES WERE KNOCKED INTO THE BACK SEAT - WIFE JUST JAMMED HER PINKY. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jan 15, 2014
I WENT TO MY CAR ON A COLD MORNING IN JANUARY AND FOUND A CRACK ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD AT THE LEVEL OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. I DO NOT RECALL HEARING A ROCK CHIP PRIOR THE CRACK FORMING. I CONSIDER THIS CRACK A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF REARVIEW MIRROR LOADING OR UNUSUALLY CRACK PRONE WINDSHIELD GLASS. NOTE: THE AFFECTED PARTS PULL-DOWN IN THIS FORM IS NOT WORKING. I WOULD HAVE SELECTED THE WINDSHIELD AND THE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35.
Child seat, Jan 1, 2014
HI MY NAME IS [XXX], I HAVE A REGISTERED EVENFLO DISCOVERY/ NURTURE INFANT CAR SEAT. THIS CAR SEAT HAS THE SAFETY LATCH THAT LATCHES TO THE NEWER MODEL VEHICLES AND THEN THE BASE. THEN THE CARSEAT LATCHES TO THE BASE. THE CARSEAT BASE AND ALL THEN MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE A GREAT AMOUNT OF DISTANCE AND I ALSO HAD AN OFFICER CHECK IT OUT AND HE SAID IT IS A DEFAULT FROM THE MANUFACTURE AND I COULD BE FINED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND PLEASE OR AT THE LEAST A NEW WORKABLE SAFE NONE MOVING CARSEAT. I APPRECIATE EVENFLO MOST EVERYTHING WITH MY BABIES BUT THIS CARSEAT IS A FLUKE AND THANK YOU. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2013, MAKE=KIA, MODEL=SOUL) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Dec 6, 2013, crash
AIRBAG EXPLODED ON IMPACT WITH GAPING HOLES WITH HEAVY SMOKE COMING OUT WITH HOT HEAT CAUSING REDNESS TO MY CHEST AND REDNESS TO MY HANDS AND A BLOW TO MY WRIST THAT CAUSED FRACTURE TO MY LEFT WRIST. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2013
AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR A MONTH OR SO, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE RADIO SCREEN WAS HALF FADED OR GONE. THIS IS THE SCREEN THAT ALLOWS YOU TO USE THE HANDS FREE DEVICE ALSO. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERS AND THEY STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I WAS A BIT CONFUSED AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN TO A NEW CAR BUT... STUFF HAPPENS. I REALLY ENJOY THIS CAR AND HAVE HAD NO OTHER ISSUES. *TR