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, Engine, May 16, 2024
i WAS NOIFIED LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 2023 OF A DANGEROUS RECALL THAT COULD CATCH THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. NOW. 9 MONTHS LATER KIA HAS NOT PROVIDED ME WITH A REPAIR FOR MY SAFTY.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, it caught on fire in the front area, near the engine. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The fire and police department weren't notified of the failure and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was not filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake with an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the Hydraulic Electrical Control Unit (HECU) had caused the failure and the sound continued after the vehicle was turned off. The contact disconnected and reconnected the battery to drive the vehicle home. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where the failure was confirmed and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the recall did not cover the replacement of HECU, just the HECU fuse. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,300.
Exterior lighting, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the low beam headlights started to flicker off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
Recall is still unresolved?. This is ridiculous, how long should I be inconveniences?.. I read it's a fuse replacement?. Can't they produce a fuse?. Kia shouldn't be allowed to sale any more of their death traps, until they handle these unresolved issues with there existing customers.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contacted stated the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle does not start up for at least a week. The contact had a independent visited the contact home and the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with camshaft sensor which was replaced. The vehicle started up, but the failure persisted the vehicle would not start up after a few days. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the part was to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 15, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle shut off and was unoccupied, the engine caught on fire from the engine. The fire was extinguished by the local fire department and a claim number was provided. A police report was filed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
The HECU fuse issue (recall SC284) was announced in September 2023 - and there is still no remedy issued as of April 2024. This marks almost 7 months where my vehicle has been a potential fire hazard, risking life and property. The marked delay is unacceptable and unsafe.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
An NHTSA Recall Number SC284AM was issued on September 25, 2023. The Recall states "URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED," and advises owners to park out of doors, and away from other vehicles. This is absolute insanity and irresponsibility. I received a letter from KIA in November, 2013 about this Recall (over 5 months ago). As of this date, 4/5/2024, they do still not have the necessary part for the HECU system, which I understand to be a fuse. Considering the extremely HIGH RISK and personal exposure involved in this Recall, I feel the lengthy delay in resolving the problem to be outrageous. Please advise ASAP. Thank you.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Air, Apr 3, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty wire and was replaced. However, the warning lights illuminated again later on and the vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic where the failure was not determined or repaired. The warning lights remained illuminated for approximately 5 months. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and honked the horn, however, the brakes failed to engage. As a result, the contact crashed into a deer on the front passenger's side bumper. A police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the collision center where the front bumper, passenger side door, passenger side front fender, and hood were replaced. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 1, 2024
Check engine light threw a code for catalytic converter overheating. Kas dealer says not to worry unless light is flashing, which it's not. Engines have been known to be destroyed by the excessive heat from the converter
Engine, Mar 28, 2024
The recall that was put out in September 2023 still has not been remedied as of March 28, 2024. I believe the remedy has not been fixed in a timely manner considering the direct dangers posed as a result of the HECU default. Six months without remedy, when the danger has existed since before then, is an egregious inaction on the part of Kia to myself, the customer.
Steering, Mar 27, 2024
No warning indicators but my steering couple has worn and my steering now has play. Many forums says this is a know problem for KIA and they should cover but I do not see a recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.