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.
Power train, Dec 6, 2023
Excessive oil consumption, burning a quart of oil a week. Mechanic looked my car there aren't any oil leaks, said car is burning oil.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2023
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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2023
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, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 30, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. An odor of smoke began to emit into the cabin of the vehicle then smoke entered into the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact vision of the roadway was impaired due to the excessive smoke. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb where the vehicle came to a stop and she was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a fire report. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. There were warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Power train, Nov 30, 2023
I bought my Kia 1 year ago. When I bought it I was told the transmission needed a software update and that’s why it shifts so hard. Took it to Kia dealer and they installed. Didn’t fix the problem. Took to two other mechanics and had the transmission replaced and it’s still shifting so hard that your whole body jerks forward. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it. Also smells like something is burning or melting quite often.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2023
There has been multiple incidents the first time the car started jumping and smoking on 12/7/2022 I had it put in the shop and they said it was 2 oxygen sensors and crank position sensor after that repair the ac goes out completely. So it drove fine for a couple months then started jumping in middle of interstate again and check engine light came on so I pull off interstate before I got hit it dropped speed and wanted to keep shutting off didn't want to pick up speed so got it checked out again they changed out spark plugs, air filter and catalytic converter also not to mention tow bill. Then thinking everything should be took care of after that no for the third time after being exhausted of repairs on a over paid car I was on interstate again on 11/21/2023 I was going 65mph when all of a sudden my battery light, ! Light came on and service engine light all lights started flashing so I barely made it off interstate when my car started jumping so I pull over and steering was getting hard to turn as the car shuts off and leaves me stranded once again with a towing bill and another shop they replaced the alternator,ignition coil,fuel pump,spark plugs again,bolt flang,fuel pressure sensor,cop coil,high pressure sensor,battery. It's been costly and for how long before something happens again for a car that I'm paying twice the amount it's worth.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2023
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the defroster and air conditioning failed to turn off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Nov 29, 2023
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 unavailable. 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, Hydraulic, Nov 27, 2023
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.
Steering, Nov 22, 2023
I’ve had the steering slip several times and recently the steering coupler went out causing loose, bumpy steering and a popping sound when turning.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 21, 2023
Unknown, I was just sitting at a red light and my back glass just shattered out of nowhere, I got out and looked to see if anything hit but there wasn’t a sign, I feel very unsafe in this vehicle between the recall and now my back window just shattering
Steering, Nov 21, 2023
Steering coupler needs replaced per Dealership. Vehicle has 72,000 miles only. No recall notice received. One owner. I feel they could replace an expensive item less than $550. Goodwill
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, he observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head exhaust valve had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,461.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included, but 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Service brakes, Nov 20, 2023
Stering wheel makes a load clacking sound also lots of slack in the wheel git alignment twice and still making the sound and drifts to the right and steering wheel shakes when driving and breaking.
Power train, Engine, Nov 15, 2023
My whole engine will shake and it turns off randomly when stopped. Also, while car is on it will shake the engine which causes it to shake the whole car. My car will shake so bad I have to put my foot on the break hard for it not to move while the jumping is happening.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The check engine light has been on about a few weeks. While driving on the highway at approx 65 miles per hour my car started losing power and the temperature gauge indicator went to "H". I pulled off the highway and noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from the hood. I waited about 10 minutes then got back on the road again the temperature gauge began to rise to "H". I pulled off several things before reaching home. The next day the car was towed to Hollywood Kia. My car has been at the shop for 2 weeks. I was giving a repair bill of $1500. I need help please and can't afford to pay for the repairs. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she exited the expressway and pulled to the side of the road until the vehicle cooled down. The contact continued driving; however, after 10 minutes of driving the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, and the contact pulled to the side of the road each time. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was awaiting to be towed to the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 159,203.
Steering, Oct 18, 2023
My MDPS steering wheel coupler has completely failed. I never recieved a letter from kia and only found out they had a warranty extension through searching the web to see what the horrible noise and play in my steering wheel was. I dont qualify for this extension by 9 months. I purchased my car 1/2013 and that puts me past the 10 year mark. I see Kia has extended this warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles on the newer cars with the same mileage, is there a chance they will do it with the souls or have they and maybe i am missing it.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 6, 2023
About 3 months ago my steering wheel started rattling and continues to get worse I haven’t had it looked at yet but I think I need to also my dash lights come off and on all the time do you think I have a problem
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in traffic. While driving the following day, the vehicle stalled again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2023
I had and oil change refused because the dip stick showed no oil. I had to add an additional oil of 2.5 quarts to get the oil change done at another service center. there was no visible oil leeks. The 1.6L engine burned thru the oil in 3000 miles. my odometer reads 96361 miles.
Steering, Sep 30, 2023
The steering on my 2013 Kia soul makes a clunking noise when steering left or right. The steering feels very unstable while driving. If I reach 75 mph the steering gets very noisy and loose. I’m now afraid to drive the vehicle. Upon researching this issue, I found that I am not the only one experiencing this problem. I haven’t taken it to a dealer as of yet. I wanted to see if there was a recall on it. There has been no warning lamps or messages appearing.