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.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2023
Engine rod bearings loose torque and piston break make a hole into block, I fix the engine but my cat converter failed
Steering, Sep 10, 2023
My 2013 Kia Soul does not currently have a recall issued for it, but there is a known steering problem that has resulted in 345,000 Kia Souls being recalled. The recall starts with models manufactured in 2013, and yet my model has been excluded. The recall that was issued affects Souls manufactured for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, spanning manufacture dates from July 21, 2013 though September 30, 2015. Warning signs of an impending failure could be a clunking noise from the steering rack when turning. My 2013 Kia Soul has been experiencing this same clunking noise that has been increasing in severity and causing issues with steering. I am extremely concerned about the safety of driving a car with known steering issues. When I contacted my Kia dealer directly about this concern, they said that the recall wasn't issued for my VIN number. The issue appears to be prevalent for Kia Souls dating back further to 2012, as I have researched to see if others have experienced the same or similar issue. I have attached screenshots of other consumers who have experienced this issue and were also not included in the recall years. There were no warning lamps or messages and the issue has gotten progressively worse, and much more severe, over the past few weeks.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2023, crash
Our 2013 Kia Soul accelerated on its own at a Sonic drive-in restaurant. First ran into a brick wall and then when put in reverse, it continued at accelerated speed until it came to a stop. Nobody injured - just the car. Afterward I did some research and found it has been a problem with various makes and models of Kias.
Steering, Aug 31, 2023
Steering coupler is going out. KIA will not cover repair even though it covers 10 years and unlimited miles.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
Uvo infotainment system speakers not working. Radio works, but the only thing you can hear is the beep of the buttons when you push them on the screen. It keeps resetting itself as well.
Steering, Aug 20, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MDSP, Steering wheel. The steering wheel makes a loud click/clang sound when turning the wheel right or left. This occurs when car is in parking or moving condition. Yes, it is available upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My teenage son (high school) and wife are the main drivers and are now very concerned about their safety. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No not yet. Kia has informed us that the 10 yr extended warranty has expired and they will not be able to cover this issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 20, 2023
Car’s check engine and oil light came in and flickered. Went to get an oil change and have them check the car. I turned the car off when I got there. When I went to start the car to wind the windows down, the mechanic saw sparks, I saw smoke coming out of the engine and he yelled for me to stop trying to start it. We opened the hood, tried again and the same thing happened - almost caught on fire. Now, the engine won’t turn over. He said the battery is good. He said the engine is done.
Steering, Jul 7, 2023
Steering feels unstable. Knocking noise near steering gear box when turning wheel and steering feels sloppy.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2023
The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the Waikem (now Diehl) dealership in Massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then had the same issue less than a week later, and then said the engine seized up and needed replaced. I was without my car for a total of over two months altogether, because then after I had it replaced, I had the same issue again, a week later and it was the ignition coils that needed replaced. This was right before Christmas in December 2022. After about two months. I began having issues again. It was one EVAP issue after another with the check engine light on again many times. I took it in, had the purge valve replaced, then a month later, had another issue, and had the filters replaced, then a month later, another issue, this time the purge valve again. Then we thought we fixed it last week, but now same issue again. I have had NOTHING but issues with this vehicle since last year and I am very upset, because I have LOST all confidence in my vehicle. It is one issue after another. Now the fuel gauge is flashing that it is empty, even though I filled up my tank yesterday, this has been the same ongoing issue for three weeks now and no resolution, with the check engine light on. I just want a working vehicle. I have children. I NEED it to be safe and reliable.
Tires, Jul 1, 2023, crash
P 195 / 65 R 15 There seems to be an issue with the tires (4) staying inflated My safety was put at risk because vehicle wobbles when I get to a certain speed and I have to constantly put air in the tire daily The problem has been reported to carmax in Stockbridge GA The mechanic has inspected the tires I did not get any warnings about the tire pressure until after I put the spare on the vehicle then the low tire pressure sensor came on the date is unknown
Steering, Engine, Jun 25, 2023
My engine light is on. Second, I hear a noise when I turn my steering wheel.
Service brakes, Jun 20, 2023
Brake light not working. Everything is good to the relay switch in the dash. All turn signal and parking lights work.
Visibility, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the sunroof shattered without impact. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2023
My 2013 Kia Soul has been attempted to be stolen twice. My passenger side window was broken out with the intent to steal my car right from my driveway due to the tick tok challenge that has been going around and a month later the steering column was ripped apart in my drive way with the intent to steal it a 2nd time due to my vehicle not having an immobilizer. My safety as well as the safety of my entire family and that of all of my neighbors was put at risk with both attempts as we caught them in the act the first time… and the 2nd time but we didn’t realize it until later when we discovered the steering column ripped apart. This is my only vehicle, I do not have the means to replace it or to buy another one. Why aren’t these cars being recalled? The public should not be on the hook for replacing windows and steering columns because of a companies short comings. I did not recently buy my car, I’ve had it since 2017 and had I been aware of this issue, i most definitely would have bought a different car!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 10, 2023
I was driving along the street when the engine went dead. I shifted into neutral, cranked the engine and restarted the engine. I almost got hit. This has now happened several times with myself and other drivers.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2023
The brake lights go out all the time. They work one day and then not the next. This is a known issue with Kia vehicles. Apparently this is a wide spread issue that effects many Kia brand cars not just the Soul model that I drive. I have people stop me saying they did not see my brake lights come on at all when I obviously had to. Why hasn't this been a recall? This is a problem that could end in fatalities.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated and flashing. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and O2 sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which was repaired on the vehicle in 2021. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2023
My vehicle is involved in the vulnerable Kia's lack of a theft immobilizer. I just contacted Kia service to make an appointment for the software update and was advised that my vehicle is not listed on the recall list though I was eligible for a steering wheel lock. I purchased a steering wheel lock in early 2022 because of the news of the KIA vehicle vulnerability due to the tiktok theft instruction video. How can Kia offer recall/software upgrades and exclude the 2013 Kia Soul+? I really would like an explanation. Thank you.
Engine, May 20, 2023
While driving vehicle speed becomes disrupted and inconsistent regardless of pressure on accelerator. Engine rods are knocking and dealer determined that a new engine is needed. Kia was contacted by dealer as this is the same problem as other engine models in this Kia manufacture year but Kia denied request to replace as a defective engine.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2023
Unknown tbd
Engine, May 4, 2023
The recall #19V120 States that engine damage may occur do to this recall & that in that case KIA would repair the engine at no cost to me. My car has the same engine damage that they refer to & also has recall open. I took to a KIA dealer & they confirmed that the engine has a bad connecting rod but like stated can happen but KIA will not cover it because recall was not performed soon enough. They state in their recall information that this is what can happen & that it is inclusive of the recall but then say they will not cover? I'm confused. Is this acceptable for Recalls. Then they do not understand why people do not want to take their time to take a car back in for a recall because its just a waste of your time & then the dealer wants to upsell you on something they say they saw when perfoming the recall.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change; however, the contact stated that after the oil change was performed; while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal pop underneath the hood and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the contact was informed by the technician of an engine oil leak that was unmentioned at the time of the oil change. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the mileage was over the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 129,890.
Engine, Apr 24, 2023
Engine bad sound. Engine knocking noise. No crash was issued. The strange sound appeared one day and engine seems to have inside damage for unknown reason.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
In December 2022, my 2013 KIA Soul was broken into. There was a trend on tik tok showing how easy it was to break into KIA AND HYUNDAI. My Kia Soul was in the shop for over a month getting fixed. While driving home on I-95 the Kia Soul broke down, it shut off and had to be towed back to the shop. When the shop called back and told me what the issue was, they said the engine was done. I looked up on the recall website seeing if the engine was on the recall list, it said it was not. There are 4 Kia Soul engines on the list but mine is not. I contacted Kia about the issue, they said since I am not the 1st owner, the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty was a void. I only got 5 years 50,000 miles. How are customers getting new engines with the same issue & this Soul isn't
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
THE 2.0 ENGINE OF THE KIA 2013 SOUL SEEMS TO HAVE TO SAME PROBLEM AS THE KIA 2013 SOUL WITH THE 1.4 ENGINE WHICH WAS RECALL DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT TEETH GETTING DAMAGED AND ENGINE GET DAMAGED DUE TO THE SAME RECALL OF THE 1.4 ENGINE. 2.0 ENGINE SHOULD ALSO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. PUTS THE DRIVERS AT RISK OF DEATH AS IT CAN CATCH ON FIRE LIKE THE 1.4 ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS EXPECTED BY A MECHANIC AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DESCRIBED THE SAME AS THE 1.4 ENGINE RECALL.