2013 Kia Soul
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 134 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 512 |
| 2013 | 657 |
| 2014 | 888 |
| 2015 | 891 |
| 2016 | 793 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 357 |
| 2021 | 220 |
| 2022 | 87 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: engine — 281 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231130
23% of complaints: steering — 148 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 67 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 35 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 14V822000 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 19V120000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Fires
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (281 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (148 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (68 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V822000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia Soul is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.