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
- 663
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 663 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
43% · 284 reportsShow 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, 2023-11-30
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING).
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Steering
23% · 151 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17
Service brakes
15% · 99 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Electrical system
11% · 71 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and speedometer/odometer.
Show 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, 2023-09-08
Engine and engine cooling
7% · 45 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and oil/lubrication.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013Complaint volume 663 complaints filed for this model year.
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2015-01-29Structure14V822000 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.
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2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
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2019-04-17Engine, engine and engine cooling19V120000 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.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 284 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 151 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 99 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V822000 · Structure
- Recall 19V120000 · Engine, engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.