MYRModel Year Report

2013 Kia Soul

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2010: 135 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 514 complaints 2012 2013: 660 complaints 2013 2014: 895 complaints 2014 2015: 896 complaints 2016: 802 complaints 2016 2017: 270 complaints 2018: 213 complaints 2018 2019: 135 complaints 2020: 372 complaints 2020 2021: 228 complaints 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2025
2013: 660 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010135
2011193
2012514
2013660
2014895
2015896
2016802
2017270
2018213
2019135
2020372
2021228
202288
202349
202429
202512

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 43%

43% of complaints: engine — 282 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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

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, 20260716

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

STEERING 23%

23% of complaints: steering — 150 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20260717

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 99 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and speedometer/odometer.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20230908

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and oil/lubrication.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 660
R 20150129 — structure

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

I 20180821 — DP (closed 20190510)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

I 20190329 — PE (closed 20211222)

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

R 20190417 — engine, engine and engine cooling

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

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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 (282 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (150 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (99 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.