VehicleVerdict

2013 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Kia Soul carries two red flags at once: 862 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.0× the Soul norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Soul years to avoid. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 324 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

862

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

32

Crash-involved

63

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine32438%
Steering14917%
Brakes9911%
Electrical System779%
Other607%
Fuel System303%
Airbags182%
Speed Control172%
Visibility & Wipers152%
Body & Structure152%
Transmission142%
Lighting111%
Tires & Wheels111%
Suspension91%
Seat Belts61%
Seats30%
Driver Assistance20%
Child Seat10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2013 Kia Soul have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. 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.

19V120000EngineFebruary 22, 2019 · 378,967 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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. 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.

14V822000Body & StructureDecember 29, 2014 · 95,314 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.

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. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The engine caught on fire. The car cut off while I was driving. It began to smoke and then I saw the flames. My safety was put at risk because I was driving the car. The car is burned from the front bumper to the backseat. The car has not been inspected because of how bad it is burned. There were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 29, 2024 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUIDE RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND WRIST INJURIES, A BROKEN FINGER, AND MINOR BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 15, 2013 · crash

“STARTING IN 2018, ON 6 OCCASIONS AND AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN 2019, WHEN I TRY TO BRAKE THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON STREETS AND IN PARKING LOTS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DEALERS AND BOTH HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST ME, AS THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 1, 2018 · crash

“The engine caught on fire. The car cut off while I was driving. It began to smoke and then I saw the flames. My safety was put at risk because I was driving the car. The car is burned from the front bumper to the backseat. The car has not been inspected because of how bad it is burned. There were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 29, 2024 · fire

“WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY ENGINE BLINKED FIVE TIMES AND CAR LOCKED UP BEGAN TO SHUT OFF. GOT OUT THE CAR THINKING I NEED OIL POPPED THE HOOD SAW SOMETHING FALL LOOKED UNDER THE CAR THERE WAS A FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A TOWEL CALLED THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND SAID A ROD BLEW?…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 12, 2020 · fire

2013 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 862 complaints put the 2013 model at #4 of 16 Soul years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Soul years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (324 complaints), steering (149 complaints), brakes (99 complaints).

Does the 2013 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2013 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.