10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 27
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,559 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Kia Soul engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Kia Soul Owner Comments (Page 1 of 13)

problem #252

Jul 032024

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Gas peddle gets very touchy before incident. RPMs spike to 3-4K, unable to stop car. Brakes do not work. Brakes get very hard and high brake peddle. Have to put the car in neutral, pull over, turn car off, put in park. Let car sit for a few minutes. Start car, something must reset because car is back to normal. My regular mechanic was unable to resolve, therefore took to dealer. $3500 later, the car is currently at the dealer for the 4th time trying to resolve. Very dangerous due to the car acceleration and inability to stop!! Has been happening for approx. 4 years. Started out happening once or twice per year, then increased to 4 times in one day. Did not happen for 5 months after brake booster was replaced in January 2024. Most recent incident 7-3-24

- Portage , MI, USA

problem #251

Jun 142024

Soul

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was serviced for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic became aware of excessive oil consumption. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed since the contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and was not under a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #250

Jun 072024

Soul

  • miles
There is a history of engine failure. The check engine light does not remain on for a diagnostic to be completed. This has been going on for about a year. One day it would run then the next day the engine would fail. It is happening more frequently such as after filling up with gas, waiting at stop lights, reversing, and DURING driving. The vehicle now will not restart when the engine fails. After investigating the failure, I related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Kia's number for this recall is SC176. The manufacturer was notified of the failure due to the local dealership not replacing the catalytic converter due to being -??out of warranty-??. A case was opened and I am awaiting a response from a caseworker. I have a code in the History: P0172 code, which stands for "Fuel System Too Rich (Bank 1)". What this means in plain language is that there's too much fuel being delivered to combustion chambers on bank 1, or not enough air. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. However, that is not what I-??m experiencing rather I am being dismissed and neglected even after the engine failed on the highway going 70mph with a semi-truck behind me nearly running over me. I then had to be towed to the dealership, which was expensive. I have spent thousands of dollars in attempts to repair/remedy this problem to only recently find out that there is a related recall. Kia's number for this recall is SC176. I refuse to drive this car as it is unreliable and unsafe. Also, the recall below has still not been repaired since the Notice was received in 2023. Manufacturer Recall Number: SC284AM NHTSA Recall Number: 23V652 Recall Status:-??Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available-??

- Pace, FL, USA

problem #249

May 232024

Soul

  • 142,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking and almost stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire and a failure in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Princess Anne, MD, USA

problem #248

May 292024

Soul

  • miles
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 not any warnings of the failure before it happened.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #247

May 292022

Soul

  • 149,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown recall repair on the vehicle. The contact stated that after the repair, the vehicle stalled while driving on several occasions. The vehicle was able to restart but failed to exceed 25 MPH while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Tameron Kia Westbank (1884 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA 70058), where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which she related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #246

Jan 012024

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that vehicle would hesitate upon depression of brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle returned to normal operation while in the possession of the independent mechanic and was returned to the contact. Upon return of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed, and the diagnostic test showed a misfire in cylinder #4. The mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Cape Girardeau, MO, USA

problem #245

Sep 252023

Soul

  • miles
NHTSA Recall 23V652000 recalled September 2023. Possible engine fire, Kia request we do not park car near buildings or other cars as fire is possible. It is now May 23, 2024 and no further action by KIa. Issue still unresolved. That is ten months and no solution. Vehicle is a 2023 Kia Soul. Can't even sell the car with such a serious recall! Hoping you can light a fire under Kia so they come up with fix to prevent my car from catching fire. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lake Placid, FL, USA

problem #244

May 012024

Soul

  • miles
The car stared to lose all power and sputtering. Then the check engine light started coming on then it would go off. This has been going on for about 4 months. One day it would run on then next day not good at all. I changed the plugs and coils and it ran a lil better for about 2 days. Not every time I put it in reverse I started cutting out and now I don't the it can idle at all. It's a 4 cylinder feeling like a beefed up v8 trying to ideal. I looked at my coils and it looked like it had been on fire I have put every bit of money I could to try to fix it. I just had tires put on too. I pay for full coverage and a car payment. I pay aot for this car every month yet I can't drive it. I take care of my father that is terminal and on hospice, plus I'm disabled myself on a fixed income. This car is all I have and it my only car for my father as well. Help pleas

- Colfax, CA, USA

problem #243

Sep 012023

Soul

  • miles
i WAS NOIFIED LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 2023 OF A DANGEROUS RECALL THAT COULD CATCH THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. NOW. 9 MONTHS LATER KIA HAS NOT PROVIDED ME WITH A REPAIR FOR MY SAFTY.

- Sumner, WA, USA

problem #242

Sep 202023

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recall is still unresolved". This is ridiculous, how long should I be inconveniences?.. I read it's a fuse replacement?. Can't they produce a fuse". Kia shouldn't be allowed to sale any more of their death traps, until they handle these unresolved issues with there existing customers.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #241

Mar 212024

Soul

  • miles
Check engine light threw a code for catalytic converter overheating. Kas dealer says not to worry unless light is flashing, which it's not. Engines have been known to be destroyed by the excessive heat from the converter

- Struthers, OH, USA

problem #240

Mar 282024

Soul

  • miles
The recall that was put out in September 2023 still has not been remedied as of March 28, 2024. I believe the remedy has not been fixed in a timely manner considering the direct dangers posed as a result of the HECU default. Six months without remedy, when the danger has existed since before then, is an egregious inaction on the part of Kia to myself, the customer.

- Waterford, NY, USA

problem #239

Sep 202022

Soul

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Portland, ME, USA

problem #238

Mar 012024

Soul

  • miles
My complaint has to do with the current recall on my vehicle. It's not driveable as it's safety hazard - engine quits at stops no rpm's panel lights (ABS, battery (brand new as mechanic I went to put on diagnostic machine and that's only thing that showed) oil light and malfunction indicator illuminate and then everything goes off including my headlights (I was driving early evening). Called local dealer (I never received notice but by chance looked up to see if any recalls and saw it on your website. they rudely said "you know as much as we do about when we'll get parts to repair recall". Clearly it's shorting out and I'm not going to endanger myself or others but what do I do" I've have a number of medical issues and am missing necessary appointments. How much longer is it expected before recall repairs can be made" I do Thank you for all you do. I am grateful an entity exists that look out for us. Least I don't feel totally lost.

- Wildomar, CA, USA

problem #237

Jan 252024

Soul

  • miles
Engine Light is flashing rapidly on my car, I am unable to drive the vehicle due to safety reasons and the vehicle started slowing down then the wheel locked up and the car cut off while driving a short distance. There is a knocking and ticking sound coming from the engine. Took the car to KIA dealership they said they couldnt fix the issue with the Engine and gave me no solution. I had to pay for a rental car and do ride shares (lyft and Uber) to get around because I was told by the Dealership Adviser that doesnt supply Loaner cars or put you in a rental until you car is serviced for the recall. My car was at the Kia Dealership for two weeks. When I picked up my car i was told by the Dealership Adviser that the Engine is going bad and it will not last very much longer in need to purchase a new one soon.

- Riverdale, GA, USA

problem #236

Feb 162024

Soul

  • miles
I'm already aware of the recalls on alot of vehicles including my 2013 KIA SOUL and am aware of a judges ruling on this. How can KIA SOUL play God with peoples lives? I already filed a claim but still not not getting any help until the end of April. I'm a [XXX] woman who is at risk of getting hurt not to mention other people/and or other people close to my vehicle. This is just beyond wrong. I saved for 2 years to get a more dependable vehicles and now have to worry about an explosion. I already filed a claim but I'm scared. The radio has been funky since I got it last year. It's a used vehicle buy to me it looked new to me. I love it bur now afraid to even get in it but really don't have a choice since I'm [XXX] and don't have anyone else to get help or have another vehicle to use. I depend solely on myself. I need help with getting another vehicle until all of this mess is taken care of. I have gas gauge issues, revving up randomly, caution light staying on now and yesterday I had smoke coming out under the dash and then it just stopped while I was trying to pull off and call for help but it stopped so I came back home. The oil was changed right after I got it last year and I put new tires on it with the money I got from a junk yard in Johnson City that came to get my 98 Ford Escort that my church family helped for me after a very traumatic accident that killed my little senior rescue pommy, totaled my vehicle and I spent several days in ICU. I live on a very strict monthly income and this has caused more anxiety and panic issues that I can't even get under control with breathing exercises, journaling and taking my fur baby for walks and am back on my regular meds. Please someone needs to help me or I'm just going to give up. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Norton , VA, USA

problem #235

Nov 142023

Soul

  • miles
In November, the platform through whom I rent my Kia Soul delisted the vehicle due to a safety recall. Within a week, I received a notice for Recall 23V652. The issue is that the car can experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice helpfully pointed out that an engine fire can increase the risk of injury, but that no fix is in sight, yet. I can no longer support my son and his education (I was using the money from renting out the vehicle to pay for tuition), I cannot even drive the car to get another part time job, and despite calls and letters, nothing is being done to fix the car. It's been 4 months without transportation. To add insult to Russian-Roulette injury, ANOTHER notice arrived from Kia advising that thieves have an easy time breaking into a stealing certain vehicles (Offer QHJWT) and if I could just drive my car and get someone to agree to have the ticking flame-bomb in their parking lot, they would fix this - at no charge. I need the car to work. I need the fix. If not, I need my money returned. I continue to make payments on a car I cannot drive. I will also file a complaint with the FTC. Note: when I first filed, I did not smell a burning smell. I got that smell on a quick 4 minute trip to the store, so do not drive the car at all.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

problem #234

Jan 302023

Soul

  • miles
I bought my KIA SOUL 2013 last year after saving for it bc I needed something more dependable and love it but I don't feel safe anymore bc of the possibility of an engine explosion. There's always been something funky about the radio coming when I start it but now there's a caution light staying on and the oil and everything else checks out. Also the gas lever starts blinking when I've just filled it up. What I don't get is how these people can play God with people's lives? I need a dependable vehicle to be able to go help my granddaughter needs me. At first the radio issue I blamed on me just being PARONOID thankfully I know there is something major going on.I don't let my fur baby go with me anymore, not risking hi life, it's bad enough I have worry about myself and it's just wrong.

- Norton , VA, USA

problem #233

Oct 202023

Soul

  • miles
Caution light on since October 23rd of 2023. My question is how your company can play God with people's lives. Gas light lever going crazy, caution light on for 2 months

- Norton , VA, USA

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