10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
114,654 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 2)

problem #25

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 #24

Mar 082024

Soul

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converters. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #23

Sep 202022

Soul

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Portland, ME, USA

problem #22

Jun 152023

Soul

  • 145,000 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 after arriving to her destination and upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. After starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and PCV valve. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 145,000.

- Commerce Charter Township, MI, USA

problem #21

Nov 012023

Soul

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The VIN was included but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

problem #20

Oct 192023

Soul

  • 159,203 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated and started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she exited the expressway and pulled to the side of the road until the vehicle cooled down. The contact continued driving; however, after 10 minutes of driving the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving, and the contact pulled to the side of the road each time. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was awaiting to be towed to the dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 159,203.

- West Park, FL, USA

problem #19

Sep 282023

Soul

  • 136,000 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 while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled in traffic. While driving the following day, the vehicle stalled again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Coppell, TX, USA

problem #18

Oct 012023

Soul

  • miles
I had and oil change refused because the dip stick showed no oil. I had to add an additional oil of 2.5 quarts to get the oil change done at another service center. there was no visible oil leeks. The 1.6L engine burned thru the oil in 3000 miles. my odometer reads 96361 miles.

- Belleview, FL, USA

problem #17

May 112023

Soul

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated and flashing. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and O2 sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which was repaired on the vehicle in 2021. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #16

Mar 222023

Soul

  • 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the recall was serviced; however, the check engine soon after the recall repair. While driving at 55 MPH, a fellow motorist flagged the contact down to alert her that a fire had started from underneath the vehicle. The flame had died out once the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The contact suffered no injuries and a fire report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

- Prospect, OR, USA

problem #15

Jun 232020

Soul

  • 100,000 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 while driving and making turns, the vehicle made abnormal popping sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the flex coupler was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine was making abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer completed an oil change and serviced the fuel system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was excessive clearance in the rod bearing. The dealer replaced the short block and all gaskets; however, the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as the catalytic converter was never replaced under the recall. The dealer informed the contact that she would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Leander, TX, USA

problem #14

Sep 072022

Soul

  • 113,956 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and was making abnormal knocking sounds intermittently while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned on the hazards lights and exited the highway. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact then pushed the vehicle to a gas station with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,956.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #13

Feb 162022

Soul

  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed with a rod bearing knock. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

- Keokuk, IA, USA

problem #12

Feb 022023

Soul

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact also stated that while shifting into drive, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions the engine overheated and was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to the previous update performed, the recall could not be applied to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

- Green Valley, CA, USA

problem #11

Nov 172022

Soul

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that it might be the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). There was no additional assistance provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

- Burlington, NC, USA

problem #10

Nov 142015

Soul

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the catalytic converter was replaced. After the repair the vehicle began to drive sluggishly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and exhaust pipe. The failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but had not yet approved the engine replacement. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

- Butler, NJ, USA

problem #9

Oct 012021

Soul

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be due to a piston slap. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Bartlesville, OK, USA

problem #8

Dec 132021

Soul

  • 184,963 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making ticking and knocking sounds. Upon registering the vehicle on the manufacturer's website, the contact was made aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and both mechanics diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer upgraded the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic and diagnosed the vehicle with engine rod knock failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not honor the recall since the contact was the second owner and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 184,963.

- Rolla, MO, USA

problem #7

Aug 022021

Soul

  • 231,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted however, several functions remained inoperable. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 231,000.

- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

problem #6

Jun 302021

Soul

  • 87,450 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle lost power when it was shifted into PARK. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle after two attempts however, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed nor repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as it was out of warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's boyfriend. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) could not be completed on the vehicle because the vehicle did not have an extended warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 87,450.

- Torrance, CA, USA

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