10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,357 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2013 Kia Soul Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #57

Jan 102025

Soul

  • miles

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

honor catalytic converter failure under manufacturer warranty which they refuse to honor after 90 days at the kia service center, and fail to replace the defective part

- Odenville, AL, USA

problem #56

Dec 102024

Soul

  • miles
The 2013 Kia Soul has been subject to recalls related to the gear shift, with some models potentially experiencing issues that could cause the vehicle to roll away due to a gear shift defect. Some 2013 Kia Souls may have a gear shift defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.

- Amargosa Valley, NV, USA

problem #55

Nov 182024

Soul

  • miles
My 2013 Kia Soul 1.6L is currently displaying a check engine light. My vehicle has very strong smelling exhaust, engine knocking, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel mileage. This has been going on for about a year. I have a diagnostic code reader and it returns the error code P0420, which indicates a faulty catalytic converter, which could cause engine damage. There is a recall for the catalytic converter for my year and engine type. I received a letter in the mail regarding this recall. The link to the letter: [XXX] However, when I enter my VIN at the KIA owners portal this recall does not come up. I have contacted my local Kia Dealership (Johnson City KIA) and they act like they have no idea what I am talking about. I have called Kia customer care center and they refused to help, saying that the recalls are "VIN specific". That's ridiculous. If the recall covers my year make and model then the VIN shouldn't mean [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Jonesborough, TN, USA

problem #54

Oct 052024

Soul

  • miles

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

my car has been at the Kia service center since October 5, 2024, on a manufacturer recall, and since then another recall has been added, on the day the service center received my car I was number 11, in line with the recall vehicles, I have been put in hardship because kia has not honored the recall in ample time, lost of job opportunities, stress, getting back and forth with appointments, I strongly feel as though I have been discriminated against, I receive no updated status about my car, and strongly feel, that my recall is being tossed to the side, I have contacted the NHTSB about this matter, loss wages, loss job opportunities, and stress have been placed on me from the kia service center in Trussville Alabama, Kia have failed to comply with the recall and have had ample time to remedies the problem.

- Odenville, AL, USA

problem #53

Oct 272024

Soul

  • miles
On Sunday l was driving my car and the car started making noise at green light when l try to press on the accurate to go forward to get to the green light. I try to get though the green light but the car shut off on me in the middle of the intersection. Started the car back up and try to accurate again but was only able move a little bit and get to the side of the road this is unsafe. I have had thj

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

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problem #52

Aug 112024

Soul

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle, thirty minutes later, the vehicle was parked in the driveway unattended and caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was burned from the engine to the door panel. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number:?23V652000? (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, ). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Monroe, LA, USA

problem #51

Nov 142023

Soul

  • miles

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

I was sent to this form by live chat to report that a recall for my car has not been remedied in a timely manner. I received notification in November of 2023 that it was advised to not use my car and to park away from buildings. It has been 7 months and it still shows as not updated on this website and the official Kia one.

- Mason, OH, USA

problem #50

Apr 152024

Soul

  • miles
The HECU fuse issue (recall SC284) was announced in September 2023 - and there is still no remedy issued as of April 2024. This marks almost 7 months where my vehicle has been a potential fire hazard, risking life and property. The marked delay is unacceptable and unsafe.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #49

Sep 252023

Soul

  • miles
An NHTSA Recall Number SC284AM was issued on September 25, 2023. The Recall states "URGENT: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED, " and advises owners to park out of doors, and away from other vehicles. This is absolute insanity and irresponsibility. I received a letter from KIA in November, 2013 about this Recall (over 5 months ago). As of this date, 4/5/2024, they do still not have the necessary part for the HECU system, which I understand to be a fuse. Considering the extremely HIGH RISK and personal exposure involved in this Recall, I feel the lengthy delay in resolving the problem to be outrageous. Please advise ASAP. Thank you.

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

problem #48

Sep 232023

Soul

  • miles
There is an open fire hazard recall on my vehicle, and no solution made available. When I went to the dealer for service, I inquired about this and was told that it will "probably be a while before they get to the older vehicles". Older vehicles have more wear and are likely at greater risk. Surely there is a replacement HECU module available. It has been six months since the recall, and this is a critical fire hazard issue. I want the process to move along so I no longer have to worry about a vehicle fire, especially when it has occupants. I feel like KIA is dragging its feet on older vehicles, hoping they will age out or we will sell them. My vehicle has 34,000 miles, so I will have it for many years, and need this issue resolved in a timely manner.

- Carolina Beach, NC, USA

problem #47

Mar 012024

Soul

  • miles

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

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 #46

Nov 142023

Soul

  • miles
UNKNOWN. On November 14, 2023, I received a notice from KIA about "AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL." The notice stated that I should not park my vehicle indoors or next to any other vehicle, as it could burst into flames. This is a dangerous situation that threatens both our personal safety and security. It is now 3 months later (2/19/2024), and my KIA dealer cannot repair my vehicle as they have not yet received the necessary parts required for the repair. This is outrageous and I would like this matter to be resolved, IMMEDIATELY!

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

problem #45

Feb 122024

Soul

  • miles
I keep smelling something and my car drives kind of slow

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #44

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 #43

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 #42

Feb 022024

Soul

  • miles
Have two active recalls on my soul. Not driving because could catch on fire. I still have to pay insurance on my vehicle. KIA is dragging their feet with a fix. They say a fuse but it isn-??t fixing the problem unit! It-??s been four months still no fix. They need to get this remedied I need my car back on the road.

- Mcgregor, MN, USA

problem #41

Nov 212023

Soul

  • miles
There has been multiple incidents the first time the car started jumping and smoking on 12/7/2022 I had it put in the shop and they said it was 2 oxygen sensors and crank position sensor after that repair the ac goes out completely. So it drove fine for a couple months then started jumping in middle of interstate again and check engine light came on so I pull off interstate before I got hit it dropped speed and wanted to keep shutting off didn't want to pick up speed so got it checked out again they changed out spark plugs, air filter and catalytic converter also not to mention tow bill. Then thinking everything should be took care of after that no for the third time after being exhausted of repairs on a over paid car I was on interstate again on 11/21/2023 I was going 65mph when all of a sudden my battery light, ! Light came on and service engine light all lights started flashing so I barely made it off interstate when my car started jumping so I pull over and steering was getting hard to turn as the car shuts off and leaves me stranded once again with a towing bill and another shop they replaced the alternator, ignition coil, fuel pump, spark plugs again, bolt flang, fuel pressure sensor, cop coil, high pressure sensor, battery. It's been costly and for how long before something happens again for a car that I'm paying twice the amount it's worth.

- Callahan, FL, USA

problem #40

Sep 082023

Soul

  • miles
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. Afterward I did some research and found it has been a problem with various makes and models of Kias.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #39

Jul 012023

Soul

  • miles
Uvo infotainment system speakers not working. Radio works, but the only thing you can hear is the beep of the buttons when you push them on the screen. It keeps resetting itself as well.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #38

Sep 272022

Soul

  • miles
The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the Waikem (now Diehl) dealership in Massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then had the same issue less than a week later, and then said the engine seized up and needed replaced. I was without my car for a total of over two months altogether, because then after I had it replaced, I had the same issue again, a week later and it was the ignition coils that needed replaced. This was right before Christmas in December 2022. After about two months. I began having issues again. It was one EVAP issue after another with the check engine light on again many times. I took it in, had the purge valve replaced, then a month later, had another issue, and had the filters replaced, then a month later, another issue, this time the purge valve again. Then we thought we fixed it last week, but now same issue again. I have had NOTHING but issues with this vehicle since last year and I am very upset, because I have LOST all confidence in my vehicle. It is one issue after another. Now the fuel gauge is flashing that it is empty, even though I filled up my tank yesterday, this has been the same ongoing issue for three weeks now and no resolution, with the check engine light on. I just want a working vehicle. I have children. I NEED it to be safe and reliable.

- Canton, OH, USA

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