2013 Kia Soul Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Soul years
The 2013 Kia Soul ranks 4th worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 662 complaints, most tied to the engine. NHTSA lists 3 recalls, including one for engine catalytic converter overheating and one for brake fires.
- Complaints
- 662
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 22 / 45
- Injuries / deaths
- 25 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24.5 city / 29.5 hwy
Top 2013 Kia Soul problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine312 (47%)
- Steering151 (23%)
- Brakes102 (15%)
- Electrical System78 (12%)
- Other64 (10%)
- Fuel System30 (5%)
- Airbags18 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (3%)
- Structure & Body16 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers15 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine rods have punched through the block, causing oil loss and, in some cases, under-hood fires around 40,000 to 56,000 miles.
- Wiring near the engine compartment has been linked to fires that started after owners noticed an unusual outside odor.
- Steering has reportedly caused the vehicle to veer left and right unexpectedly at various speeds, leading to loss of control.
- Airbags have failed to deploy in some low-speed crashes, while in other crashes only some airbags deployed or deployed with excessive force.
- A rollover was reported after the vehicle veered off the road, with the roof crushing in and the windshield shattering.
2013 Kia Soul recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 14V822000Dec 29, 2014Structure & Body95,314 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 Kia Soul fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Soul ranks 4th worst among 16 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 662 complaints, most involving the engine.
- What problems does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the engine, accounting for 47% of complaints (312), followed by steering at 23% (151) and brakes at 15% (102). Median mileage at engine failure was 117,000.
- Does the 2013 Kia Soul have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Soul: a brake-related fire recall requiring owners to park outside, an engine catalytic converter overheating recall, and a sunroof headliner plate recall.
- How does the 2013 Kia Soul compare to other years?
- The 2013 Soul's complaint index of 80 is higher than 2010 (20), 2011 (47), and 2012 (73), but slightly lower than 2014 (93) and 2015 (100), which are also rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Kia Soul?
- The EPA rates the 2013 Soul at 26.5 mpg combined (24.5 city / 29.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450.