2013 Kia Soul Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 312 engine-related complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul, 47% of all 662 complaints filed for the year. Owners report engine knocking, stalling, and fires, with a median failure mileage of 117,000. A related recall (19V120000) covers catalytic converter overheating on the 1.6L GDI engine.
- Engine complaints
- 312
- 47% of 662
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 33
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 117,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a loud knocking or clicking noise from the engine that develops while driving at highway speed and precedes a loss of power.
- Several complaints describe the engine catching fire under the hood, sometimes within seconds of the vehicle losing power or while parked shortly after driving.
- Some owners report the vehicle stalling or failing to exceed low speeds, accompanied by a burning odor and illuminated warning lights on the instrument panel.
- One complaint describes a rod going through the engine block and all the oil leaking out after a knocking noise while driving.
- A few owners report the engine smoking or emitting flames from the air vent area, with the motor and catalytic converter identified as faulty.
- One owner reported the vehicle was included in the recall campaign but never received a notice and the vehicle was not repaired before the engine caught fire.
When 2013 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 2, 2014, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul
- 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.
Engine complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2013 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA lists 312 engine-related complaints for the 2013 Soul, which is 47% of the 662 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Kia Soul engine?
- Yes. Recall campaign 19V120000 covers 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection engine, where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter.
- At what mileage do 2013 Kia Soul engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 117,000 at the time of failure among engine complaints for this model year.
- Did the 2013 Kia Soul engine issue cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 33 fires and 1 injury reported in connection with this year's complaints, many tied to the engine problem area.
- Is the 2013 Kia Soul worse for engine complaints than other years?
- Among Soul model years listed, 2013 had 312 engine complaints at 47% share, lower than 2014 through 2022, which each show higher shares of 66% to 82%.