2013 Kia Soul recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul and 667 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (286), steering (153), service brakes (100). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2013 ranks #11 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (376). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Kia Soul. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Structure · body · roof and pillars
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
There are multiple recalls, including total engine failure recall, Kia is refusing to have it towed or reimburse for tow to dealership to fix recalls. I’ve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are “urgent”, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. I’ve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the contact heard a noise outside and discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire near the engine compartment. The contact extinguished the fire using water and salt. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraul…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0420 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the…
Safety ratings
2013 Kia Soul SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Kia Soul.
Soul
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Soul Eco
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul Eco
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/25/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?
Based on 667 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (286), steering (153), service brakes (100).
Is the 2013 Kia Soul safe?
The 2013 Kia Soul earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Kia Soul?
The 2013 ranks #11 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (376). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Kia Soul range from 25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Kia Soul in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SOUL, Soul.