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Kia SoulModel year report

2013 Kia Soul Problems

Compared with other Kia Soul years

Typical for this model

54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011, 2016

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
667filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
91,000miles, 366 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Kia Soul (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: excessive oil use, knocking, stalling, and in some cases smoke or fire from the engine bay. A second recurring theme is a popping or clunking noise from the steering column, which dealers typically attribute to a worn coupler. Many complaints come in well past 70,000 miles, though engine and steering reports also appear at lower mileage.

  1. Engine

    Engine oil consumption, knocking and stalling

    • 232 complaints (35%)
    • median 114,212 mi at 7.5 yrs old (157 state mileage)
    • 26 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 14 quotes)
    • filed 2014–2026

    Complaints describe the engine using oil quickly with no visible leak, then developing knocking or tapping sounds and losing power. Several owners report the check engine light coming on, stalling while driving, and dealers diagnosing a failed engine or catalytic converter. Others say the dealer found no fault codes or declined repair work under a recall campaign. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 190,000 miles, often at highway speeds.

    Recall 19V1200005 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the oil level is checked between changes and whether any oil consumption test has been done. Check the dipstick for a low level at a cold start and listen for knocking or tapping at idle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car has been stalling randomly when coming to a stop, then difficult to re-accelerate. This occurs after driving for a while, not right after startup. First occurrence was in december 2020, then several times after that, most recently february 24 2021. Car was brought to both personal mechanic several times then to dealership. Both were unable to recreate problem described. Several possible solutions were tried, new spark plugs, resetting computer codes, etc. Car handled well briefly, then problem resurfaced.”

    NHTSA complaint #11398160, filed 2021-02, 146,700 miles

    “The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was making a tapping sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jerking while idling. The contact who is a certified mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had a valve tap failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11437113, filed 2021-10, 119,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Engine stalling or fire after catalytic converter failure

    • 180 complaints (27%)
    • median 119,500 mi at 7.5 yrs old (98 state mileage)
    • 45 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $4,475 (median of 10 quotes)
    • filed 2013–2026

    Complaints describe the check engine light coming on, then sluggish acceleration, stalling and smoke. Several owners report the catalytic converter was replaced, sometimes more than once, and the problem returned. A number of complaints describe flames or fire from under the hood or vehicle, occasionally while parked. Generally reported above 100,000 miles, in some cases shortly after a recall-related repair.

    Recall 19V120000Recall 23V6520002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the catalytic converter and related software updates were addressed and keep records. Watch for a persistent check engine light or burning smell.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “After sc176 recall repair the vehicle still did not run correctly. After escalating for a vp, Kia replaced the catalytic converter. I asked for the parts but Kia said the parts were theirs.the engine seemed to be running correctly but failed in nov. 2020. I went about a mile with the car after it was sitting for 2 days and the check engine came on and blinked and engine ran rough. I had it towed to the Kia repair. Kia said I needed a new engine, with parts and labor would be 6k to install. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11377368, filed 2020-12, 154,000 miles

    “Regarding recall sc176 the engine is overheating and has engine damage which can lead to the vehicle starting on fire. Have brought it to 2 dealerships and they are just trying to brush it off saying nothing is wrong even though it is overheating and an independent mechanic states that there is piston and cylinder damage.”

    NHTSA complaint #11342650, filed 2020-08, 137,985 miles
  3. Steering

    Popping or clunking noise from steering column

    • 114 complaints (17%)
    • median 70,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (67 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 7 quotes)
    • filed 2014–2026

    Owners describe a popping, clicking or clunking sound from the steering column, usually while turning at low speed or in a parking lot. Some report play or looseness in the wheel. Dealers commonly diagnosed a worn steering coupler or flexible coupling, in some cases a plastic bearing bushing, and replaced the part. Reported from about 35,000 to 130,000 miles, typically noticed at low-speed turns.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the car parked and listen for a pop or click. Ask whether the steering coupler has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When turning my wheel at low speeds my steering clunks in the column and feels like it is going to come apart. I am scared I am going to loose stearing control. This happens all the time at low speeds or while in a parking lot. It started a month ago and is getting worse. I saw a recall on this but my car is not affe ted and should be.”

    NHTSA complaint #11382821, filed 2020-12, 101,000 miles

    “There is a clunking noise while driving or turning. Too much play in steering wheel. It feels like it will come apart. Happens know matter how fast I go. Even when back up.”

    NHTSA complaint #11307821, filed 2020-02, 85,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Engine fires and sudden loss of power

    • 172 complaints (26%)
    • median 108,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (98 state mileage)
    • 49 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $5,210 (median of 8 quotes)
    • filed 2013–2026

    Some owners describe a rod breaking through the engine block with oil loss and fire, or a sudden complete loss of power while driving on a highway. Complaints mention smoke from the engine bay or air vents and flames visible under the vehicle. Several say the vehicle was towed and the engine was found to need replacement. Reported from about 67,000 to 185,000 miles, often at highway speed.

    Recall 19V120000Recall 23V6520002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for any engine replacement or campaign records and check for oil residue, smoke staining or a strong fuel or burning smell in the engine bay.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving my certified 2013 Kia SOUL on a busy highway it suddenly lost all power. I was able to get it to the side of the road and push it into a parking lot. I opened the hood and found oil had exploded everywhere so I had to have it towed to my home. A mechanic said the engine threw a rod that went through the block, so the whole engine would have to be replaced. I had the car serviced 2 months prior to the failure and they didn't advise of any issues. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11331600, filed 2020-06, 103,865 miles

    “Bought this car for my teenage daughter. Rod broke, punctured the engine block, which caused the oil leaked out and it caught fire with my daughter and her friends in the car.”

    NHTSA complaint #11383499, filed 2020-12, 150,000 miles
  5. Brakes

    ABS and traction control warning lights

    • 119 complaints (18%)
    • median 67,004 mi at 7.5 yrs old (45 state mileage)
    • 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2026

    Owners report the ABS and traction control lights staying on, in one case for months after a wiring repair. Complaints describe uncertainty about the cause and repeat visits to mechanics without a clear diagnosis. Some owners also mention the related brake recall notice but say parts were not yet available. Reported around 72,000 to 160,000 miles.

    Recall 23V652000

    What to check: Check that the ABS and traction control lights go out after startup, and ask whether the brake-related recall work has been completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty wire and was replaced. However, the warning lights illuminated again later on and the vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic where the failure was not determined or repaired. The warning lights remained illuminated for approximately 5 months. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11581006, filed 2024-04, 160,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after accelerating to 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11559765, filed 2023-12, 125,000 miles

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection check oil consumption, engine noise and the steering column for popping, and ask for the full service and recall history. Records showing whether engine and brake campaign work was completed matter as much as the mileage.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 667 consumer complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul. 366 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 91,000 miles. Of all complaints, 22 involved a crash, 46 a fire, 25 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 133 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Kia Soul model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (15), Transmission and drivetrain (14), Exterior lighting (10), Suspension (9), Seat belts (6), Wheels (6), Tires (5), Electronic stability control (4), Seats (3), Equipment (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “Took car to dealership for a safety recall. After picking up the car the engine light was on, I immediately called them and was told to take car back. after two weeks of checking my car , they call and tell me that it's the catalyctic converter was faulty. this same dealership had fixed that catalyctic converter recall previously. now they want me to pay to have it fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #11512877, filed 2023-03, 143,429 miles

Steering: “A flexible coupling in the steering system was broken and had to be replaced. I was told that the Kia optimas were having the same problem my daugthers Kia has the same problem, she owns a 2013 Kia as well the charge is $366.00 for a rubber coupling. Had a very bad noise when turning and were concern as far as loosing the steering system while driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11176634, filed 2019-02, 18,211 miles

Brakes: “Starting in 2018, on 6 occasions and at least 3 times in 2019, when I try to brake the car actually accelerates. It has happened while driving on streets and in parking lots. I have taken it to 2 dealers and both have been unable to assist me, as they say they can't duplicate the problem. I have read that several different kias in different years have had this same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11185989, filed 2019-03, 55,000 miles

Electrical system: “Engine lite when on. Got a recall notice. Had recall performed. Recall state that if damage was done to catalytic converter it would also be replaced. A few months later after recall performed engine light comes on saying catalytic converter problem. They say I need to pay $2000 to get fixed. I believe it should have been replaced at time of recall.”

NHTSA complaint #11288131, filed 2019-12, 263,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

26% of the 366 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 130,000 miles.

8%0–106%10–2512%25–5015%50–7513%75–10030%100–15015%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (366 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 91,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’18117’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Kia Soul. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Soul · SUV FWD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 15.1% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2013 Kia Soul version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Soul FWD1.6L 4-cyl6-speed automatic253027$2,500
Soul FWD1.6L 4-cyl6-speed manual253027$2,500
Soul FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed manual242926$2,600
Soul FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic232825$2,700
Soul Eco FWD1.6L 4-cyl6-speed automatic263128$2,400
Soul Eco FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic242926$2,600

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2013 Kia Soul → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 133 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 133 bulletins →

Other model years of the Kia Soul

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202512—0431—Too new
2024316,0000431Too new to compareToo new
20235418,500443140 · TypicalToo new
20229562,00014300 · FewerRising
202123965,000243050 · TypicalRising
202038813,450143087 · MoreStable
201913850,00015286 · FewerRising
201822054,100152725 · FewerStable
201727274,000152721 · FewerStable
201681782,000252650 · TypicalStable
201590287,596452678 · MoreFalling
201490388,000552682 · MoreFalling
201366791,000342754 · TypicalRising
201251587,000342755 · TypicalStable
201119452,500342747 · TypicalRising
201013520,0003—2868 · MoreFalling

All Kia Soul model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?

Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: excessive oil use, knocking, stalling, and in some cases smoke or fire from the engine bay. The issues reported most often: Engine oil consumption, knocking and stalling; Engine stalling or fire after catalytic converter failure; Popping or clunking noise from steering column.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Kia Soul have?

NHTSA recorded 667 consumer complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2013 Kia Soul is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 286 complaints (43% of the total), followed by steering with 153.

Has the 2013 Kia Soul been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2013 Kia Soul do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Kia Soul 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Soul get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Soul (Soul, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Kia Soul reported?

Among the 366 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 91,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 130,000 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.