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Electrical systemPart report

2013 Kia Soul Electrical system Problems

Complaints
71about this part
Share
11%of 667 total for the year
Median mileage
60,750miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Kia Soul, 11% of the 667 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,750 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“Well the first item is the dealership told me there was a recall on the driver side panel door. The second problem right low beam light has been out now for almost two years I have been everywhere we had switched bulbs we have traced wires everything replace the relay still can I get that to work and sometimes he does lunds highway road you hit bumps all the lights come on in car it is some kind of electrical short in a car somewhere”

NHTSA complaint #11318693, filed 2020-03, 95,000 miles

“About 3 months ago my steering wheel started rattling and continues to get worse I haven’t had it looked at yet but I think I need to also my dash lights come off and on all the time do you think I have a problem”

NHTSA complaint #11548713, filed 2023-10, 147,769 miles

“My car died while driving on highway going 75mph with 70k miles thats about when a vehicle should be breaking in not breaking down. My steering wheel is loose, gas play. The radio sometimes doesnt come on and my engine just sounds clogged”

NHTSA complaint #11361388, filed 2020-09, 67,000 miles

“Catalytic converter is going out. Although apparently there was no recall for MY car in particular but there has been a recall for the converter overheating and damaging the engine. Car no longer goes over 40 mph; meaning I can no longer use the freeway. Oil light comes on at least twice a month. Even after a oil change It comes right back on. Check engine light never goes off. Piston Rod is damaged which then contributes to a oil leak. This has been happening over a 6 month time span. I call myself fixing one thing then something else more detrimental breaks.”

NHTSA complaint #11511689, filed 2023-03, 237,205 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024929%
20231426%
20221011%
2021156%
2020287%
20191410%
2018209%
2017197%
2016567%
2015758%
20149811%
20137111%
2012387%
20113015%
20102418%

Other parts of the 2013 Kia Soul

Engine
286 complaintsSteering
153 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsOther or unknown
63 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Kia Soul

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology