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Engine coolingPart report

2013 Kia Soul Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
45about this part
Share
7%of 667 total for the year
Median mileage
138,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Kia Soul, 7% of the 667 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“I had and oil change refused because the dip stick showed no oil. I had to add an additional oil of 2.5 quarts to get the oil change done at another service center. there was no visible oil leeks. The 1.6L engine burned thru the oil in 3000 miles. my odometer reads 96361 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11547601, filed 2023-10

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converters. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11577584, filed 2024-03, 180,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11750744, filed 2026-07, 151,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle lost power when it was shifted into PARK. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle after two attempts however, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. …”

NHTSA complaint #11425201, filed 2021-07, 87,450 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM, there was a rattling sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved DTC code: P020; indicating the catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). …”

NHTSA complaint #11622942, filed 2024-10, 115,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202312%
20222021%
20214720%
2020113%
201964%
201894%
201793%
201610613%
2015586%
2014556%
2013457%
2012326%
201142%
201054%

Other parts of the 2013 Kia Soul

Engine
286 complaintsSteering
153 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsElectrical system
71 complaintsOther or unknown
63 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 27, 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