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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2013 Kia Soul Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
2%of 668 total for the year
Median mileage
107,900miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Kia Soul, 2% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,900 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“Was driving on the high way engine blinked five times and car locked up began to shut off. Got out the car thinking I need oil popped the hood saw something fall looked under the car there was a fire put the fire out with a towel called the police and the fire department came and said a rod blew? And I googled there is a recall for this exact happening”

NHTSA complaint #11338842, filed 2020-07, 150,000 miles

“Brake switch failed. My brake lights no longer worked and power steering was disabled, making the car impossible to drive. Could not get car out of park without using override button. Car needed to be towed to Kia dealer. This switch has been recalled on 1.6 million Kia's but my car was not included but should be added. Not sure how long I was driving without brake lights working. I'm glad I never use my cruise control as pressing the brake peddle would not disengage the cruise control function.”

NHTSA complaint #10947248, filed 2017-01, 65,800 miles

“I was having issues with a prior recall, concerning the catalytic converters and overheating. (potentially leading to a stall / engine fire) I took my car to the shop and was told they had ran the upgrade and my car was mechanically sound. Throughout the following year, I had contacted Kia over my car acting strange and not allowing me to accelerate while going down the road on several occasions. The car maxed out between 25-35 MPH on major highways 4 times to date. I kept taking it in and they done inspections, the car appeared in good mechanical shape. …”

NHTSA complaint #11323750, filed 2020-05, 157,000 miles

“A complaint to Kia consumer affairs addressing concerns and issues with my 2013 Kia SOUL in december 2020. The complaint was regarded to excessive oil consumption, low gas mileage,vehicle stalling and shutting down completely while in motion in the highway and faulty engine parts. I initiated a 2nd complaint about same issues in january 2021. Prior to all this in 2019 Kia had a recall for ecu in which I strongly think is the onset beginning how issues I currently have have resonated into current issues leading up till (present). This year 2021, I called Kia consumer addressing issues but rep. …”

NHTSA complaint #11398420, filed 2021-03, 159,832 miles

“My car hesitates when I round a corner or turn on to a highway one day a truck was behind a 18 wheeler scared me and my passenger. Now for the last few months this car is shaking all the time not only when I stop but even when I am drive Kia in athens ga say they can not do anything about it. They say this is natural to happen . No this is not natural it is embarrassing and scary. I do not want this car anymore and I really do not like putting other people lives in danger in a 3 year old car. I have tried talking to them -they are not listening they keep saying it up to the company in atlanta. …”

NHTSA complaint #10992702, filed 2017-06, 25,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
202426%
202359%
20221213%
20212611%
20209123%
201964%
20183114%
2017197%
2016628%
2015617%
2014586%
2013142%
2012214%
2011137%
2010118%

Other parts of the 2013 Kia Soul

Engine
286 complaintsSteering
154 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsElectrical system
71 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 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 31, 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