CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Kia Soul has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 668 complaints with NHTSA, including 22 crashes, 46 fires, 25 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (286 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2013 Kia Soul recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk
Certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with a 1.6L gasoline direct injection engine may have excessively high exhaust gas temperatures.
Most common 2013 Kia Soul problems
Problem areas named in the 668 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 286 |
| Steering | 154 |
| Electrical System | 71 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 68 |
| Unknown Or Other | 62 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 46 |
| Service Brakes | 30 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 |
| Air Bags | 18 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 |
What owners report
There is play in the steering wheel. Mechanic advised me a small plastic o ring holds steering wheel steady but I canât just replace the o ring. Said I have to replace a lower a arm to get the o ring. He thinks it is a design flaw. It had no been fixed. I drive with the wiggle.
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. Iâve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are âurgentâ, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. Iâve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice when the engine failure occurred and again when I moved.
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, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the HECU fuse had failed and that the burning was coming from the ABS module. The contact was not informed of the necessary repairs or replacements. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileag
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 contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall and that an engine inspection was required as part of a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, a case was filed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in 2022. The con
While driving my 2013 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost significant engine power and the Check Engine Light began flashing. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a safety concern because I could no longer maintain normal highway speed with surrounding traffic. I exited the highway and drove home at reduced speed while the Check Engine Light continued flashing. Christian Brothers Automotive inspected the vehicle. Their diagnostic scan identified a pending P1326 code. The technician rechecked the knock sensor that had previously been replaced in July 2026 and confirmed that the sensor was functioning properly. After the engine reached operating temperatur
2013 Kia Soul safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★ 4-star | 4 | 5 | 4 (15.1% rollover risk) |
2013 Kia Soul questions
Does the 2013 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?
Based on 668 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (286), Steering (154), Electrical System (71).
How safe is the 2013 Kia Soul?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 Kia Soul up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Kia Soul has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.