196 complaints reported

2013 Kia Soul Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
196
Crashes
1
Fires
21
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Apr 2023

In December 2022, my 2013 KIA Soul was broken into. There was a trend on tik tok showing how easy it was to break into KIA AND HYUNDAI. My Kia Soul was in the shop for over a month getting fixed. While driving home on I-95 the Kia Soul broke down, it shut off and had to be towed back to the shop. When the shop called back and told me what the issue was, they said the engine was done. I looked up on the recall website seeing if the engine was on the recall list, it said it was not. There are 4 Kia Soul engines on the list but mine is not. I contacted Kia about the issue, they said since I am not the 1st owner, the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty was a void. I only got 5 years 50,000 miles. How are customers getting new engines with the same issue & this Soul isn't

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Apr 2023

THE 2.0 ENGINE OF THE KIA 2013 SOUL SEEMS TO HAVE TO SAME PROBLEM AS THE KIA 2013 SOUL WITH THE 1.4 ENGINE WHICH WAS RECALL DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT TEETH GETTING DAMAGED AND ENGINE GET DAMAGED DUE TO THE SAME RECALL OF THE 1.4 ENGINE. 2.0 ENGINE SHOULD ALSO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. PUTS THE DRIVERS AT RISK OF DEATH AS IT CAN CATCH ON FIRE LIKE THE 1.4 ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS EXPECTED BY A MECHANIC AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DESCRIBED THE SAME AS THE 1.4 ENGINE RECALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Apr 2023

The recall #19V120 States that engine damage may occur do to this recall & that in that case KIA would repair the engine at no cost to me. My car has the same engine damage that they refer to & also has recall open. I took to a KIA dealer & they confirmed that the engine has a bad connecting rod but like stated can happen but KIA will not cover it because recall was not performed soon enough. They state in their recall information that this is what can happen & that it is inclusive of the recall but then say they will not cover? I'm confused. Is this acceptable for Recalls. Then they do not understand why people do not want to take their time to take a car back in for a recall because its just a waste of your time & then the dealer wants to upsell you on something they say they saw when perfoming the recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Mar 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023
Feb 2023 Fire

Vehicle traveled down I-65 normal cruising. Had a check engine light illuminated. Code pulled as a P0420 diagnosed for Catalytic Converter. Because of this code, the oxygen sensors eventually went out. Sensors were replaced. Two months later the code for O2 sensors being bad came again. Vehicle was seen by another driver on right side with flames showing under the engine while driving. From there, a noise was heard, seen later as a hole made in the bottom of the cast iron block. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road. I had gotten out to pop the hood, where white smoke was fuming from. Then I seen flames arise and grabbed all personal belongings fearing the worst (explosion). Flames simmered down after 1 hour passed. Engine was not started but with a hole in the bottom, fear of a rod being slung is scary.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Feb 2023

My 2013 Kia Soul was diagnosed with engine failure. My mechanic stated no trouble codes, all fluids full. No diagnostic codes at all. At above 30 mph my vehicle blows black smoke. My mechanic found Kia TSB 222 Excessive Oil Consumption. He wrote up that he warned me not to drive vehicle and have towed to KIA dealer. Contacted KIA dealer and was told my vehicle not covered as I was second owner. The vehicle had 105302 miles when I bought it in May 2021 and currently has 112446 as of today. There is a class action lawsuit pending on these issues. It shouldn't matter who the owner is when an engine fails because of defective workmanship. KIA is aware of this specific problem and are doing everything they can to NOT make it right by the consumer. This recall should encompass all vehicles with the defect. This is not some recall for a window seal that falls out. This renders the vehicle completely useless and valuable only as scrap. Imagine all the people who did everything right and now have no vehicle due to an issue over which they had no control.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and overheated. Additionally, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown fault code. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact also stated that while shifting into drive, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions the engine overheated and was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to the previous update performed, the recall could not be applied to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Jan 2023

My engine been making noise past two years

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a significant amount of engine oil was leaking underneath the engine onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to a gas station and was then towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for repairing the vehicle as she failed to repair the vehicle under unknown service campaigns that had been sent to her. However, the contact had not received the notifications. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

Check engine light came on and was showing issues with the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. I took it to the dealership where I purchased the car and they told me there was sludge built up due to lack of maintenance (regular oil changes). I have proof of regular oil changes being done. They told me there are no recalls (there is an open investigation on my make and model) and I would have to pay for a new engine which costs more than the car is worth.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc. Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 9999 TBD TBD, Manufacturer: ODI Demo Co
Incident: Jan 2023
Dec 2022

2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND HAS BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND WON'T HOLD OIL FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that it might be the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). There was no additional assistance provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2022
Nov 2022

Nothing has ever been wrong with my 2013 Kia Soul. Love this car! But less than 1 mile from home it started jumping and died. I have never once known about a recall. When it was looked at by mechanic, I was told the engine was blown due to possible head gasket, oil leaking out, etc. I have a rare terminal disease and can’t afford a new engine! My husband of 20 years left me, I am fixing to having cancer surgery and now to learn I have no car? I can’t take anymore! My local Kia dealships said recall was too old. I don’t have any idea what I’m going to do now! Maybe the surgery won’t go well….because right now, I could care less if I die because I have no life, no husband, no car…….

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Oct 2022

May, 2021 the check engine light came on. The engine appeared to be sluggish upon acceleration. Took vehicle to be serviced at Meineke in Berlin. NJ. They suggested filling tank with high octane gas. They also changed all fluids and filters as well as installed all new spark plugs. Engine continued to be sluggish and once again check engine light came on. On 8/24/21 an email was sent by the Federal Court attaching an information pamphlet regarding a recall in response to a "knock sensor detection system". I immediately attempted to make an appointment with the Turnersville, NJ Kia Dealer. I was told they were booked up for 6 to 8 weeks. I made an appointment, but subsequently cancelled when I was able to be seen by Keller Auto repair on 8/26/21. They diagnosed a "bad ground circuit ". They advised we should take the vehicle to a Kia dealer. I was able to get an appointment with Cherry Hill, NJ Kia dealer for 8/26/21. I was given a $426.45 invoice to perform recall along with a transmission service purge & fill and drive belt replacement. Unfortunately, engine problems were worsening. The vehicle was stalling at every stop sign, traffic light and acceleration. I inquired about the "knock sensor" recall and was told they would submit a claim to Kia for engine replacement. Claim was denied! Vehicle has been rendered as inoperable and unsafe. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021
Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to park safely in a driveway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,432.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under an unknown Campaign for the ECU; however, the failure occurred after the repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 158,513.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2022
Jul 2022

Unknown

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021
Jun 2022

I have a Kia Soul ECO. Frequently the car will stop. For no apparent reason. It may have to do with the ECO feature where the engine turns off when you come to a complete stop. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. I have to turn the engine off and back on to continue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jun 2022

My 2013 Kia Soul is having the exact issues as the existing Kia/Hyundai catalytic converter/piston recall, but my VIN is not included in the recall. The car stalled while stopped at a traffic light. We brought it to a local pep boys for service. They alerted us to the existing Kia recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
May 2022

The car broke down in concord nc in February 2022 they said it was the catalytic converter and it was on back order. Then the end of April they put the part on and the engine locked up. They said to come and get it there was nothing the could do.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2022
May 2022

Driving on the highway when my car started making a popping sound, No lights came on on the dash We pulled over thinking it was the tire, we pulled over just in time the car cut off completly while we were still moving towards an exit. Car had plenty of oil plenty of water everything was up-to-date Besides of steering coupler. Tried cutting the engine back on and it started smoking and wouldn't cut back on or it would stall out. If we didn't hear that noise a few seconds sooner we would have gotten to a terrible accident on a 4 lane highway, which we were all the way on the far left side before the engine cut out. There was no problems prior to any of this it just happened randomly

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2022
May 2022

2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS TO A FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED TWICE IN 2 YEARS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAY ONLY LAST FOR A YEAR OR TWO. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL 19V120.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2022
Apr 2022

The engine threw a rod while we were on the highway due to the recalled part. Our safety was at risk as it was me (23), my husband (27), our two kids ( 2 year old and 4 month old) and my husbands brother (23) in the vehicle when it malfunctioned. We were lucky enough to safely get off the highway without harming ourselves or anyone else. We had the vehicle towed to a shop and they informed us that it threw a rod in the engine but insurance didnt come out. There werent any messages on prior to failure but once it happened a few lights came on. The check engine, oil, and a light that had a steering wheel and an exclamation point by it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Kia Soul has 196 Engine complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.