Kia Soul Complaints (2013)

668 consumer complaints on file.

#11725880March 20, 2026
ENGINE
On Feb. 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a flashing check engine light and entered limp mode with major loss of power. A code reader recorded P1326. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. After the dealership returned the vehicle to me, the same problem happened again within about 30 miles. The last repair order listed 142,352 miles, and the vehicle re-entered limp mode by 142,382 miles. I captured video of the flashing check engine light and a code-reader screenshot showing P1326 as the last trouble code. The malfunction appears related to the engine/engine management system and the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety risk is sudden reduced power and limp-mode operation while driving, which can make it difficult to maintain normal traffic speed or safely continue in traffic. This creates a safety concern if the event happens in traffic, during a turn, or while crossing an intersection. The problem has been reproduced more than once. A Kia dealership previously inspected the vehicle and returned it to me, but the problem recurred almost immediately after pickup. Kia corporate was notified in writing. The warning symptom was a flashing check engine light with limp mode. I am not continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715009February 2, 2026
ENGINE
I bought a Kia Soul at 130k miles and by 140k or so it was dead. the engine started knocking and will no longer turn over. I did regular oil changes and usual maintenance. Within 2 days after knocking the engine refused to turn over. I was driving when it stopped working so at any time someone could have rear ended me and caused a traffic jam. The car was toed to a mechanic who said it was done for and if they needed the specifics they would have to tear down the engine. not going to pay 600 to find out my engine is gone when i already know the engine is gone. no warnings light or messages prior to failure. My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure consistent with well-documented defects in Kia GDI engines. Kia has acknowledged these defects through recalls, settlements, and extended warranties covering later model years. However, Kia has refused repair or good-faith assistance for my vehicle solely because my VIN is excluded, despite the engine design being materially identical to covered models. I contacted Kia Corporate directly, provided my VIN, and was assigned a case number. Kia informed me that: - My VIN is not eligible for recall or settlement relief - No good-faith repair would be offered - Denial was based on model year/VIN classification, not engine design or failure mode - I am not the original owner, which Kia cited as an additional reason for denial Why This Is Concerning: - The 2013 Kia Soul was equipped with the same GDI engine architecture later acknowledged as defective - Consumers are being denied relief based on administrative cutoffs rather than engineering reality - Kia continues to avoid responsibility for early-year vehicles that suffer identical failures - The cost of engine replacement far exceeds the vehicle’s value, leaving consumers with unrecoverable losses I am requesting - Review Kia’s handling of known GDI engine defects - Assess whether Kia’s exclusion of certain VINs constitutes an unfair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714326January 29, 2026
STEERING
There is a distinct click when the steering wheel is center (car going straight). there is a click and a notch feeling when you turn the wheel back and forth from center. Appears to be a common problem with the Kia Souls from 2010 - 2015. (Flexible rubber steering coupler) Dealer is charging $688 to change this $12 part. Dealer also mentioned it is important to fix because as it gets worse you can potentially lose steering control of the car. This type of safety concern I think should be a recall and fixed by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709637January 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenance
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709220January 6, 2026
ENGINE
Engine knocking
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708455January 2, 2026
STEERING
I have noticed an audible “clunk” in the steering mechanism for a few weeks. I had the rack-and-pinion inspected by a local alignment shop to avoid a catastrophic failure. On 12/29/2025 while rapidly decelerating from highway speed on a downhill exit ramp, the steering wheel began to shake violently. My personal research has indicated that the steering coupler disk has failed/disintegrated causing unnecessary looseness between the electrical assist steering motor and steering shaft which has been identified by Kia in a Tecnical Safety Bulletin (TSB) as it's a known safety issue despite being a service campaign rather than a massive single recall for all vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703154December 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX] apex [XXX] Central I was driving west on [XXX], approaching the bridge that crosses from [XXX] to [XXX] and I heard a loud pop,I looked to my left and the driver's side window exploded with the glass shattering into tiny pieces and leaving a huge hole in the window with chunks hanging down.By the grace of God I did not have glass in my eyes or face drive to safety covering my face w my sweater. pulled off the bridge pulled the rest of glass out and took picture and called my insurance company online there are hundreds of postings with this happening on kias there needs to be a recall on this asap please before someone gets severely injured or dies.my name is [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701903November 28, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel vibration violently . Is on Kia safety recall. Has 15 year warranty Started slowly about two months ago Contact dealer on safety recall repairs and refused to honor safety recall. Steering gear assembly flexible coupling Very dangerous at high speed . Safety recall for that particular year. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701381November 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall since I got the car but never been able to afford to bring it go he fixed. Single mother of 2 boys. Both autistic, one age [XXX] and one age [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701256November 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at night, the neighbor knocked on the door approximately 4:00 AM in the morning to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire in the driveway. The contact went outside and saw that the front of the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the neighbor was already attempting to put out the fire with a gardening hose. The contact and the neighbor attempted to extinguish the fire; however, the flames spread throughout the vehicle and destroyed the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was considered totaled due to the extensive damages on the outside and inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fire caused damages to the front of another vehicle that was parked nearby. A Police report was filed but the report number was not provided to the contact. There were no injuries sustained, and no medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the driveway. The contact was notified by the insurance provider that there was possibly a recall listed on the vehicle for a similar failure and to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697728November 5, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving home from work and got about 5 miles and I see smoke and pulled over. I had it towed to repair shop and they said they found a hole in my engine block and a broken connecting rod. They told me I should take it to KIA as I only have 132,179 miles and that repair should be under warranty. I took it to Kia and they denied the repair due to a class action lawsuit and I did not qualify for that as a recall was missed KSDS update. I bought the car used in late 2019 and the last ower has since died. I was never notified of these updates.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696669October 30, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving my 2013 Kia Soul, it has turned off while I was sitting still several times this month. The RPM gauge has stopped working and than my vehicle would not drive, actually it was driving very slow and not getting enough power to go the normal speed. Also now my cruise control does not come on any longer. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer, where they claimed that they could fix it, but than after I paid over $2000, they stated that they did not have the parts to fix my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695629October 26, 2025
STEERING
There is a loud clicking in the steering wheel and the car is all over the place while driving. I was told by three mechanics that it is the steering coupler gear. I could lose control which would be putting others life at risk as well as myself. I was told this my be a recall. I need help. This is a SAFETY RISK AND NEEDS ATTENTION.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695348October 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the ABS module.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693140October 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STRUCTURE:BODY
Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690775October 1, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688787September 22, 2025
WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES
The rims and the rotor have rusted together causing you to use excessive force to remove the lug nut holding on the tire and the nut snaps off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688247September 18, 2025
STEERING
The steering wheel has a knocking in it. KIA has issued TSB CHA074 for the problem, the deterioration of the MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler. The bulletin covers my 2013 KIA Soul. It's annoying and sounds dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688000September 17, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RECALL FOR CATALIC CONVERTER UNDER MANUFACTOR WARRANTY , THEY CONTINUE NOT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY VECHILE AND THE RECALL WAS ON THE CATALIC CONVERTER
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680410August 13, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated her son exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from underneath the vehicle. A passerby pulled over and helped the contact's son move the vehicle. The vehicle extinguished itself. No injuries were reported. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that her son called her, and she and the contact's brother went to the site of the accident. The contact's brother checked underneath the vehicle and picked off the pieces that were on the ground. The contact's brother noticed that a rod had detached and gone through the motor, which created a hole in the motor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the bearing rod detached and damaged the engine. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and tried to order a new engine. However, KIA declined and advised the dealer not to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. Two months later, the contact sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The insurance company was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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