Kia Soul Complaints (2013)

668 consumer complaints on file.

#11678431August 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On [XXX] Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw performed Recall SC284 on my 2013 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ), replacing the HECU fuse. The next day, [XXX], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At no point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, Kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent AAA diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951.41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in Kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of Recall SC284 installation procedures and Kia’s handling of this case. 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
#11675003July 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector needed to be replaced due to a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The vehicle was also taken to a local AutoZone, where it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674834July 20, 2025
STEERING
Steering coupler. Recalled for 2014 up but not covered for 2013
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674010July 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving on the highway when my car started to smoke pulled over and it was a fire under my hood from the abs module
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671102July 3, 2025
STEERING
The steering wheel makes a loud clocking sound. It’s sounds like the pinion plug is broken or loose
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665948June 9, 2025
ENGINE
First, my engine and oil light went on. Second, there began a loud prominent engine knock. I had it serviced for an oil change and after the oil change, the knock persisted and my car began to stall. Third, I took it to Midas for a diagnostic and they told me my engine is about to fail, that this is typical of Kia Soul engines, they said there are metal pieces of broken pistons in my engine and that my car will soon break down and to "pray" it doesn't happen on the road. I then drove my Kia Soul to secure a rental vehicle, but on the way my engine died in the middle of a busy intersection and I had just enough time to pull it to the bike path on the side of the road, passenger side still in the road. I then had it towed to a repair shop and paid for a second diagnostic, which aligned with the first diagnostic from Midas. I then received a recall letter from Kia Manufacturer that my specific vehicle had a safety recall from the NHSTA and to bring my car to the nearest Kia dealership for immediate repair, free of cost to me, upto engine replacement. I had my Kia Soul towed to Kia of New Port Richey, Florida and explained the recall letter. They have since done nothing in a week and said that I needed to have the first recall addressed to have this recall repair complete. Then, they said I needed to have my car registered to complete the repair. Then, they said I need to provide a maintenance record to complete this recall repair, and failure to do so will result in Kia refusing to complete my engine repair, in accordance with their recall letter I received. Therefore, I contacted the NHSTA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662954May 24, 2025
STEERING
It is making a noise when turning steering wheel to one side and it has play and clinking noise in steering wheel. Is this included in SC155 recall?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662282May 21, 2025
ENGINE
Problems with our 2013 Kia Soul! started [XXX] @ 78,388 miles. We took the car to Kia Country in Manteca for an oil change, when leaving the dealership white plumes of smoke where coming out of the exhaust. Took the car back to the dealership who told us not to worry about it, drive it on the freeway to burn it off. Returned to the dealership 4-7-21 @ 80,414 miles smoke is still coming out of the exhaust, Kia performed an oil consumption test, we were told to come back in a couple of months or 3,500 miles to check on the vehicle. 6-4-21 @ 81,737 miles took the car back for inspection, engine oil checked out ok, they couldn't find any issues. [XXX] @ 91,239 miles took the car to Kia Dublin, blue smoke was coming out of exhaust and car won't start. Tech performed tests they recommended to drive the car and wait for a check engine light to be active. They can't open a tech line if there is nothing wrong with the car and they can't duplicate the concern. [XXX] @ 124,770 miles took the car back to Kia Dublin, the car is shutting off at stop lights or at idle, won't go over 40 miles an hour. After being at the dealership for 4 days, spoke to Will on 4-16-25 states the engine needs to be replaced due to the connecting rods and pistons creating an engine failure, there is also an oil leak. There is a recall for the smaller 1.6L engine but not for our 2.0L engine, even though the issues are exactly the same. Will recommended calling Kia Customer Care for help. I called Kia Customer Care 4-17-25 and was given a case number. I have been dealing with both Kia Customer Care and Kia Dublin for over 5 weeks and no one wants to own up to selling us a defective engine or give us a replacement. I have called almost everyday and I am given a different story, meanwhile the car sits on the lot at the dealership. My daughter is without a car and we are struggling to get her to work, we have not been offered a loaner car, as the car has not been approved for an engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662333May 21, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer refused to replace the engine because the previous owner had not received an undisclosed service related to the KSDS completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that if the catalytic converter was damaged, the engine should be replaced. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660956May 14, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel tuned left and right with a loud clicking sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex coupling was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660244May 11, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel making a loud CLUNK sound. Possibly the steering wheel coupler. Concerned that steering wheel might malfunction while driving. Checking for any recalls prior to making an appointment with dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected. Noise started about a month ago and progressively has gotten worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659749May 8, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel is making a knocking sound when I turn left or right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652860April 4, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that there was a fuel burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer being driven. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649364March 19, 2025
STEERING
steering not tight, car shakes around 70 mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645372February 27, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641385February 7, 2025
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX], we were driving on [XXX] from Wisconsin into Minnesota to park at MSP airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from Texas where we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from Minneapolis on [XXX] (1.5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in Eau Claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the MDPS/Flexible Coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15.00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to Wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand NOW that this is a persistent problem for MANY KIA 2013 Soul and other KIAs and that NHTSA has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! Do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many KIAs? There were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but KIA history seems to suggest a potential recall need. 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
#11640855February 5, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639561January 30, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed with EVAP system and gas cap failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there could be an oil leak, but no oil leak was found. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost drive power and failed to drive uphill. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the catalytic converter was clogged up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the mechanic performed an internal cleaning of the catalytic convertor. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an increased oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639059January 28, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637923January 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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