2013 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 653 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 Kia Soul trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2013 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Kia Soul has 653 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 653
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Steering Defects, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Kia Soul?
The 2013 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like steering and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like steering and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2013 Kia Soul has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with engine problems being the most frequently reported issue. Steering defects and brake system complaints are also notable. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data limit definitive conclusions.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints among the 2013 Kia Soul.
- Steering defects are the second most reported component issue.
- Brake system complaints are also significant, with 99 reports.
- Engine Problems
- Steering Defects
- Brake System
All 2013 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 318 | 1 | 34 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 149 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 99 | 2 | 10 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 71 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 67 | — | 9 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 60 | 2 | 7 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 26 | — | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 14 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Steering wheel column coupler clicking and wore out
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked unattended at 3 am. All the warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure, and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact had received the recall notification letter f…
Problem. Engine control unit, ECU allowed catalytic converter overheat. Engine knocking and stalling. Engine monitor light came on while driving the car when it began to knock and stall while driving it. Can cause piston to break and.puncture the engine block, leaking oil into th…
I was on vacation driving the vehicle when the engine caught fire..There was kids in the car there was nothing wrong with the vehicle all of a sudden it just went boom and caught fire We were slowing down to get off the exit. I have no idea what all was effected I don't know much…
Rod went through the the back of the engine causing smoke and vehicle locked up.
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 veh…
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 an…
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) Deale…
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 t…
Engine knocking
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 be…
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 …
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 reca…
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)
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 fro…
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 sh…
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 c…
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. …
On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the ABS module.
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.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Kia Soul.
2013 Kia Soul Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Kia Soul. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 653 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (318 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (149 complaints). #3: Brake System (99 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 44 fire reports out of 653 total complaints. 25 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Kia Soul?▾
The 2013 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.