Recalls ·2013 Kia Soul

2013 Kia Soul recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — control unit/module. Owners filed 662 complaints, most often about engine. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 16 model years of this model in the database, 2013 ranks #7 for number of recalls.

Recalls3
Complaints662
Do-not-drive / park-outside1
Fires reported7in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (3)

Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 23V652000 · 25 Sep 2023

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

EngineCampaign 19V120000 · 22 Feb 2019

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

Structure — Roof and pillarsCampaign 14V822000 · 29 Dec 2014

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.

Risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine18 · 45%
Steering10 · 25%
Engine and engine cooling7 · 18%
Service brakes6 · 15%
Electrical system4 · 10%
Unknown or other3 · 8%
Hydraulic3 · 8%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%

When complaints were filed

202520
202620

From owner complaints

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…

Unknown or other · May 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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

Steering · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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)

Electrical system · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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…

Service brakes · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Related pages

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.