Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.8× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
657Complaints
3Recalls
22Crashes
44Fires
25Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (42.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 3.8× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 657 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
What owners report
“WE WERE DRIVING I-15 NB IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY CALIFORNIA. WE WERE HEADING UPHILL ON A GRADE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN SUDDENLY…”NHTSA complaint 11163325 — filed 12/25/2018 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND SMOKE UNDER THE…”NHTSA complaint 11154095 — filed 11/26/2018 · ENGINE
“MY CAR WOULD STALL AS I AM DRIVING OR TURNING A CORNER. MY JERKS AS I AM DRIVING”NHTSA complaint 11141192 — filed 10/18/2018 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia Soul?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 281 of 657 NHTSA complaints (42.8%), followed by steering (148), electrical system (68), service brakes, hydraulic (67). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
657 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 22 involved a crash, 44 involved a fire, and 25 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2013 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V120000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Kia Soul's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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