2013 KIA SOUL

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    15 stranded, 94 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    111
    incidents
    Typical range: 93,500–150,000 mi

    Median 123,000 mi, based on 121 reports (36% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CHECK THE OIL LEVEL A MONTH AFTER AN OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. KIA ATLANTA SOUTH ([REDACTED ADDRESS], MORROW, GA 30260[REDACTED PHONE]) INFORMED THE C…"~18,800 mi, complaint #1700701
    • "ENGINE BURNED UP ALL THE OIL AND SEIZED UP, METAL SHAVING WERE FOUND IN OIL PAN. WE NOTICED THICK BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT STOPPED WORKING, SAME ISSUE THAT'S HAPPENED TO THE MOTORS THAT WERE ALREADY RECALLED, BUT NO…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1594832
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A PISTON ROD DISCONNECTED AND PUNCTURED THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE CAUSED OIL TO LEAK AND THE ENGINE TO SMOKE DUE TO OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST COMPONENT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THA…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1585344
    • "WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME MY 2013 KIA SOUL L4 1.6 SUDDENLY LOST ITS POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF OF THE ROAD AND CHECK IT UP INTO A PARKING LOT. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK AGAIN BUT A…"~138,432 mi, complaint #1685996
    • "I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I 5 IN EVERETT WA, LIKE I DO EVERY MORNING, WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING RATTLING AND CLANKING NOISES AND STARTED TO LOSE POWER TO THE POINT I WAS NEARLY IN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS. I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY SAFELY. AS S…"~185,000 mi, complaint #1656277
  2. #2

    steering rack mechanical

    53 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    61
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–90,000 mi

    Median 57,500 mi, based on 31 reports (53% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE POWER STEERING GEAR LOCKS UP RANDOMLY. IT MAKES A CLUCKING SOUND AND CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. KIA DEALERSHIP WORKED ON THE STEERING GEAR WITH ONLY 8000 MILES ON IT. IT APPEARED THAT THE GLAND NUT BACKED ITS WAY OFF THE SHAFT WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL CONNE…"~11,900 mi, complaint #1240719
    • "IN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS, WHILE MAKING TURNS EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT OR WHILE PARKED IF YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT YOU FEEL A DEFINITE CLUNKING IN THE STEERING. PRIOR TO THIS NEW DEVELOPMENT THE STEERING HAS ALWAYS BEEN SMOOTH. MY VEHICLE HAS O…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1516235
    • "FOR CABLE COOLER ( STEERING) BRAKES CAUSING A CLUNKING NOISE AND MAKES STEERING SLOPPY.DANGER RATING 7.6 SHOULD BE RECALLED!"~60,000 mi, complaint #1550413
    • "STEERING WHEEL CLICKS WHEN TURNED RIGHT OR LEFT, NO MATTER IF PARKED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. SPEEDS OF 65MPH OR GREATER CAUSES WHEEL TO VIBRATE. RESEARCHED AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS ADDRESSED BY KIA AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISS…"~88,756 mi, complaint #1666863
    • "STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL"~156,400 mi, complaint #1606362
  3. #3

    engine stall or no start

    12 stranded, 36 unsafe

    48
    incidents
    Typical range: 76,500–137,000 mi

    Median 105,000 mi, based on 50 reports (48% had no usable mileage)

    • "SUDDEN DECELERATION QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER INCLUDING STEERING, BRAKES, COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AND DASH INSTRUMENTATION. DEALER FOUND "NO PROBLEM" AND DID NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH OR ANYTHING ELSE. *TR"~8,000 mi, complaint #1105192
    • "ON APRIL 3RD, 2018 AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THEN IT STALLED OUT AND WOULD NOT START. HAD HELP COME WITHIN 30 MINUTES AND WHEN WE TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, IT DID START AND I DROVE IT HOME. NO ENGINE…"~57,700 mi, complaint #1466571
    • "THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WOULD CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR A MOMENT AND THEN THE CAR WOULD STALL AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BEING THAT THIS WAS IN TRAFFIC. IN FEBRUARY, THE CAR WAS STALLIN…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1728179
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1782430
    • "CAR HAS BEEN STALLING RANDOMLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THEN DIFFICULT TO RE-ACCELERATE. THIS OCCURS AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE, NOT RIGHT AFTER STARTUP. FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN DECEMBER 2020, THEN SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THAT, MOST RECENTLY FEBRUARY 24 2021. CAR WA…"~146,700 mi, complaint #1729780
  4. #4

    catalytic converter

    1 stranded, 36 unsafe, 2 broken

    39
    incidents
    Typical range: 100,000–151,000 mi

    Median 127,500 mi, based on 46 reports (39% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND THE OIL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LITHIA FORD LINCOLN OF ROSEBURG ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ROSEBURG, OR 97470, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHER…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1562408
    • "I JUST READ ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATING AND CAUSING OIL LEAKAGE. MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UNDER THE RECALL BUT MY CAR IS LOSING OIL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT IS GIVING THE CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MY…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1544400
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 15 MPH, WITH A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING ODOR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT A…"~125,271 mi, complaint #1658879
    • "Took car to dealership for a safety recall. After picking up the car the engine light was on, I immediately called them and was told to take car back. after two weeks of checking my car , they call and tell me that it's the catalyctic converter was faulty. thi…"~143,429 mi, complaint #1881594
    • "ENGINE LITE WHEN ON. GOT A RECALL NOTICE. HAD RECALL PERFORMED. RECALL STATE THAT IF DAMAGE WAS DONE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER IT WOULD ALSO BE REPLACED. A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER RECALL PERFORMED ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SAYING CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. THEY SAY…"~263,000 mi, complaint #1627605
  5. #5

    steering column

    30 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    35
    incidents
    Typical range: 52,000–100,000 mi

    Median 75,000 mi, based on 27 reports (36% had no usable mileage)

    • "FOR 5 MONTHS THERE HAS BEEN A THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING 2 COMPLETE REVOLUTIONS IE: WHEN PARKING OR TRUNING INTO A DRIVE THRU LANE AND JUST 3 DAYS AGO MY STEERING WHEEL SEEMS LIKE IT JUMPED A NOTCH AND ALTHOUGH ITS STILL DRIVING STRAI…"~17,501 mi, complaint #1230470
    • "CLICKING NOISE HEARD WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURNED. PROGRESSED TO CLUNKING IN WHEEL WHILE TURNING AND SHAKING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES AT ANY SPEED. FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE DETERMINED TO BE CORRECT AND TIRES NOT ABNORMALLY WORN. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BY DEAL…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1543764
    • "WHEN DRIVING OR IN PARK STEERING MAKES LOUD CLICKING NOISE IF TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS AND IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT IS STEADILY GETTING LOUDER AND WORSE. THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. STEERING DOES NOT FEE…"~74,876 mi, complaint #1723445
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY D…"~98,441 mi, complaint #1581930
    • "WHILE PARKED OR AT SLOW RATE OF SPEED THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED EITHER DIRECTION. THE SOUND IS ALSO PRESENT WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUMPY ROAD AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. THERE IS PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE STEERING F…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1655727
  6. #6

    other

    20 unsafe, 10 annoyance

    30
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 58,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT CAUSE AND EXPLODED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN A CAR COMING THE OTHER DIRECTION FLAGGED US DOWN BECAUSE FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER FL…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1283000
    • "IN APRIL OF 2015 I DROVE A HALF HOUR OF HIGHWAY DRIVING TO AN APPOINTMENT. I PARKED MY CAR (WITH THE IGNITION OFF). WALKED INTO THE BUILDING AND WITHIN 1 OR 2 MINUTES MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. 911 WAS CALLED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIR…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1552196
    • "OPEN THE DOOR TO GO TO WORK CLOSED THE DOOR AND THE BACK WINDOW SHATTED THIS HAPPENED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING CAR WAS PARKED ALL NIGHT"~32,000 mi, complaint #1379343
    • "THE PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE IS PEALING AND SHARP THE COATING THAT'S ON THE HANDLE IS COMING OFF. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALWAYS MAKING A HORRIBLE SOUND EVEN WHEN THEY ARE REPLACED"~99,000 mi, complaint #1689266
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked overnight and the following morning after approaching the vehicle, the contact became aware that the passenger’s side door and seat were burned. There were no warning lights illum…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1957040
  7. #7

    steering electric assist

    24 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    28
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 69,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED LEFT AND RIGHT AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUIDE RAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND WRIST INJURIES, A BROKEN FINGER…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1058901
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. DELAND KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], DELAND, FL 32720, [REDACTED PHONE]) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WA…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1539655
    • "AT AROUND 69K MILES I HAD A NEW SET OF TIRES PUT ON THE CAR. WHEN I GOT IT BACK ABOUT A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED WHEN I WAS STOPPED A CLICKING NOISE THAT I COULD FEEL IN THE WHEEL. IT SEEMS TO TRACK STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD BUT HAS SOME SLACK IN THE WHEEL ITSE…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1497646
    • "LAST YEAR I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BILLION AUTO IN IOWA CITY (2 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE) TO GET MY RECALL SERVICED. AT THIS TIME MY VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD IT IN AND OUT IN 15-20 MINUTES AND THEY SAID ONLY HAD TO DO AN U…"~96,500 mi, complaint #1666118
    • "About 3 months ago my steering wheel started rattling and continues to get worse I haven’t had it looked at yet but I think I need to also my dash lights come off and on all the time do you think I have a problem "~147,769 mi, complaint #1933808
  8. #8

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 21 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 137,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CONSUPTION EXCESIVE GAS $20 DOLLAR IN 3 DAYS"~48,000 mi, complaint #1579051
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic stated that the oil level was low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The mechanic had not performed a diagnostic test; however, the…"~84,700 mi, complaint #1807204
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE. UPON INVESTIGATING ,THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE AND ENG…"~97,100 mi, complaint #1577857
    • "I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO KIA FOR TWO RECALLS AND A PERFORMANCE ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE; SPECIFICALLY, A LOSS OF POWER AND INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. KIA PERFORMED AN ECU UPGRADE AND REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RELATED TO RECALL# SC176. THE RECALL ALSO IDENTIFI…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1620579
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was serviced for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic became aware of excessive oil consumption. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, w…"~160,000 mi, complaint #2000488
  9. #9

    airbag system

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 34,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHERE OUR 2013 KIA SOUL HIT THE REAR OF ANOTHER CAR. EXCESSIVE DAMAGE OCCURRED TO OUR CAR TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR"~522 mi, complaint #1021220
    • "I WAS SECOND IN LINE AT A STOP SIGN AND WAS HIT BY 2006 FORD F150 TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH IN THE DRIVERS FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THE ONLY 2 AIRBAGS THAT DEPLOYED WERE THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE 2 IN THE PILLARS COMING DOWN ALONG THE…"~8,320 mi, complaint #1049976
    • "VEHICLE WAS HIT IN RIGHT REAR CORNER BY ANOTHER CAR. SENT VEHICLE INTO A SPIN WHERE IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT RIGHT BY MILITARY TRUCK, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPIN UNTIL IT CAME TO A REST ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLO…"~34,400 mi, complaint #1132420
    • "I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME AS I TRAVELED IN THE STRAIGHT LANE. MY SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE IS CAVED IN, BUT NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. BOTH OF THE AIRB…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1139353
    • "AIRBAG EXPLODED ON IMPACT WITH GAPING HOLES WITH HEAVY SMOKE COMING OUT WITH HOT HEAT CAUSING REDNESS TO MY CHEST AND REDNESS TO MY HANDS AND A BLOW TO MY WRIST THAT CAUSED FRACTURE TO MY LEFT WRIST. *TR"~130,042 mi, complaint #1025681
  10. #10

    brake hydraulics

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 55,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I BOUGHT A KIA SOUL 2013 USED WITH 12,400 MILES ON IT SATURDAY MAY 31, 2014. WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014 I WAS TAPPING ON MY BRAKES TO STOP FOR A LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND NOT VERY LOUD BUT A CLICK. THE KIA SOUL DID NOT STOP. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES A…"~12,500 mi, complaint #1072122
    • "AT STOP LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD INTO INTERSECTION. THANKFULLY NO VEHICLES WERE AT THAT INTERSECTION AT THAT TIME! AFTER FIVE OR FEWER SECONDS THE BRAKES CAUGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *TR"~12,800 mi, complaint #1019196
    • "I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP FOR A HANDFUL OF SECONDS UNTIL IF FINALLY STOPPED JUST IN BACK OF BUT NOT TOUCHING A BMW IN FRONT OF US. WE BOTH HEARD A SCRAPING/PULSING…"~13,500 mi, complaint #1124909
  11. #11

    wiring harness

    1 stranded, 7 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRING CODING WAS SOY BASED AND THAT ANIMAL…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1005808
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT'S WIFE INFORMED HIM OF AN ABNORMAL ODOR ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FI…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1488415
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in a carport when it suddenly caught fire near the engine compartment. The fire had expanded and caused damage to the entire garage near the carport and 2 other veh…"~110,000 mi, complaint #2036563
  12. #12

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "OPENED DRIVERS DOOR, GOT IN AND SHUT THE DOOR AND THE REAR HATCH WINDOW BLEW OUT. VEHICLE IS NOW AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CALLED TO SAY CAR IS NOT TO BE TOUCHED BECAUSE PRODUCTS INVESTIGATIONS IS GOING TO LOOK AT THE CAR BEFORE ANOTHER WINDOW CAN BE INSTALLED. T…"~1,000 mi, complaint #983759
    • "I WAS HIT BY A SMALL ROCK GOING AROUND 40MPH WHICH RESULTED IN A CHIP/CRACK. IN THE 3 WEEKS SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES. SPEEDS WERE NOT EXCESSIVE AND THE ROCKS WERE SMALL. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN IN 20 YEARS OF OWNING CARS UNTIL THIS NEW C…"~2,800 mi, complaint #983421
    • "I WENT TO MY CAR ON A COLD MORNING IN JANUARY AND FOUND A CRACK ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD AT THE LEVEL OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. I DO NOT RECALL HEARING A ROCK CHIP PRIOR THE CRACK FORMING. I CONSIDER THIS CRACK A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING POSSIBLY…"~22,900 mi, complaint #1032530
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE AND SHUTTING THE DRIVER DOOR, THE REAR GLASS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…"~23,195 mi, complaint #1240375
  13. #13

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR A MONTH OR SO, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE RADIO SCREEN WAS HALF FADED OR GONE. THIS IS THE SCREEN THAT ALLOWS YOU TO USE THE HANDS FREE DEVICE ALSO. I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERS AND THEY STATED THAT THE RADIO WOULD…"~2,150 mi, complaint #1022890
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE RADIO SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (HERITAGE TOYOTA CATONVILLE, 6324 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1437168
    • "A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO MY FACTORY RADIO SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. SINCE THEN IT WILL COME ON BY ITSELF AND GO BACK OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND I AM UNABLE TO OPERATE IT IN ANY WAY OR TO CUT POWER ON OR OFF TO IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO IT SMELLED LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE AN…"~111,222 mi, complaint #1531996
  14. #14

    lighting exterior

    4 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. "~45,000 mi, complaint #1325813
    • "THE HEADLIGHT JUST WENT OUT - NO WARNING NO FLICKERING NOTHING. CHANGED THE LIGHT BLUB, CHANGED THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY - STILL DOES NOT WORK - ONLY HAPPENED TO ONE SIDE - FUSES, REPLYS, EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS"~80,000 mi, complaint #1574288
    • "WELL THE FIRST ITEM IS THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE PANEL DOOR. THE SECOND PROBLEM RIGHT LOW BEAM LIGHT HAS BEEN OUT NOW FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS I HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE WE HAD SWITCHED BULBS WE HAVE TRACED WIRES EVERYTHING REPLACE T…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1655185
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the low beam headlights started to flicker off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure,…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1986804
  15. #15

    engine cooling

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BOMBING NOISE. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND FIRE WAS EMERGING FROM THE HOOD. ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1591161
    • "VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE, SUDDENLY SMOKE CAME OUT AND CAR TURNED OFF. AS PER MECHANIC, VEHICLE OVERHEATED, COOLANT WAS ALL OVER THE ENGINE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON NOR PREVIOUS INDICATION OF OVERHEATING. VEHICLE MODEL FALLS UNDER KIA RECALL SC176 BUT CLAIM IS…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1659563
    • "REGARDING RECALL SC176 THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING AND HAS ENGINE DAMAGE WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE STARTING ON FIRE. HAVE BROUGHT IT TO 2 DEALERSHIPS AND THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO BRUSH IT OFF SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG EVEN THOUGH IT IS OVERHEATING AND AN INDEPE…"~137,985 mi, complaint #1681242
  16. #16

    abs module

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "DURING BRAKING AND HITTING SMALL HOLE IN ROAD I NOTICED THE BRAKES SKIPPING AND BRAKE PEDAL JUMPING UP AND DOWN AS IF IT WAS A POWER DEFECT. I HAD THE SAME EFFECT HAPPEN AFTER BAD RAIN AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT THE CAR SKIPPED TO THE STOP. WHEN IT SNOWED O…"~750 mi, complaint #966777
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty wire and was replaced. However, the warning lights illumi…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1980522
  17. #17

    alignment and pull

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLE SKITTERS AND FISHTAILS WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH ON BUMPY ROADS, ESPECIALLY CURVES. THE ESC SEEMS TO CORRECT THE SKITTERING IMMEDIATELY, BUT IT IS QUITE SCARY. SO FAR, THIS HAS HAPPENED ONLY ON DRY PAVEMENT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN ON WET OR ICY…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1194677
    • "STEERING WHEEL PLAY IS INCREASING AND CLICKS ON EACH SIDE OF THE PLAY. SUSPENSION FEELS AS IF THE CAR DRIFT/SLIDES WHENEVER DRIVING OVER DIVIDER LANE LINES OR DIRECTION ARROWS PLACED ON THE STREET."~29,269 mi, complaint #1544595
  18. #18

    starter

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR YOU TURN THE KEY AND IT DOES NOT TURN OVER. YOU HEAR A CLICK, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHT AND RADIO PLAYS BUT THE CAR DOESN'T START. SOMETIMES YOU CAN TURN THE KEY UP TO 10 TIMES BEFORE IT STARTS. HAPPENS 2-3 TIMES A WEEK SPORADICALLY…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1151683
    • "BATTERY REPLACED 2/18. INSTALLED W/ ROTORS & BRAKE PADS BY DEALERSHIP AFTER THIS MY CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. IT WOULD NOT EVEN MAKE A NOISE. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT ON. ALARM WORKED (INSTALLED BY DEALERSHIP). I GOT OUR OF CAR L…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1456126
    • "VEHICLE WILL JUST RANDOMLY NOT START. GET IN CAR TURN ON KEY AND NOTHING, LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT ALL WORK, BUT CAR WILL NOT START. SO FAR IF YOU WAIT A SHORT TIME AND TRY AGAIN IT STARTS AND ALL IS FINE. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE BATTERY SO I REPLACED IT AND ALL W…"~57,500 mi, complaint #1695647
  19. #19

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN CP662 TIRES, SIZE: P195/65R15. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BL…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1300319
    • "CAR HAS 24K MILES ON IT. DURING A TRIP THE CAR BEGAN TO WOBBLE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I NOTICED THE TIRE HAD A BULGE ON IT. I REPLACED IT. THE CAR STILL WOBBLED. I TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID ANOTHER OF THE TIRES HAD GONE BAD, BUT IT SHOULD G…"~24,560 mi, complaint #1386216
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN, WITHOUT ANY PROVACATION, THE TWO TIRES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL. HOLE WAS THE SIZE OF A 50 CENT PIECE. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON MARCH 26, 2014. WE WERE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE REAR TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE…"~26,616 mi, complaint #1050860
    • "I HAVE OWNED 2 KIA SOULS (A 2011 AND NOW A 2013 EACH BOUGHT NEW) AND HAVE BEEN VERY HAPPY UNTIL RECENTLY, JUNE THIS YEAR 2016, WHEN CHECKING THE LOW AIR PRESSURE IN REAR TIRES. THE TIRE STORE INFORMED ME THAT BOTH TIRES WERE "EXTREMELY OLD," "UNSAFE" "2007 T…"~44,239 mi, complaint #1309251
  20. #20

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "IN THE FRONT RANGE OF COLORADO WE FREQUENTLY GET SEVERAL INCHES OF WET, HEAVY SNOW IN THE FALL, WINTER AND SPRING. WE HAVE TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE A GARAGE AT HOME AND AT WORK. WE ALWAYS COMPLETELY CLEAR SNOW FROM ALL GLASS SURFACES AND CHECK THE OPERATION OF…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1175594
    • "I HAVE WASHER FLUID FOR LOW TEMPS. THE WASHER LINES KEEP FREEZING MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF WINDSHIELD. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS, ESPECIALLY IN NORTHEASTERN OHIO WEATHER. I CALLED KIA AND WAS TOLD BY KIA THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING CALLS NONSTOP ABOUT I…"~5,000 mi, complaint #959487
  21. #21

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AT KIA OF MERIDIAN (1219 MS-39 BYPASS, MERIDIAN, MS 39301). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE…"~101,832 mi, complaint #1596048
  22. #22

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE BATTERY POWER WAS DRAIN…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1647310
    • "CAR WONT START, INTERMITTENTLY. GOT A NEW BATTERY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WOULD START. LIGHTS COME ON THE DASH BUT CAR WOULDN'T START, QUICK JUMP AND CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. THIS KEPT HAPPENING SO I THOUGHT I HAD GOTTEN A BAD BATTERY. REPLACED THE…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1536116
  23. #23

    brake booster

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE BRAKES' VACUUM CHAMBER OR A VALVE HAVE GONE BAD. THE PEDDLE IS HARD TO PRESS WHEN VEHICLE IS CRANKED AN BAKING OUT. ALSO, NOTICED WHEN IDLING, THE BRAKE BECOMES STIFF AFTER A SLIGHT DEPRESSION OF THE PEDAL. SOMETIMES THE CAR CANNOT BE STARTED AS THE BRA…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1682411
    • "BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. MY BRAKE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORKED AND POWER STEERING WAS DISABLED, MAKING THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF "PARK" WITHOUT USING OVERRIDE BUTTON. CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO KIA DEALER. THIS SWITCH HAS BEEN RECALLED ON…"~65,800 mi, complaint #1350949
  24. #24

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "BRAND NEW CAR PURCHASED 04/06/13 AND HAS 2900 MILES AND BRAKES SQUEAK. BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEAKING SINCE MAY BUT UNABLE TO LEAVE IT DUE TO LONG PERIODS OF WAITING FOR CAR. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER THAT BRAKES ARE GLAZED AND ITS COMMON AND HAPPENS AND THEY WI…"~2,926 mi, complaint #991171
    • "THE CAR WENT IN FOR IT'S FIRST YEARLY INSPECTION AND THE KIA DEALER SAID THE BACK ROTORS WERE RUSTY AND WANTED TO CHARGE 110 DOLLARS TO CLEAN THEM. THEY EVENTUALLY CLEANED THEM UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE BACK ROTORS WERE RUSTY BECAUSE THE BACK BRAKES NEVER WORKED…"~4,600 mi, complaint #1189778
    • "I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR STATE EMISSION & INSPECTION. UPON TESTING, THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS, THEY WERE MISSING PCS. I WAS TOLD THAT I "FAILED TESTING" BECAUSE OF THIS AND WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE POSSESSION OF MY VEHICLE OR DRIVE AWAY FROM T…"~10,846 mi, complaint #1170198
  25. #25

    engine head gasket

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, he observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicl…"~67,461 mi, complaint #1944704
  26. #26

    exhaust system

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY 2013 SOUL PLUS GETS EXHAUST INTO CABIN ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. THE REAR MUFFLER OR CONVERTER DIRECTS THE EXHAUST STRAIGHT DOWN, NO TAIL PIPE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW."~33,000 mi, complaint #1257835
    • "RUBBING OF KNOCK SOUND AND SMOKE FROM EXHAUST THAT SMELLS BAD"~71,500 mi, complaint #1709966
    • "MY EXHAUST PIPE BROKE ON A WELD BEHIND THE RESONATOR AND STARTED DRAGGING THE GROUND WHILE I WAS DRIVING. LUCKLY I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. I WENT TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND GOT SOME CLAMPS TO HOLD IT TOGETHER BUT IT IS VERY LOUD NOW. NOT SURE IF IT COULD HAVE B…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1561103
  27. #27

    fuel tank and lines

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon his wife parking the vehicle, a strong fuel odor was coming from both inside and outside the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, his wife discovered fuel spewing underneath the vehicle. The c…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1849345
  28. #28

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "AFTER BUCKLING THE SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND GOING DOWN THE ROAD IF YOU TRY TO LEAN FORWARD ONE FINDS THAT THE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT PERMIT ANY MOVEMENT YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT AND THEN RETURN IT TO ITS PARKED POSITION AND…"~4,512 mi, complaint #1184669
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED TO RETRACT THE SEAT BELT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TO BE CAUGHT INSIDE THE DOOR FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS BENT. THE CONTAC…"~37,504 mi, complaint #1565869
  29. #29

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SUA SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. HAPPENING THREE TIMES SO FAR RANDOMLY. ONCE WHEN FIRST STARTED AND ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE WHEN STOPPING ALL HAPPEN ON THE ROAD."~55,000 mi, complaint #1380871
    • "STARTING IN 2018, ON 6 OCCASIONS AND AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN 2019, WHEN I TRY TO BRAKE THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON STREETS AND IN PARKING LOTS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DEALERS AND BOTH HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST ME, AS THEY SAY TH…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1547403
  30. #30

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Caution light on since October 23rd of 2023. My question is how your company can play God with people's lives. Gas light lever going crazy, caution light on for 2 months"complaint #1964209
    • "My 2013 Kia Soul has been recalled for HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) which can RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED since September of 2023. I was advised to park my vehicle away from the house and wait for a solution from K…"complaint #1973987
  31. #31

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SO I AM ACTUALLY SHOCKED THAT THERE'S NO COMPLAINT LOGGED HERE ABOUT THIS, YET IT SEEMS TO BE EVERYWHERE ALL OVER THE INTERNET. OUR 2013 KIA SOUL (AND THIS HAPPENS WITH MORE THAN JUST OUR YEAR) WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR COMES ON, ON THE…"~54,250 mi, complaint #1448823
    • "AS MY WIFE WAS ENTERING EASTBOUND US EXPRESSWAY 83 (INTERSTATE 2) JUST WEST OF MINNESOTA ROAD (APPROXIMATE TIME 5:15 PM) THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD AND HOOD. THE CAR WAS SAFELY PULLED OVER BUT THE HOOD WAS SO DAMAGED THAT IT HAD TO BE REMOV…"~69,129 mi, complaint #1402310
  32. #32

    instrument cluster

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED ON. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THE CONTACT PUSHING THE GEAR R…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1065568
  33. #33

    key fob and immobilizer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My vehicle is involved in the vulnerable Kia's lack of a theft immobilizer. I just contacted Kia service to make an appointment for the software update and was advised that my vehicle is not listed on the recall list though I was eligible for a steering wheel…"complaint #1896263
    • "My 2013 Kia Soul has been attempted to be stolen twice. My passenger side window was broken out with the intent to steal my car right from my driveway due to the tick tok challenge that has been going around and a month later the steering column was ripped apa…"complaint #1902209
  34. #34

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "MY CAR HESITATES WHEN I ROUND A CORNER OR TURN ON TO A HIGHWAY ONE DAY A TRUCK WAS BEHIND A 18 WHEELER SCARED ME AND MY PASSENGER. NOW FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS THIS CAR IS SHAKING ALL THE TIME NOT ONLY WHEN I STOP BUT EVEN WHEN I AM DRIVE KIA IN ATHENS GA SAY T…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1381815
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING NOISE UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. HIGH COUNTRY KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], FARMINGTON, NM) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1630312
  35. #35

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Spontaneous paint loss down to the bare metal. Yesterday I noticed a large fist-sized paint loss on top of my car above the drivers side. There is no damage to the area just the paint loss out of nowhere. I also noticed a couple of tiny paint losses somewhat n…"complaint #1752018
    • "Paint is bubbling up and peeling off everywhere on my car"complaint #2005469
  36. #36

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "OUR 2013 KIA SOUL ONLY HAS ONE MANUAL DOOR LOCK WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE DRIVER DOOR. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING, THE KEY BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN OR WON'T TURN AT ALL. IF THE KEY BREAKS WHILE SOMEONE IS ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOOR, THERE IS…"~6,400 mi, complaint #1037281
  37. #37

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "KIA SOUL 2013 JUST BOUGHT THROUGH DEALER MARCH 13 2020, AND IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHENEVER IT'S DRIVEN AND I HAVE KIDS IN THIS CAR SO IF THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH KIAS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ! MAKES NOISE WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, TURNING…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1657917
  38. #38

    timing belt or chain

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE ENGINE HAS ISSUES THAT HAVE CAUSED THE TIMING BELT TO BE OFF. CAUSEING THE VEHICLE TO NOT WORK."~26,000 mi, complaint #1543912
    • "ENGINE STARTED HARD IN DRIVEWAY AND LACKED PERFORMANCE WHEN STARTING DOWN THE STREET. HOPED IT WAS A POSSIBLE DAMP CONDITION THAT MORNING AS IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I CONTINUED OFF FOR WORK. AFTER NEARING WORK, IT DID NOT CORRECT ITSELF SO WHEN I GOT TO W…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1626856
  39. #39

    transmission automatic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BOUGHT THE KIA SOUL NEW IN AUGUST 2012. SINCE NOVEMBER 2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A SUDDEN PRONOUNCED HARD DOWNSHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. IT'S AS THOUGH THE BRAKE WERE ABRUPTLY APPLIED. THIS HAS BEEN A CON…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1197493
  40. #40

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "SUBMISSION FROM RE NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT ON KIA SOUL 2013 *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WENT FLAT. THE WHEEL AND RIM WERE BENT. THE DEALER STATED, THE CONSUMER MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE CONSUME…"complaint #1129682
    • "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. "complaint #2132544
  41. #41

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "CRUISE CONTROL HAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ALSO HAS RANDOM TURN OFFS. ALSO THE WAY IT TURNS ON IN CANNOT SLOW DOWN DURING TURN ON UNLESS YOU PRESS THE SLOW (SET - ) BUTTON A SECOND TIME. DIFFERENT THAN AMERICAN. DANGEROUS. SOMETIMES CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGES…"complaint #1307769
  42. #42

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Broken coupler. They want 2800 dollars to fix."complaint #2042190
  43. #43

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "VERY SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, WE DROVE TO CA. DURING THE DRIVE, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD SLOW TO TURN (LIKE INTO A DRIVE OR PARKING LOT) THE CAR WOULD ACT LIKE IT HAD A VAPOR LOCK- STARVED FOR FUEL. I WOULD PUMP THE GAS A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THE CA…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1280650
  44. #44

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I TOOK MY KIA SOUL IN FOR A RECALL BACK ON MARCH 9TH. ONCE THE DEALERSHIP DID THE UPDATE TO THE COMPUTER PER RECALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM KIA I LEFT WITH MY CAR. WITHIN 5 MIN MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE NOT ALLOWING ME TO GO ABOVE 59 OR OVER 2000 RPM. I HAVE DEALT…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1659596
  45. #45

    interior trim

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE A-PILLAR TRIM COVER DETACHED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FORCE OF THE WIND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER F…"~780 mi, complaint #996206
  46. #46

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AS I WAS DRIVING ACROSS, WITH A GREEN LIGHT, A SIX LANE (PLUS ADDITIONAL TURN LANES) CITY STREET AT PERHAPS 25 MPH, A DRIVER RUNNING HER RED LIGHT STRUCK MY VEHICLE BROAD SIDE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DO NOT KNOW HER SPEED BUT CAN SAY THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1456390
  47. #47

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WA…"~9,336 mi, complaint #1130154
  48. #48

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED IN THE CENTER. THE CAR LIKES TO FISHTAIL ON BUMPY ROADS CAUSING SOME LOSS OF CONTROL. THE CAR VIBRATES AT 60 PLUS MPH"~60,000 mi, complaint #1660016
  49. #49

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the sunroof shattered without impact. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not di…"~214,000 mi, complaint #1902557
  50. #50

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK MORE THAN ONCE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE PEDAL AGGRESSIVELY TO GET THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO RELEASE. T…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1261637
  51. #51

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "P 195 / 65 R 15 There seems to be an issue with the tires (4) staying inflated My safety was put at risk because vehicle wobbles when I get to a certain speed and I have to constantly put air in the tire daily The problem has been reported to carmax in St…"complaint #1906336
  52. #52

    trunk or liftgate

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY CLOSED THE DOOR AND THE WINDOW ON THE HATCH SHATTERED OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000. *TR"~1,000 mi, complaint #983668

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 14V822000, 19V120000, 23V652000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA SOUL directly.