NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 670 owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul. Most complaints involve engine (286) and steering (155). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Soul model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 516 |
| 2013 | 670 |
| 2014 | 906 |
| 2015 | 909 |
| 2016 | 831 |
| 2017 | 290 |
| 2018 | 224 |
| 2019 | 143 |
| 2020 | 388 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 14 |
“There are multiple recalls, including total engine failure recall, Kia is refusing to have it towed or reimburse for tow to dealership to fix recalls. I’ve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are “urgent”, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. I’ve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice when the engine failure occurred and again when I moved.”
“Steering Collumn Rod failed, mechanic said 2013 souls, all of them are affected, and break/go bad. Once repaired, after alignment and new tires, steering wheel rubs against column and no longer is auto steering. Paint came off of black and chrome rails and body at 50,000miles. Lastly, Electrical components stopped working at 65,000 miles. Electrical for rear side mirrors, front door locks no longer work or unlock while driving, drivers door no longer stays locked and remains open with door ajar light on.”
“While parked at the top of our driveway on a portion that is only a mild slope and in first gear (a manual transmission) with the parking brake fully engaged, the car rolled backwards down the steep driveway and into a tree. The car had been parked with the key out of the ignition for 5-10 minutes. There were some leaves on the driveway but it was not wet. The parking break has acted iffy on this car before but not to this extent. If the car had not rolled the way it did, it could have hit someone!”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,200 | 322 |
| Soul Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 333 |
| Soul Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 334 |
| Soul Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 346 |
| Soul Eco Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 345 |
| Soul Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 353 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 670 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (286), steering (155), electrical system (73). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Kia Soul at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Kia Soul 4 out of 5 stars overall.