general problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

On [xxx] jim ellis kia of kennesaw performed recall sc284 on my 2013 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ), replacing the hecu fuse. The next day, [xxx], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At no point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent aaa diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951. 41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s obd-ii diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of recall sc284 installation procedures and kia’s handling of this case. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Was driving on the highway when my car started to smoke pulled over and it was a fire under my hood from the abs module.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a carport and suddenly caught fire. The fire had expanded and caused damage to their garage near the carport and other vehicles within the garage. The fire department had arrived and put out the fire. A fire report stated that the failure was caused by an electrical issue. The vehicle was towed and identified as totaled. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The contact learned that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulics), which states the failure could cause a fire. The deaelr had not been contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The engine caught on fire. The car cut off while I was driving. It began to smoke and then I saw the flames. My safety was put at risk because I was driving the car. The car is burned from the front bumper to the backseat. The car has not been inspected because of how bad it is burned. There were not any warnings of the failure before it happened.

The car stared to lose all power and sputtering. Then the check engine light started coming on then it would go off. This has been going on for about 4 months. One day it would run on then next day not good at all. I changed the plugs and coils and it ran a lil better for about 2 days. Not every time I put it in reverse I started cutting out and now I don't the it can idle at all. It's a 4 cylinder feeling like a beefed up v8 trying to ideal. I looked at my coils and it looked like it had been on fire I have put every bit of money I could to try to fix it. I just had tires put on too. I pay for full coverage and a car payment. I pay aot for this car every month yet I can't drive it. I take care of my father that is terminal and on hospice, plus I'm disabled myself on a fixed income. This car is all I have and it my only car for my father as well. Help pleas.

Car is not starting.

I've received two things in the mail about recalls one is about the car being able to catch on fire due to some fuse that they don't even have a part for this. . . This is unacceptable. I mean, how long am I gonna be waiting on a part and have to worry about my car catching on fire. Second I got something in the mail about kia being sued about people being able to steal the car from the ignition just seems like kia needs to take this car back because it seems like there's way too many issues it very unacceptable when I have kids that this car could catch on fire driving or just sitting in my yard unacceptable.

My complaint has to do with the current recall on my vehicle. It's not driveable as it's safety hazard - engine quits at stops no rpm's panel lights (abs, battery (brand new as mechanic I went to put on diagnostic machine and that's only thing that showed) oil light and malfunction indicator illuminate and then everything goes off including my headlights (I was driving early evening). Called local dealer (I never received notice but by chance looked up to see if any recalls and saw it on your website. They rudely said "you know as much as we do about when we'll get parts to repair recall". Clearly it's shorting out and I'm not going to endanger myself or others but what do I do? I've have a number of medical issues and am missing necessary appointments. How much longer is it expected before recall repairs can be made? I do thank you for all you do. I am grateful an entity exists that look out for us. Least I don't feel totally lost.

I'm already aware of the recalls on alot of vehicles including my 2013 kia Soul and am aware of a judges ruling on this. How can kia Soul play god with peoples lives? I already filed a claim but still not not getting any help until the end of April. I'm a single 63 year old woman who is at risk of getting hurt not to mention other people/and or other people close to my vehicle. This is just beyond wrong. I saved for 2 years to get a more dependable vehicles and now have to worry about an explosion. I already filed a claim but I'm scared. The radio has been funky since I got it last year. It's a used vehicle buy to me it looked new to me. I love it bur now afraid to even get in it but really don't have a choice since I'm 63 yrs and don't have anyone else to get help or have another vehicle to use. I depend solely on myself. I need help with getting another vehicle until all of this mess is taken care of. I have gas gauge issues, revinng up randomly, caution light staying on now and yesterday I had smoke coming out under the dash and then it just stopped while I was trying to pull off and call for help but it stopped so I came back home. The oil was changed right after I got it last year and I put new tires on it with the money I got from a junk yard in johnson city that came to get my 98 Ford escort that my church family helped for me after a very traumatic accident that killed my little senior rescue pommy, totaled my vehicle and I spent several days in icu. I live on a very strict monthly income and this has caused more anxiety and panic issues that I can't even get under control with breathing exercises, journaling and taking my fur baby for walks and am back on my regular meds. Please someone needs to help me or I'm just going to give up. Thank you trudy yates 423-930-5864 yates_trudy@comcast. Net 362 14th street NW norton va 24273.

Have two active recalls on my Soul. Not driving because could catch on fire. I still have to pay insurance on my vehicle. Kia is dragging their feet with a fix. They say a fuse but it isn’t fixing the problem unit! it’s been four months still no fix. They need to get this remedied I need my car back on the road.

While driving, the lights flickered, then car shut down in the middle of the road. I could smell something burning. No warning lights came on. Had to tow the car. Found out there was no oil in the engine, when I should have had 2000 miles to go until next oil change. Engine seized. Apparently there is an oil consumption recall on almost all other kias for oil consumption except my car.

On 12/20/2023 I was driving my 2013 kia Soul in the center lane on route 3 south in nashua nh when all of a sudden the whole dashboard panel lit up and then everything went off and the car came to a halt. The engine was dead it would not start nothing would turn on. I had to push my vehicle from the center of the 3 lane highway off to the right side breakdown lane. I had to call aaa to have them tow my car to my mechanic. After looking over the vehicle I was informed that my engine had sized up and there was no oil in the engine. I had my oil change a little less then a month ago from the date of the incident. There was no low oil light warning that came on while I was driving my car. This same car I have had issues with the catalytic converter and issues with the 1. 6l gasoline direct injection (gdi) that I had to pay over $1400. 00 to have repaired and had several issues with it trying to get it to pass safety inspection and safety emissions.

I received the recall information in the mail. Found out that there is no remedy for it yet. Have been waiting since November 2023. I have not had any problem with the car but don't want to drive it or have it near my house if it can catch fire. I have it parked with the battery disconnected cause I don't want the fire to happen.

The recall for my vehicle happened weeks ago and there is still no solution. This is a fire hazard and the only vehicle I own. I need this fixed ASAP.

Informed of fire risk by kia, informed of planned resolution (replacement of fuses), however to date there is no resolution available because they dont have the part. Fuses are common off the shelf items. The delay is unacceptable, especially in light of the recommendation to park the car outside when there is also an issue of theft because they failed to included even the most basic anti-theft tech.

In November, the platform through whom I rent my kia Soul delisted the vehicle due to a safety recall. Within a week, I received a notice for recall 23v652. The issue is that the car can experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. The notice helpfully pointed out that an engine fire can increase the risk of injury, but that no fix is in sight, yet. I can no longer support my son and his education (I was using the money from renting out the vehicle to pay for tuition), I cannot even drive the car to get another part time job,and despite calls and letters, nothing is being done to fix the car. It's been 4 months without transportation. To add insult to russian-roulette injury, another notice arrived from kia advising that thieves have an easy time breaking into a stealing certain vehicles (offer qhjwt) and if I could just drive my car and get someone to agree to have the ticking flame-bomb in their parking lot, they would fix this - at no charge. I need the car to work. I need the fix. If not, I need my money returned. I continue to make payments on a car I cannot drive. I will also file a complaint with the ftc. Note: when I first filed, I did not smell a burning smell. I got that smell on a quick 4 minute trip to the store, so do not drive the car at all.

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.

Slow to accelerate abs light on engine light on.

The check engine light has been on about a few weeks. While driving on the highway at approx 65 miles per hour my car started loosing power and the temperature gauge indicator went to "h". I pulled off the highway and noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from the hood. I waited about 10 minutes then got back on the road again the temperature gauge began to rise to "h". I pulled off several things before reaching home. The next day the car was towed to hollywood kia. My car has been at the shop for 2 weeks. I was giving a repair bill of $1500. I need help please and can't afford to pay for the repairs. Respectfully, marvelyn jackson.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the defroster and air conditioning failed to turn off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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 kia. It has been 6 months that I have been unable to drive my vehicle. Kia states that a remedy is *still* unavailable.

Our 2013 kia Soul accelerated on its own at a sonic drive-in restaurant. First ran into a brick wall and then when put in reverse, it continued at accelerated speed until it came to a stop. Nobody injured - just the car. Afterward I did some research and found it has been a problem with various makes and models of kias.

I was noified last year September 2023 of a dangerous recall that could catch the vehicle on fire. Now. 9 months later kia has not provided me with a repair for my safty.

Car’s check engine and oil light came in and flickered. Went to get an oil change and have them check the car. I turned the car off when I got there. When I went to start the car to wind the windows down, the mechanic saw sparks, I saw smoke coming out of the engine and he yelled for me to stop trying to start it. We opened the hood, tried again and the same thing happened - almost caught on fire. Now, the engine won’t turn over. He said the battery is good. He said the engine is done.

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.

The brake lights go out all the time. They work one day and then not the next. This is a known issue with kia vehicles. Apparently this is a wide spread issue that effects many kia brand cars not just the Soul model that I drive. I have people stop me saying they did not see my brake lights come on at all when I obviously had to. Why hasn't this been a recall? this is a problem that could end in fatalities.

The catalytic converter is damaged, soon the engin could fail, and there is a recall on the catalytic converter for this car type and model and year. It has all the symptoms that the converter is damaged, tried to liquid to fix it it did not work it is available for inspection no risk yet, inspected and problem was confirmed engine light is on.

Catalytic converter is going out. Although apparently there was no recall for my car in particular but there has been a recall for the converter overheating and damaging the engine. Car no longer goes over 40 mph; meaning I can no longer use the freeway. Oil light comes on at least twice a month. Even after a oil change it comes right back on. Check engine light never goes off. Piston rod is damaged which then contributes to a oil leak. This has been happening over a 6 month time span. I call myself fixing one thing then something else more detrimental breaks.

2013 kia Soul randomly turns off. It has 101k miles. No dash or warning lights come on before this happens. Then after it turns off an oil can icon, battery icon and a steering wheel icon with exclamation come on the dash and the air is still on, so its on battery power. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and ac and restart the car. The second issue that is happening. It is also randomly struggling to start up. I have bought a new battery thinking it was the issue. Still it randomly has startup cranking issues. The random engine power off has happened while slowing down to go over a speed bump, while idling at a stop lights and while I tried to engage the reverse to backup. It is also randomly struggling to start after these engine power off events. Never consistent. Sometimes it starts right up after the power off and others it takes several cranks before it starts. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and restart it. I drive 5 miles to work and luckily don't need to go over 35mph to get there, but I shudder to think what could have happened if I was going faster and the engine cuts off. I have had it diagnosed at a non kia reputable mechanic repair shop, where they tested the battery and is shows to be good(should since it is new). Since it sounded like an electrical issues they tested and cleaned the power and ground cables. They attached the scan tool and checked all the modules on the vehicle and no diagnostics trouble codes were stored in any of the modules. But the problem continues. I have scheduled another diagnostic with a kia dealership sept 29, 2022 to see if they can figure this out. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. Like I mentioned I shudder to think what could of happened the times I was on the highway driving at 60-65mph and the only way to get it turn back on is to put it in park and restart it and hope it starts right away before an accident occurs. Not driving til fixed.

2013 kia Soul base model when kia reset engine because catallactic convertor (to show proper mpg) this started shortly after. Soul started having fuel levels drop to empty after fueling. With fuel light & engine light coming on. Driving a short time fuel gauge then shows correct amount. This is occurring more often, talking with other kia Soul owners they have seen it also. I am told sensors in fuel tank will need replaced almost $1000. 00 but nothing can be done until lights stay on all time with no gaurentee it will fix problem. Both of my Souls have this issue, I have 1 Soul still on the road, Soul 2 was traded in. Pictures from a video as event was happening.

My car without warning started smoking from the hood. I immediately parked the car, popped the hood, and flames starting rising from underneath before I had even exited the vehicle. Within 5 minutes of the smoke, my car was completely on fire.

While driving down the highway, or turning around a curve the engine stops. The car can be restarted after it is put un park. Not always possible on a busy road.

It all started when I thought I received bad gas a couple of months ago after filling my tank up with regular gas from a speedway , it didn't start right away, and that never happened and then it continued to be hard to accelerate, as I drove it. That has happened on 2 other occasions since that incident a couple of months ago I would push the pedal to the floor and the rpm would not move it stayed on zero. The accelerator was resistant to move, but I made it home. Spoke a mechanic friend, who's done body work on my car, and thought, as I did, I had bad gas. . Suggested, I get the fuel tank flushed and filled, which I did at jiffy lube. I've since put heet in on every fill up, and used premium gas. Happened again yesterday am on my way home from work about about 830am. I was stopped at a light, it cut off, I put it in park, and cut it back on, but it was hard to accelerate. I made it home, but now extremely worried, given all the spontaneous fires, and engine problems. It's my only source of transportation, so I'm in desperate need of help.

I have been having major battery issues switching out my batteries and them going out fast. Also when I'm driving my car shakes when it goes above 60 miles per hour, also when I change gears I noticed I get a hard thump when I change my gears. The electrical in the car sometimes it goes off and on my radio has completely went out it comes on when it wants. Cruise control when I put it on sometimes just cuts off when I'm driving. Engine runs kind of rough when I first got my car everything was smooth but after 6 years I noticed everything started running the little rough.

My 2013 kia Soul has been stalling while idle or at red lights. In addition, sometimes it is difficult to start and I have to attempt several times. Lately, once I do start the vehicle and begin to drive, it’s as if the vehicle doesn’t know which gear to maintain. As a result, the car will attempt to “cut off” driving and l literally will have to pull over immediately in attempt to not be hit or run off the road, as the car is practically in neutral by its own choice. Also, the “emergency brake” light is on, even though the emergency brake is not being used.