general problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

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 I did not have glass in my eyes or face drive to safety covering my face w my sweater. Pulled off the bridge pulled the rest of glass out and took picture and called my insurance company online there are hundreds of postings with this happening on kias there needs to be a recall on this ASAP please before someone gets severely injured or dies. My name is [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the abs module.

Honor catalytic converter failure under manufacturer warranty which they refuse to honor after 90 days at the kia service center , and fail to replace the defective part.

The 2013 kia Soul has been subject to recalls related to the gear shift, with some models potentially experiencing issues that could cause the vehicle to roll away due to a gear shift defect. Some 2013 kia Souls may have a gear shift defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.

My 2013 kia Soul 1. 6l is currently displaying a check engine light. My vehicle has very strong smelling exhaust, engine knocking, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel mileage. This has been going on for about a year. I have a diagnostic code reader and it returns the error code p0420, which indicates a faulty catalytic converter, which could cause engine damage. There is a recall for the catalytic converter for my year and engine type. I received a letter in the mail regarding this recall. The link to the letter: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/rcl/2019/rcrn-19v120-5117. Pdf however, when I enter my VIN at the kia owners portal this recall does not come up. I have contacted my local kia dealership (johnson city kia) and they act like they have no idea what I am talking about. I have called kia customer care center and they refused to help, saying that the recalls are "VIN specific". That's ridiculous. If the recall covers my year make and model then the VIN shouldn't mean crap.

On Sunday l was driving my car and the car started making noise at green light when l try to press on the accurate to go forward to get to the green light. I try to get though the green light but the car shut off on me in the middle of the intersection. Started the car back up and try to accurate again but was only able move a little bit and get to the side of the road this is unsafe. I have had thj.

My car has been at the kia service center since October 5, 2024, on a manufacturer recall, and since then another recall has been added, on the day the service center received my car I was number 11, in line with the recall vehicles, I have been put in hardship because kia has not honored the recall in ample time, lost of job opportunities , stress, getting back and forth with appointments, I strongly feel as though I have been discriminated against, I receive no updated status about my car, and strongly feel, that my recall is being tossed to the side, I have contacted the nhtsb about this matter, loss wages, loss job opportunities, and stress have been placed on me from the kia service center in trussville alabama, kia have failed to comply with the recall and have had ample time to remedies the problem.

On [xxx], we were driving on [xxx] from wisconsin into minnesota to park at msp airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from texas where we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from minneapolis on [xxx] (1. 5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in eau claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the mdps/flexible coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15. 00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand now that this is a persistent problem for many kia 2013 Soul and other kias and that NHTSA has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many kias? there were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but kia history seems to suggest a potential recall need. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2013 kia Soul. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle, thirty minutes later, the vehicle was parked in the driveway unattended and caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was burned from the engine to the door panel. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000  (service brakes, hydraulic,). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The hecu fuse issue (recall sc284) was announced in September 2023 - and there is still no remedy issued as of April 2024. This marks almost 7 months where my vehicle has been a potential fire hazard, risking life and property. The marked delay is unacceptable and unsafe.

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 keep smelling something and my car drives kind of slow.

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.

There has been multiple incidents the first time the car started jumping and smoking on 12/7/2022 I had it put in the shop and they said it was 2 oxygen sensors and crank position sensor after that repair the ac goes out completely. So it drove fine for a couple months then started jumping in middle of interstate again and check engine light came on so I pull off interstate before I got hit it dropped speed and wanted to keep shutting off didn't want to pick up speed so got it checked out again they changed out spark plugs, air filter and catalytic converter also not to mention tow bill. Then thinking everything should be took care of after that no for the third time after being exhausted of repairs on a over paid car I was on interstate again on 11/21/2023 I was going 65mph when all of a sudden my battery light, ! light came on and service engine light all lights started flashing so I barely made it off interstate when my car started jumping so I pull over and steering was getting hard to turn as the car shuts off and leaves me stranded once again with a towing bill and another shop they replaced the alternator,ignition coil,fuel pump,spark plugs again,bolt flang,fuel pressure sensor,cop coil,high pressure sensor,battery. It's been costly and for how long before something happens again for a car that I'm paying twice the amount it's worth.

I was sent to this form by live chat to report that a recall for my car has not been remedied in a timely manner. I received notification in November of 2023 that it was advised to not use my car and to park away from buildings. It has been 7 months and it still shows as not updated on this website and the official kia one.

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.

Unknown. On November 14, 2023, I received a notice from kia about "an important safety recall. " the notice stated that I should not park my vehicle indoors or next to any other vehicle, as it could burst into flames. This is a dangerous situation that threatens both our personal safety and security. It is now 3 months later (2/19/2024), and my kia dealer cannot repair my vehicle as they have not yet received the necessary parts required for the repair. This is outrageous and I would like this matter to be resolved, immediately!.

An NHTSA recall number sc284am was issued on September 25, 2023. The recall states "urgent: fire risk when parked," and advises owners to park out of doors, and away from other vehicles. This is absolute insanity and irresponsibility. I received a letter from kia in November, 2013 about this recall (over 5 months ago). As of this date, 4/5/2024, they do still not have the necessary part for the hecu system, which I understand to be a fuse. Considering the extremely high risk and personal exposure involved in this recall, I feel the lengthy delay in resolving the problem to be outrageous. Please advise ASAP. Thank you.

There is an open fire hazard recall on my vehicle, and no solution made available. When I went to the dealer for service, I inquired about this and was told that it will "probably be a while before they get to the older vehicles". Older vehicles have more wear and are likely at greater risk. Surely there is a replacement hecu module available. It has been six months since the recall, and this is a critical fire hazard issue. I want the process to move along so I no longer have to worry about a vehicle fire, especially when it has occupants. I feel like kia is dragging its feet on older vehicles, hoping they will age out or we will sell them. My vehicle has 34,000 miles, so I will have it for many years, and need this issue resolved in a timely manner.

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.

Uvo infotainment system speakers not working. Radio works, but the only thing you can hear is the beep of the buttons when you push them on the screen. It keeps resetting itself as well.

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 lock. I purchased a steering wheel lock in early 2022 because of the news of the kia vehicle vulnerability due to the tiktok theft instruction video. How can kia offer recall/software upgrades and exclude the 2013 kia Soul+? I really would like an explanation. Thank you.

I was driving along the street when the engine went dead. I shifted into neutral, cranked the engine and restarted the engine. I almost got hit. This has now happened several times with myself and other drivers.

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 apart in my drive way with the intent to steal it a 2nd time due to my vehicle not having an immobilizer. My safety as well as the safety of my entire family and that of all of my neighbors was put at risk with both attempts as we caught them in the act the first time… and the 2nd time but we didn’t realize it until later when we discovered the steering column ripped apart. This is my only vehicle, I do not have the means to replace it or to buy another one. Why aren’t these cars being recalled? the public should not be on the hook for replacing windows and steering columns because of a companies short comings. I did not recently buy my car, I’ve had it since 2017 and had I been aware of this issue, I most definitely would have bought a different car!.

Unknown tbd.

Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate.

Engine loses power and then stops now car won't start catalytic converter the gas cap the 02 censorand the throttle body.

The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the waikem (now diehl) dealership in massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then had the same issue less than a week later, and then said the engine seized up and needed replaced. I was without my car for a total of over two months altogether, because then after I had it replaced, I had the same issue again, a week later and it was the ignition coils that needed replaced. This was right before christmas in December 2022. After about two months. I began having issues again. It was one evap issue after another with the check engine light on again many times. I took it in, had the purge valve replaced, then a month later, had another issue, and had the filters replaced, then a month later, another issue, this time the purge valve again. Then we thought we fixed it last week, but now same issue again. I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle since last year and I am very upset, because I have lost all confidence in my vehicle. It is one issue after another. Now the fuel gauge is flashing that it is empty, even though I filled up my tank yesterday, this has been the same ongoing issue for three weeks now and no resolution, with the check engine light on. I just want a working vehicle. I have children. I need it to be safe and reliable.

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.

Driving down the freeway, and a fireball exploded out the bottom of the car, according to the driver behind us. The fire department were called out, deemed the car unsafe, and disconnected the fuel line. Car towed away.

On a Sunday our started to turn off at red lights and stop signs. Then a loud pop happened, white smoke came out, and the car died on the interstate. The piston rod had broke and cracked the engine block. We did not even know there was anything going on until the car broke like it did.

I was driving doing about 30 mph and hit a boulder and came to complete stop and my air bags did not deploy. And there is another feature vogue or on star that is spouse to call for help did not go off either.

I am the second owner of a 2013 kia Soul that was purchased from century 3 kia, in Dec of 2015 with approximately 33,000 miles on it. It now has approximately 99,900 miles on it. During the summer of last year, I began to have problems with the car overheating, stalling, and hearing knocking in the engine. My car was burning oil pretty bad (kept having to change the oil) and it smelled like something was burning in my engine so I took it to the dealership where I purchased it. I was afraid it would catch on fire. They ran a diagnostic on it and said that it was the catalytic converter and quoted me a price of around $3,000 to fix it. I asked if there were any recalls for this issue and they said no. About a week later I took it to my mechanic, after doing a diagnostic check he confirmed that the catalytic converter was defective, and he said that my engine sounded pretty bad as well. He told me that he believed there was a recall on my car and advised me to contact kia and ask about it. I called kia and they told me there were no open recalls on my vehicle so I decided to get the least expensive issue taken care of first and had the catalytic converter replaced in July 2021. I became ill shortly after that so the car sat unused for several months. I became ill again with covid in late November and was hospitalized for two weeks, the car sat unused for several more months. In March of 2022, I tried to drive it around the block but had to turn around because the car was very unstable. I towed it back to my mechanic, who told me it was the engine. My kia Soul has a 1. 6l dohc gdi gamma engine, I noticed that it was the same as the ones that were part of the 2019 recall. I had the same issues with my car as those reported by others. I took very good care of my car and kept up with servicing it. My car should have been included in the recall, it had a faulty catalytic converter which caused my engine to fail. Now I'm forced to pay expenses for a car that I can't drive.

I was driving my car when the inside filled with smoke, I stopped the car in the middle of a busy street and got out and within 20 seconds all the glass blew and my car was completely engulfed in flames. The car was a total loss and kia is not cooperating, they don't even act like they care that their customer almost died and lost everything.

The acceleration drops out at any given point in time. It idles rough. The check engine light goes on and off regardless of issues occurring. Pedal to the floor I can't get more than 1400 rpms and about 7 mph. The dealership has had my car several times unable to find an issue and the engine has been replaced since it blew up a year and a half or so ago. Everything I've read seems like the catalytic convertor is failing.