2013 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 282 1 crash 30 fire 1 injury

“I WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH A PRIOR RECALL, CONCERNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND OVERHEATING. (POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A STALL / ENGINE FIRE) I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD RAN THE UPGRADE AND MY CAR WAS MECHANICALLY SOUND. THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING YEAR, I HAD CONTACTED KIA OVER MY CAR ACTING STRANGE AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAR MAXED OUT BETWEEN 25-35 MPH ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS 4 TIMES TO DATE. I KEPT TAKING IT IN AND THEY DONE INSPECTIONS, THE CAR APPEARED IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE. EXACTLY 2-3 DAYS AFTER PICKING MY C…”
NHTSA complaint #11323750, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“I was on vacation driving the vehicle when the engine caught fire..There was kids in the car there was nothing wrong with the vehicle all of a sudden it just went boom and caught fire We were slowing down to get off the exit. I have no idea what all was effected I don't know much about cars to know what did or did not catch fire..”
NHTSA complaint #11730782, 2026 · fire

“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 n…”
NHTSA complaint #11607896, 2024 · fire

Steering 150 1 crash 1 injury

“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, AND MINOR BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10584218, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11751189, 2026

“Steering wheel column coupler clicking and wore out”
NHTSA complaint #11733855, 2026

Service Brakes 98 2 crash 10 fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked unattended at 3 am. All the warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure, and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact had received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). There were no reported injuries, police report, or crash. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the scrap yard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11733591, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at night, the neighbor knocked on the door approximately 4:00 AM in the morning to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire in the driveway. The contact went outside and saw that the front of the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the neighbor was already attempting to put out the fire with a gardening hose. The contact and the neighbor attempted to extinguish the fire; however, the flames spread throughout the vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11701256, 2025 · fire

“On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the ABS module.”
NHTSA complaint #11695348, 2025 · fire

Electrical System 71 2 crash 6 fire 3 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10555115, 2012 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11674010, 2025 · fire

“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 vehicles and a motorcycle inside the garage. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and the origin was an electrical issue. The vehicle was towed and identified as totaled. There were no injuries sustained. A dealer was not contacted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V65200…”
NHTSA complaint #11622661, 2024 · fire

Unknown Or Other 60 2 crash 7 fire 3 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11418375, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11484541, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH A PRIOR RECALL, CONCERNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND OVERHEATING. (POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A STALL / ENGINE FIRE) I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD RAN THE UPGRADE AND MY CAR WAS MECHANICALLY SOUND. THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING YEAR, I HAD CONTACTED KIA OVER MY CAR ACTING STRANGE AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAR MAXED OUT BETWEEN 25-35 MPH ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS 4 TIMES TO DATE. I KEPT TAKING IT IN AND THEY DONE INSPECTIONS, THE CAR APPEARED IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE. EXACTLY 2-3 DAYS AFTER PICKING MY C…”
NHTSA complaint #11323750, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 43 4 fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked unattended at 3 am. All the warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure, and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact had received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). There were no reported injuries, police report, or crash. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the scrap yard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11733591, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated her son exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from underneath the vehicle. A passerby pulled over and helped the contact's son move…”
NHTSA complaint #11680410, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the recall was serviced; however, the check engine soon after the recall repair. While driving at 55 MPH, a fellow motorist flagged the contact down to alert her that a fire had started from underneath the vehicle. The flame had died out once the contact pulled over and exited t…”
NHTSA complaint #11513981, 2023 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 27 2 fire

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11590295, 2024 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11458495, 2022 · fire

“Vehicle is experiencing rod-knock and engine performance issues along with a P0420 code for the catalytic converter. After using a diagnostic tool to retrieve code, a recall was present for the existing code, that explained the exact symptoms my car is experiencing. I have had the car since 2021 and have not received any notification regarding a recall for the engine; it was only after I ran a diagnostic check where I found out there was a past recall for the engine and catalytic converter (SC176). I called KIA customer service, and they explained that the vehicle did not receive the recall,…”
NHTSA complaint #11745733, 2026

Air Bags 18 14 crash 18 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, HEAD, BACK AND LEGS. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, BACK AND LEGS. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTI…”
NHTSA complaint #10630786, 2014 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10555115, 2012 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I was involved in a car accident where a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit him in his side with the front passenger side of my car resulting in the car to roll two times. As a result of the airbags not deploying the windshield came into the car causing lacerations to the face of the passenger and as the car was rolling his right arm was out of the window causing him to have to have staples put in his arm and the skin on his hand was gone both driver and passenger had concussions and I feel that these injuries could have been avoided if the airbags (front and side ) were to depl…”
NHTSA complaint #11502010, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 17

“While driving my 2013 Kia Soul, it has turned off while I was sitting still several times this month. The RPM gauge has stopped working and than my vehicle would not drive, actually it was driving very slow and not getting enough power to go the normal speed. Also now my cruise control does not come on any longer. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer, where they claimed that they could fix it, but than after I paid over $2000, they stated that they did not have the parts to fix my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11696669, 2025

“Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.”
NHTSA complaint #11693140, 2025

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11635358, 2025

Structure 15 3 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10555115, 2012 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. DRIVER VEERED RIGHT ACCIDENTLY AND WENT OFF ASPHALT SURFACE INTO DITCH. VEHICLE ROLLED END OVER END TWICE AND LANDED UPRIGHT FACING SOUTH ON THIRD ROLLOVER. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES OF FRONT, TOP WAS CRUSHED IN, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BENT INTO WHEEL WELL, WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND CAVED IN. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HOOD. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. THE MAJOR COMPLAINT WAS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY TO PROTECT DRIVER. VEHICLE ENGINEERS…”
NHTSA complaint #10745084, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 FIRE BUT CAR WAS TOTALED. MY INSURANCE CO. HIRED A FORENSIC SPECIALIST TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FIRE FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES. THE SPECIALIST WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS FREAK INCIDENT. I HAVE PICTURES BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO INCLUDE THEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11191723, 2015 · fire

Power Train 14 1 fire 1 injury

“I WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH A PRIOR RECALL, CONCERNING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND OVERHEATING. (POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A STALL / ENGINE FIRE) I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD RAN THE UPGRADE AND MY CAR WAS MECHANICALLY SOUND. THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING YEAR, I HAD CONTACTED KIA OVER MY CAR ACTING STRANGE AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAR MAXED OUT BETWEEN 25-35 MPH ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS 4 TIMES TO DATE. I KEPT TAKING IT IN AND THEY DONE INSPECTIONS, THE CAR APPEARED IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE. EXACTLY 2-3 DAYS AFTER PICKING MY C…”
NHTSA complaint #11323750, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY ENGINE BLINKED FIVE TIMES AND CAR LOCKED UP BEGAN TO SHUT OFF. GOT OUT THE CAR THINKING I NEED OIL POPPED THE HOOD SAW SOMETHING FALL LOOKED UNDER THE CAR THERE WAS A FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A TOWEL CALLED THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND SAID A ROD BLEW? AND I GOOGLED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT HAPPENING”
NHTSA complaint #11338842, 2020 · fire

“Excessive oil consumption, burning a quart of oil a week. Mechanic looked my car there aren't any oil leaks, said car is burning oil.”
NHTSA complaint #11558732, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 12 1 crash 3 injury

“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 AIRBAG AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ROAD SHE WAS TRAVELING IS 40 MPH. THE REASON FOR THIS REPORT IS THAT THE IMPACT CAUSED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TO SNAP OFF AND BECOME AN AIRBORNE MENACE. THE MIRROR GAVE ME A LARGE LUMP JUST ABOVE MY RIGHT EYE AND CAUSED A CONTUSION ON MY RIGHT CHEEK THAT AFTER BLEEDING PROF…”
NHTSA complaint #11080904, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT ARE THE SAME AS MINE AND THE WINDOW BROKE IN SHARDS AND SPLINTERS UNCOMMON TO A NORMAL CAR WINDOW. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10515045, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“Unknown, I was just sitting at a red light and my back glass just shattered out of nowhere, I got out and looked to see if anything hit but there wasn’t a sign, I feel very unsafe in this vehicle between the recall and now my back window just shattering”
NHTSA complaint #11556337, 2023

Exterior Lighting 10

“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, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11585388, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11525165, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11512559, 2022

Suspension 9 1 crash 1 injury

“VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING NORTH AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. DRIVER VEERED RIGHT ACCIDENTLY AND WENT OFF ASPHALT SURFACE INTO DITCH. VEHICLE ROLLED END OVER END TWICE AND LANDED UPRIGHT FACING SOUTH ON THIRD ROLLOVER. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS. VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES OF FRONT, TOP WAS CRUSHED IN, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BENT INTO WHEEL WELL, WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED AND CAVED IN. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HOOD. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. THE MAJOR COMPLAINT WAS THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY TO PROTECT DRIVER. VEHICLE ENGINEERS…”
NHTSA complaint #10745084, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 AND VERY LOUD”
NHTSA complaint #11320710, 2020

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11322205, 2019

Seat Belts 6 1 crash 1 injury

“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 DEPLOY...UPDATED 12/03/14 *BF UPDATED 5/11/2015 *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10659308, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“RADIO/BACKING CAMERA STOPPED WORKING. HAD CAMERA REPLACED EARLIER. RADIO COMES ON BUT PLAYS NO SOUNDS.”
NHTSA complaint #11210402, 2019

“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 CONTACT STATED THAT THE BUCKLE NO LONGER FITS INTO THE RECEIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAMILY KIA OF ST.AUGUSTINE LOCATED AT 2665 U.S. HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32086, (904) 808-0542, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RETRACTOR, RECEIVER, AND BUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…”
NHTSA complaint #11207316, 2018

Wheels 6

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11688787, 2025

“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 GET ME HOME. I HAD A BLOWOUT ON THAT TIRE ON THE WAY HOME ALSO DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRES ARE OEM NEXEN CP662'S. THE REMAINING 2 TIRES ARE PREMATURELY WORN AND HAVE BEEN ROTATED WITH EACH OIL CHANGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11000341, 2017

“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 TIRES!" BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBLE DANGER TO ME OR OTHERS, WHILE CONTINUING TO DRIVE ON THESE TIRES WHICH WERE SOLD TO ME ON MY 2013 BY THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE BOTH WITH NEW TIRES BY THE TIRE STORE, WHICH I DID IMMEDIATELY. GIVEN MY REGULAR TUNE UPS AT THE DEALER WHERE THEY NOTED THEY "ROTATED TIRES" EACH TIME, I WAS NEVER…”
NHTSA complaint #10896670, 2016

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4 1 fire

“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 AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF IT THRU THE DASH BOARD AREA INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. I THEN POPPED THE HOOD TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING ON FIRE AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING BUT THE SMOKE WAS STILL COMING THE THE DASHBOARD AREA. THIS WAS THE ONLY INCIDENT SINCE 2 DAYS AGO. I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11170550, 2019 · fire

“OLI LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN MY OIL IS LOW. MY 2013 KIA SOUL BURNS OIL QUICKLY HAD MY OIL CHANGED 2 WEEKS AGO CHECKED YESTERDAY THE DIP STICK WAS ALMOST DRY AT NOT TIME DID MY OIL LIGHT COME ON. MY STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE WHEN I MOVE LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE, STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKES IT LOCKS AT TIME WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY”
NHTSA complaint #11220774, 2019

“THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT BEING FILED REGUARDING THIS CAR. AFTER WE FILED THE FIRST COMPLAINT WE TOOK OUR CAR BACK INTO THE KIA DEALERSHIP FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING. THEY SCANNED ENGINE AND DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THEY TOPPED OFF OUR OIL BECAUSE IT WAS HALF FULL. I JUST RECENTLY GOT MY OIL CHANGE DONE THERE 2,000 MILES AGO. ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL IT SHOULD BE DONE EVERY 7,500 MILES. THE FOLLOWING DAY WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY, PULLED OFF AT OUR EXIT AND SMELLED A HORRID LEAK BURNING/ ROTTEN EGG/ SULFUR SMELL. WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OF THE ROAD AND CHECKED THE CAR FOR F…”
NHTSA complaint #11193553, 2019

Tires 4 1 crash

“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 Stockbridge GA The mechanic has inspected the tires I did not get any warnings about the tire pressure until after I put the spare on the vehicle then the low tire pressure sensor came on the date is unknown”
NHTSA complaint #11529875, 2023 · crash

“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 BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE; HOWEVER, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT A WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE BELT FAILED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FA…”
NHTSA complaint #10887481, 2016

“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 CONSUMER DISPUTED THAT NOTION, STATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON CADENZA WHEELS, AS THEY WERE PRONE TO CRACKING, IF A POTHOLE WAS HIT. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10654390, 2014

Fuel System 3 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. An odor of smoke began to emit into the cabin of the vehicle then smoke entered into the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact vision of the roadway was impaired due to the excessive smoke. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb where the vehicle came to a stop and she was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed…”
NHTSA complaint #11557667, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed with EVAP system and gas cap failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there could be an oil leak, but no oil leak was found. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost drive power and failed to drive uphill. The contact was able to pull over to the side…”
NHTSA complaint #11639561, 2024

“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 contact was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective high-pressure fuel line that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11490547, 2022

Seats 3

“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 illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11564714, 2024

“I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshie…”
NHTSA complaint #11450006, 2013

“I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windsh…”
NHTSA complaint #11449319, 2013

Visibility 3

“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 diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11527335, 2023

“Rear hatch glass shattered randomly out of no where. No impact to the glass or others around to cause it. Others safety was at risk due to glass falling off the car as I was driving. My safety was jeopardized due to when it happened as I was driving, I jumped and drove left of center.”
NHTSA complaint #11503866, 2023

“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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,195.”
NHTSA complaint #10806204, 2015

Equipment 2 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. IN ADDITION, THE NAVIGATION FUNCTIONED IMPROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10861762, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11058133, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11484541, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11622416, 2024

Child Seat 1

“HI MY NAME IS [XXX], I HAVE A REGISTERED EVENFLO DISCOVERY/ NURTURE INFANT CAR SEAT. THIS CAR SEAT HAS THE SAFETY LATCH THAT LATCHES TO THE NEWER MODEL VEHICLES AND THEN THE BASE. THEN THE CARSEAT LATCHES TO THE BASE. THE CARSEAT BASE AND ALL THEN MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE A GREAT AMOUNT OF DISTANCE AND I ALSO HAD AN OFFICER CHECK IT OUT AND HE SAID IT IS A DEFAULT FROM THE MANUFACTURE AND I COULD BE FINED. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND PLEASE OR AT THE LEAST A NEW WORKABLE SAFE NONE MOVING CARSEAT. I APPRECIATE EVENFLO MOST EVERYTHING WITH MY BABIES BUT THIS CARSEAT IS A FLUKE AND THANK YOU. (RELATED…”
NHTSA complaint #10558106, 2013

Interior Lighting 1

“2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS ON THE DASH BOARD INVOLVING THE LIGHT INDICATOR FOR THE HEAD LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW, HIS HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. HE DISCOVERED THE INDICATOR DISPLAYED THE SAME PICTURE FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND TIME, AS HE ENTERED HIS PARKING SPOT, IT BECAME OBVIOUS THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON, YET THE DASH BOARD INDICATED THERE WERE.”
NHTSA complaint #10605256, 2014

Latches/Locks/Linkages 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 NO OTHER LOCK TO ALLOW THE PERSON TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH A SECOND KEY. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR WHICH I HAVE KNOWN TO ONLY HAVE ONE MEANS OF UNLOCKING THE DOORS TO THE VEHICLE, THAT IS, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK. THE CAR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO LOCKS SO THAT IF ONE PERSON BREAKS THE KEY WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE LOCK IN F…”
NHTSA complaint #10563423, 2014