This page covers 3 recalls, 653 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Kia Soul.
25–27 mpg combined
8.7–9.4 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2013 Kia Soul received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the Soul earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, as was performance in the side pole test. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2013 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and steering dominate the complaint picture for the 2013 Kia Soul. Engine complaints are the most common by a wide margin, with owners describing knocking, stalling, and sudden loss of power, in many cases tied to connecting rod failures that result in engine seizure or catastrophic internal damage. A recurring thread involves the engine warning light appearing shortly before the failure, though some owners report no warning at all. Steering complaints center heavily on the steering column coupler, where owners describe clicking, grinding, and progressive wear that affects steering feel and response. Service brake complaints are a distant third, with owners reporting reduced braking effectiveness. The engine failure pattern is the clearest signal here: connecting rod damage leading to a locked engine is mentioned across many reports, sometimes accompanied by smoke or fire.
653
Total Complaints
22
Crash-Related
44
Fire-Related
18
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Kia Soul has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the engine, where high exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, crack pistons, or break a connecting rod, causing the engine to stall or leak oil through a punctured engine block.
A separate electrical recall affects the anti-lock brake control module, which can develop an internal fault and cause an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is parked or moving. On the interior side, this recall only affects Soul vehicles equipped with a sunroof: a headliner plate near the roofline can break free when the curtain airbag deploys in a crash, turning a piece of trim into a projectile inside the cabin.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
High exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, potentially causing abnormal engine combustion and damage to pistons or connecting rods.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control system to prevent catalytic converter overheating, replace the damaged catalytic converter, and replace the engine if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headliner plate above the sunroof may come loose when the curtain air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will install adhesive strips to secure the headliner plate to prevent detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
