71 of the
866 complaints about the 2013 KIA Soul are about the
electrical system — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
60,750 miles.
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenance
NHTSA complaint #11709637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman Park, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall since I got the car but never been able to afford to bring it go he fixed. Single mother of 2 boys. Both autistic, one age [XXX] and one age [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11701381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11678431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenner, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBrazil, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics), after the vehicle fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11622661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11592270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11590295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumner, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11589204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car is not starting
NHTSA complaint #11577533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11576473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natchitoches, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11576170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wildomar, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11575440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11575405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norton, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 [XXX] 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 [XXX] 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, revving 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 [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11572274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norton, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought my KIA SOUL 2013 last year after saving for it bc I needed something more dependable and love it but I don't feel safe anymore bc of the possibility of an engine explosion. There's always been something funky about the radio coming when I start it but now there's a caution light staying on and the oil and everything else checks out. Also the gas lever starts blinking when I've just filled it up. What I don't get is how these people can play God with people's lives? I need a dependable vehicle to be able to go help my granddaughter needs me. At first the radio issue I blamed on me just being PARONOID thankfully I know there is something major going on.I don't let my fur baby go with me anymore, not risking hi life, it's bad enough I have worry about myself and it's just wrong.
NHTSA complaint #11570722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downingtown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norton, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11569733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcgregor, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11569618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Slow to accelerate abs light on Engine light on
NHTSA complaint #11569046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sewell, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11568769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On [XXX] I was driving my 2013 Kia Soul in the center lane on [XXX] 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 seized 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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11567908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. Additionally, the tachometer was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11565055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11563963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11560918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11557453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Park, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 losing 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, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11552761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,769 milesColumbia, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11548713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Overland Park, KSCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11543495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dacula, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11533454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.