The Lemon Index2013 Kia Soul.
The 2013 Kia Soul is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 67 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best Kia Soul year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 666 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Soul year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 47K to 130K miles on the car (366 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 82K–143K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 49K–100K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 23K–112K miles
Recalls 3
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- engine 2019
High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
- body structure 2014
A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 133 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedNon-crash vehicle fires2019–2021
- ClosedNon-crash vehicle fires2018–2019
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
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.
2013 Kia Soul owner · NHTSA complaint 10555115
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 46; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Soul year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2013 Kia Soul problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (19%), electrical (15%) and airbags (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Soul get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Kia Soul safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Kia Soul problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,500 and 130,000 miles. The middle report was at 91,000 miles, from 366 complaints.
Does the 2013 Kia Soul have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Kia Soul cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Kia Soul have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Soul year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works