2013 Kia Soul: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Peak gen-1 problems: 1.6L GDI engine fire recall plus widespread MDPS steering-coupler wear and brake complaints; a warranty gap makes history checks essential. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Kia Soul ranged from $14,400 to $19,900 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

Peak gen-1 problems: 1.6L GDI engine fire recall plus widespread MDPS steering-coupler wear and brake complaints; a warranty gap makes history checks essential.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/

Known issues

1.6L GDI engine fire and failure risk on 2012-2013 cars: recall SC176 covers catalytic-converter overheating that can damage pistons and connecting rods, risking stalling or fire.

commonly reported · 187 NHTSA complaints · engine
Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) flexible-coupling wear: clunking or knocking from the steering column, especially at low speed. Kia extended the steering warranty on 2012-2013 cars; earlier years had less coverage.

commonly reported · 139 NHTSA complaints · steering
Service-brake complaints: premature brake wear and reduced braking performance reported on early Souls.

occasional · 52 NHTSA complaints · brake

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
thecarconnection.comhttps://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1113477_340000-kia-souls-recalled-for-s…
asburyauto.comhttps://www.asburyauto.com/kia-soul-engine-recall

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Fun, characterful styling with good city maneuverability and visibility.
Simple, durable design on the pre-GDI engines and cheap to maintain.
Affordable, practical and easy to own, with a roomy boxy cabin and lots of cargo space for its size.

Cons

No all-wheel drive, modest power and basic interior materials.
Coarse and noisy at highway speeds.
2012-2013 cars carry the 1.6L GDI engine fire recall and MDPS steering-coupler wear.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Base	$14,400	discontinued	—	—
+	$16,700	discontinued	—	—
!	$19,900	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-kia-soul-price

Depreciation

2013 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($14,400). Higher trims started higher (up to $19,900), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $400–450/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,800–1,900/yr
Expected lifespan	~175k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-soul-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2013 Kia Soul have?

Documented issue patterns include: 1.6L GDI engine fire and failure risk on 2012-2013 cars: recall SC176 covers catalytic-converter overheating that can damage pistons and connecting rods, risking stalling or fire; Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) flexible-coupling wear: clunking or knocking from the steering column, especially at low speed. Kia extended the steering warranty on 2012-2013 cars; earlier years had less coverage; Service-brake complaints: premature brake wear and reduced braking performance reported on early Souls. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2013 Kia Soul reliable?

Peak gen-1 problems: 1.6L GDI engine fire recall plus widespread MDPS steering-coupler wear and brake complaints; a warranty gap makes history checks essential.

How much did the 2013 Kia Soul cost new?

Between $14,400 and $19,900 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Kia Soul expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.