2013 Kia Soul Fuel system Problems

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, however they could still not uphold the recall work because the vehicle is outside the warranty for the recall (Vehicle Odometer reads 150088), approximately 90 miles over warranty. Only indicator light that illuminated was the check engine light. The recall says the vehicle could overheat and is at risk of a fire hazard. I was not notified of any engine recall for the vehicle since I have owned the vehicle, and I am worried that my daily commuter will present a fire risk.

NHTSA ID

11745733

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

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 ID

11709637

Incident

Dec 8, 2025

RECALL FOR CATALIC CONVERTER UNDER MANUFACTOR WARRANTY , THEY CONTINUE NOT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY VECHILE AND THE RECALL WAS ON THE CATALIC CONVERTER

NHTSA ID

11688000

Incident

Sep 22, 2024

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 of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the catalytic converter was clogged up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the mechanic performed an internal cleaning of the catalytic convertor. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an increased oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11639561

Incident

Aug 30, 2024

Mileage

150,000 mi

My 2013 Kia Soul 1.6L is currently displaying a check engine light. My vehicle has very strong smelling exhaust, engine knocking, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel mileage. This has been going on for about a year. I have a diagnostic code reader and it returns the error code P0420, which indicates a faulty catalytic converter, which could cause engine damage. There is a recall for the catalytic converter for my year and engine type. I received a letter in the mail regarding this recall. The link to the letter: [XXX] However, when I enter my VIN at the KIA owners portal this recall does not come up. I have contacted my local Kia Dealership (Johnson City KIA) and they act like they have no idea what I am talking about. I have called Kia customer care center and they refused to help, saying that the recalls are "VIN specific". That's ridiculous. If the recall covers my year make and model then the VIN shouldn't mean [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11626094

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

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 ID

11590295

Incident

May 1, 2024

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 a fire report. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. There were warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11557667

Incident

Nov 25, 2023

Engine rod bearings loose torque and piston break make a hole into block, I fix the engine but my cat converter failed

NHTSA ID

11547446

Incident

Jul 20, 2023

The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the Waikem (now Diehl) dealership in Massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then had the same issue less than a week later, and then said the engine seized up and needed replaced. I was without my car for a total of over two months altogether, because then after I had it replaced, I had the same issue again, a week later and it was the ignition coils that needed replaced. This was right before Christmas in December 2022. After about two months. I began having issues again. It was one EVAP issue after another with the check engine light on again many times. I took it in, had the purge valve replaced, then a month later, had another issue, and had the filters replaced, then a month later, another issue, this time the purge valve again. Then we thought we fixed it last week, but now same issue again. I have had NOTHING but issues with this vehicle since last year and I am very upset, because I have LOST all confidence in my vehicle. It is one issue after another. Now the fuel gauge is flashing that it is empty, even though I filled up my tank yesterday, this has been the same ongoing issue for three weeks now and no resolution, with the check engine light on. I just want a working vehicle. I have children. I NEED it to be safe and reliable.

NHTSA ID

11530601

Incident

Sep 27, 2022

Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate

NHTSA ID

11515649

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

the catalytic converter is damaged, soon the engin could fail, and there is a recall on the catalytic converter for this car type and model and year. it has all the symptoms that the converter is damaged, tried to liquid to fix it it did not work It is available for inspection no risk yet, inspected and problem was confirmed engine light is on

NHTSA ID

11496000

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

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 ID

11490547

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

Mileage

105,000 mi

Speed Control may have misfunctioned. I do not really know. When driving, the car randomly drops down to 5 mph and continues on its own at 5mph. The only way to stop is to turn off the engine. The car is not safe to drive This defect puts me at risk and all the cars following me at risk. This defect has not been independently verified but it is easy to reproduce. Check Engine was on due to problems with a multitude of engine sensors.

NHTSA ID

11473690

Incident

Jun 26, 2022

I got a recall letter in the mail too late! (October 2021) I received recall letter and called my local dealership 5 minutes after reading it & was told to put the letter in my glove box until my car completely broke down December 8th 2021. It was towed and was told it needed spark plugs & an oil chance which I knew wasn't the case. It sat at that dealership for two months with every service advisor giving me the run around and come to find out I'm not the first person. Had it towed to a different location where it sat for another two months where I had to fight to get a "goodwill" engine which we still paid almost $4,000 when it should of been for free! I got my car back March 31st 2022 and now my car had failed again! Am being told it's something different now & the STEALERSHIP wants another $1,500 from me! My child has had to miss dr appointments due to this and I've jad enough! Kia customer service is incompetent and Kia dealership service departments are as well! Due to the fact my engine should of been replaced for free like everyone else but someone decided to send me the recall letter LATE!

NHTSA ID

11470013

Incident

Dec 8, 2021

2013 Kia Soul base model when Kia reset engine because catallactic convertor (to show proper MPG) this started shortly after. Soul started having fuel levels drop to EMPTY after fueling. With fuel light & engine light coming on. Driving a short time fuel gauge then shows correct amount. This is occurring more often, talking with other Kia Soul owners they have seen it also. I am told sensors in fuel tank will need replaced almost $1000.00 but nothing can be done until lights stay on all time with NO GAURENTEE it will fix problem. Both of my Souls have this issue, I have 1 Soul still on the road, Soul 2 was traded in. Pictures from a video as event was happening.

NHTSA ID

11459813

Incident

Apr 5, 2022

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 ID

11458495

Incident

Mar 24, 2022

It all started when I thought I received bad gas a couple of months ago after filling my tank up with regular gas from a Speedway , It didn't start right away, and that never happened and then it continued to Be hard to accelerate, as I drove it. That has happened on 2 other occasions since that incident a couple of months ago I would push the pedal to the floor and the RPM would not move it stayed on zero. The accelerator was resistant to move, but I made it home. Spoke a mechanic friend, who's done body work on my car, and thought, as I did, I had bad gas.. suggested, I get the fuel tank flushed and filled, which I did at Jiffy Lube. I've since put HEET in on every fill up, and used premium gas. Happened again yesterday am on my way home from work about about 830am. I was stopped at a light, it cut off, I put it in park, and cut it back on, but it was hard to accelerate. I made it home, but now extremely worried, given all the spontaneous fires, and engine problems. It's my only source of transportation, so I'm in desperate need of help.

NHTSA ID

11446016

Incident

Jan 2, 2022

THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WOULD CRANK AFTER SITTING FOR A MOMENT AND THEN THE CAR WOULD STALL AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BEING THAT THIS WAS IN TRAFFIC. IN FEBRUARY, THE CAR WAS STALLING AND WHEN TOWED TO THE DEALER THEY DIAGNOSED AS HAVING BAD GAS AND TO RUN THE GAS OUT OF THE TANK. THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AT THIS TIME. THE CHARGE WAS $168.00 TO DIAGNOSE. THE SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING A MONTH LATER AND THE DEALERSHIP RESPONDED THAT IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM IT WILL COST $420. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT JUST TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY REPAIRS. BEING THAT THE ENGINE IS STALLING THIS AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING THIS TO THIS AGENCY'S ATTENTION. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN AND WOULD HATE TO THINK THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A WOMAN WHO IS A SENIOR CITIZEN. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON SURFACE STREETS BUT ALSO ON THE HIGHWAY AT ONE POINT.

NHTSA ID

11397055

Incident

Feb 18, 2021

Mileage

99,000 mi

I HAVE A 2013 KIA SOUL, I HAVE BEEN PAYING MY LOAN ON THIS CAR SINCE 2016. I TAKE CARE OF IT AND ROUTINELY DO OIL CHANGES ON IT AND UP KEEP. OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST FOUR MONTHS I NOTICED MY CAR ACTING UP, I HAD TAKEN IT TO SHOPS AND NONE COULD FIND A PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS NOT STARTING UP, I WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE MY WHEEL TO MIRACULOUSLY GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THEN ONCE IT STARTED IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AND WOULD SLOWLY GO INTO NEUTRAL. PROGRESSIVELY IT GOT WORSE, MY CAR WOULD TURN OFF IF I WAS PARKED OR AT A STOP SIGN OR WHEN GOING 20MPH OR LESS. ON 12/24/2020 AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN AS I RESTARTED IT, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANGING AND THE CAR WAS JUMPING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED IT OFF AND GOT IT TOWED. I AM AT A LOSS AND COMPLETELY AT RISK WITH THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID

11386160

Incident

Dec 24, 2020

Mileage

139,000 mi

STALLED WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. WILL NOT START BACK UP SINCE.

NHTSA ID

11373687

Incident

Nov 4, 2020

Mileage

119,000 mi

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 19V120000: THE SC176 RECALL ON MY CAR WAS REPAIRED MAY 30, 2019. EARLIER THIS YEAR MY CAR BEGAN SHOWING THE SIGNS OF THE FURTHER DAMAGE NOTED IN THE RECALL DETAILS. IN APRIL 2020 MY CAR RANDOMLY STALLED WHEN IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY START THE CAR AGAIN. THE PANDEMIC PREVENTED ME FROM HAVING IT SERVICED AT MY KIA DEALERSHIP OR ELSEWHERE. SINCE APRIL, THIS HAS OCCURRED FIVE TIMES, BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND THE HIGHWAY WHILE IN MOTION. THE HIGHWAY EVENT WAS FRIGHTENING AS I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TRAVELLING AT 60 MPH. MY LOCAL ONE STOP OIL CHANGE RE-OPENED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE MAY 5, 2020 AT 110,431, THEN AGAIN ON AUGUST 24, 2020 AT 114,121 MILES AT ONE STOP (RECEIPT ATTACHED). A WEEK LATER MY ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DESPITE THE RECENT OIL CHANGE. I ADDED OIL, BUT IN TWO WEEKS THE LEVEL IS AGAIN LOW AND I PUT IN 2 QUARTS. I TOOK IT TO THE KIA SERVICE CENTER SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 AT 115,179, AND THE OIL WAS AGAIN LOW AS SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED RECEIPT. KIA SERVICE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE LOST OIL. ALTHOUGH MY CAR HAD THE REPAIR PERFORMED FOR THE RECALL, I'M AFRAID THE PISTON HAS BEEN DAMAGED, CAUSING THE ENGINE STALLS. MY OIL IS LEAKING OUT SOMEWHERE, SO I FEAR IT MAY BE THE BROKEN CONNECTING ROD THAT HAS PUNCTURED THE ENGINE BLOCK ALLOWING THE ENGINE OIL TO ESCAPE. THE KIA QUOTE FOR THE BRAKE, EXHAUST AND TIRE WORK WAS EXPENSIVE, SO I HAD A FRIEND'S EXPERT MECHANIC DO THE REPAIRS FOR LESS. HE WARNED ME THAT THE OIL WAS LEAKING OUT AND THE ENGINE MAY BLOW AND I'LL NEED A NEW ENGINE, AND STRONGLY SUGGESTED I SELL THE CAR BEFORE THAT OCCURS. I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, SELL IT KNOWING THE RISK TO A NEW OWNER. I HOPE THIS EXPLANATION WILL LEAD TO KIA REPAIRING MY CAR PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID

11363529

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

MODEL CAR BURNS OIL EXTREMELY QUICKLY REGARDLESS OF MILES DRIVEN, NO LEAKS FOUND BY MECHANIC, PISTONS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. STEERING WHEEL MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE THAT STARTED WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS.

NHTSA ID

11350394

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING BACK HOME MY 2013 KIA SOUL L4 1.6 SUDDENLY LOST ITS POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF OF THE ROAD AND CHECK IT UP INTO A PARKING LOT. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK AGAIN BUT AS SOON I START THE ENGINE A RED LIGHY GOT APPEARS ON THE ON. I GOT HOME AND CALLED A MECHANIC. A MECHANIC DID A COMPUTER SCAN AND THE REPORT FAULT CODE RETRIVAL AND DIAGNOSIS WERE: #1= SYSTEM TO LEAN @ HIGHER LOAD BANK # 1. THEN #2 - FUEL PRESSURE CONTROL LOW. HE REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT CAN NOT BE FIXED BY THEM (RECALL) WHEN I CONTACTED KIA THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR ANY GUARANTEE SINCE IT HAS 130K MILES ON IT NOT RECALL COVER, AND I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT AS MY OWN EXPENSE BUT AS I READ IT SHOULD BE COVERED, I'M NOT SURE WHY MY CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY. I HAVE NOT OTHER TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE AND I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY THEEXPENSIVE DEALERSHIP TO FIX IT SO PLEASE I NEED TO KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP AND ASVISE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

11350270

Incident

Aug 19, 2020

Mileage

138,432 mi

IT'S BEEN A LOT OF COMPLICATIONS WITH THE CAR STEERING COLLAR CAR MAKE A LOUD SOUND WHILE DRIVING OVER 60MPH KNOCK SENSOR CAUSES A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH HOLDING GAS ENGINE IS VERY LOUD

NHTSA ID

11319998

Incident

Mar 4, 2020

2013 KIA SOUL, JUST AT 90KMILES, CONSUMING MOTOR OIL AT A RATE OF .75 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES ACCORDING TO KIA DEALER CONDUCTING THREE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS. KIA CONTENDS THIS IS NORMAL. CHANGED PCV VALVE DURING SECOND OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WITH NO EFFECT ON OIL CONSUMPTION. THE CAR IS DRIVEN AROUND TOWN, MODERATE DISTANCES, DAILY. THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED BY LOCAL GARAGES AND THE DEALER AT 5K MILE INCREMEMTS. THIS ISSUE BEGAN JUST AFTER THE KIA CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL NOTICE

NHTSA ID

11310101

Incident

Feb 18, 2020

Mileage

87,578 mi