2013 Kia Soul engine problems

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine, Steering · LA

There are multiple recalls, including total engine failure recall, Kia is refusing to have it towed or reimburse for tow to dealership to fix recalls. I’ve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are “urgent”, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. I’ve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice when the engine failure occurred and again when I moved.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine, Tires · 190,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0420 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall and that an engine inspection was required as part of a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, a case was filed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in 2022. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving my 2013 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost significant engine power and the Check Engine Light began flashing. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a safety concern because I could no longer maintain normal highway speed with surrounding traffic. I exited the highway and drove home at reduced speed while the Check Engine Light continued flashing. Christian Brothers Automotive inspected the vehicle. Their diagnostic scan identified a pending P1326 code. The technician rechecked the knock sensor that had previously been replaced in July 2026 and confirmed that the sensor was functioning properly. After the engine reached operating temperature, the technician heard an abnormal internal engine knocking noise. Further testing determined that the noise was originating inside the engine, and Christian Brothers concluded that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Kia dealership in Rosenberg, Texas and has been available for inspection. Kia declined engine replacement because the vehicle exceeds the mileage limit of its extended engine warranty. Kia also denied my request for goodwill assistance. Prior to this failure, the vehicle had experienced a knock-sensor-related issue that was repaired in July 2026. At the time of the highway incident, the significant symptoms were sudden loss of power and a continuously flashing Check Engine Light. I am concerned that the P1326 code, internal engine knock, flashing Check Engine Light and sudden loss of power may be associated with a connecting-rod-bearing/KSDS-related engine failure. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of engine power occurred while traveling at highway speed and could have resulted in a collision.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · 127,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that additional diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · 151,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · TN

My vehicle engine failed on the interstate after getting KDS update on my vehicle and it is covered Kia Corporate and the franchise dealer are actively claiming they 'cannot share or access' the vehicle's electronic diagnostic data, despite the mandatory use of the connected Kia KDS tool, in an apparent attempt to obscure a documented safety defect and deny a class-action lifetime engine warranty. They have kept my car almost 2 months, won't give me a rental , only information is again them lying to me saying it's a blown head gasket, when I know in fact it will still run, but blow white smoke out of the tailpipe and run in limp mode but still will start and mine won't do anything at all.

Filed May 31, 2026 · Engine · CA

Engine failure while driving . A bolt broke off the Rod end cap and was freely moving in the engine causing a rod knock sound and seized the engine. Almost causing an accident on the heavily populated road. Metal debris is present in oil pan . Piston is damaged as well.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine · 175,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine light began to flash as the vehicle entered limp mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered that oil had leaked onto the engine which caused her to lose over a quart of oil. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty and was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine and Cooling) and that they could not offer any additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine · FL

Problem. Engine control unit, ECU allowed catalytic converter overheat. Engine knocking and stalling. Engine monitor light came on while driving the car when it began to knock and stall while driving it. Can cause piston to break and.puncture the engine block, leaking oil into the hot exhaust and start a fire