2013 Kia Soul Recalls
TL;DR
3 recalls on the 2013 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are always free. Enter your VIN at NHTSA or your dealer to confirm which apply.
Recalls for the 2013 Kia Soul
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023-25-09
Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
ENGINE
NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 2019-22-02
Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. 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.
Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
NHTSA campaign 14V822000 · 2014-29-12
Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
What to do about a recall
- Recall repairs are free — the manufacturer pays, regardless of car age.
- Confirm which recalls apply to your exact car by entering your 17-digit VIN.
- Contact any franchised dealer for that brand to schedule the free repair.
Check engine light on your 2013 Kia Soul?
A recall is a known defect the manufacturer fixes for free. A check-engine light is different — it's a stored trouble code you can read yourself. Start here:
Frequently asked questions
Are Kia Soul recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers, no matter how old the vehicle is.
How do I check recalls for my exact Soul?
Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup or any Kia dealer. The VIN tells you precisely which campaigns affect your car.
Is it safe to drive a Soul with an open recall?
It depends on the defect. Read the "Risk" line for each recall above — some are minor, others advise reduced use until repaired. When in doubt, contact a dealer.