2013 Kia Soul electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

48 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2013 Kia Soul, 11% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 110,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
48
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
110,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system46
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer1

Electrical System complaints across Kia Soul years

7201016201116201248201337201450201549201615201717201814201927202015202110202214202392024
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k360k–100k4100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jan 8, 2026WAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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 complaint #11709637 · source
  2. Filed Nov 25, 2025GAElectrical System
    Recall since I got the car but never been able to afford to bring it go he fixed. Single mother of 2 boys. Both autistic, one age [XXX] and one age [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11701381 · source
  3. Filed Aug 5, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngine
    On [XXX] Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw performed Recall SC284 on my 2013 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ), replacing the HECU fuse. The next day, [XXX], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At no point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, Kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed…
    NHTSA complaint #11678431 · source
  4. Filed Oct 30, 2024110,000 miINFireTowedBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in a carport when it suddenly caught fire near the engine compartment. The fire had expanded and caused damage to the entire garage near the carport and 2 other vehicles and a motorcycle inside the garage. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and the origin was an electrical issue. The vehicle was towed and identified as totaled. There…
    NHTSA complaint #11622661 · source
  5. Filed Jun 3, 2024NCFireElectrical SystemEngine
    The engine caught on fire. The car cut off while I was driving. It began to smoke and then I saw the flames. My safety was put at risk because I was driving the car. The car is burned from the front bumper to the backseat. The car has not been inspected because of how bad it is burned. There were not any warnings of the failure before it happened.
    NHTSA complaint #11592270 · source
  6. Filed May 23, 2024CAFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11590295 · source
  7. Filed May 16, 2024WAElectrical SystemEngine
    I was noified last year september 2023 of a dangerous recall that could catch the vehicle on fire. Now. 9 months later kia has not provided me with a repair for my safty.
    NHTSA complaint #11589204 · source
  8. Filed Mar 10, 2024OHElectrical System
    My 2013 Kia Soul has been recalled for HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) which can RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED since September of 2023. I was advised to park my vehicle away from the house and wait for a solution from Kia. It has been 6 months that I have been unable to drive my vehicle. Kia states that a remedy is *still* unavailable.
    NHTSA complaint #11576473 · source
  9. Filed Mar 8, 2024LAElectrical System
    I received the recall information in the mail. Found out that there is no remedy for it yet. Have been waiting since November 2023. I have not had any problem with the car but don't want to drive it or have it near my house if it can catch fire. I have it parked with the battery disconnected cause I don't want the fire to happen.
    NHTSA complaint #11576170 · source
  10. Filed Mar 5, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    My complaint has to do with the current recall on my vehicle. It's not driveable as it's safety hazard - engine quits at stops no rpm's panel lights (ABS, battery (brand new as mechanic I went to put on diagnostic machine and that's only thing that showed) oil light and malfunction indicator illuminate and then everything goes off including my headlights (I was driving early evening). Called local dealer (I never received notice but by chance looked up to see if any recalls…
    NHTSA complaint #11575440 · source
  11. Filed Mar 4, 2024FLElectrical System
    I've received two things in the mail about recalls one is about the car being able to catch on fire due to some fuse that they don't even have a part for this...this is unacceptable. I mean, how long am I gonna be waiting on a part and have to worry about my car catching on fire. second I got something in the mail about Kia being sued about people being able to steal the car from the ignition just seems like Kia needs to take this car back because it seems like there's way…
    NHTSA complaint #11575405 · source
  12. Filed Feb 16, 2024VAElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    I'm already aware of the recalls on alot of vehicles including my 2013 KIA SOUL and am aware of a judges ruling on this. How can KIA SOUL play God with peoples lives? I already filed a claim but still not not getting any help until the end of April. I'm a [XXX] woman who is at risk of getting hurt not to mention other people/and or other people close to my vehicle. This is just beyond wrong. I saved for 2 years to get a more dependable vehicles and now have to worry about an…
    NHTSA complaint #11572274 · source

Other 2013 Kia Soul problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology