TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Kia Soul powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Kia Soul have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Soul | 8 |
| 2011 Soul | 13 |
| 2012 Soul | 18 |
| 2013 Soul (this page) | 13 |
| 2014 Soul | 53 |
| 2015 Soul | 59 |
| 2016 Soul | 61 |
| 2017 Soul | 19 |
1fire
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: 6-SPD. A/T ADAPTIVE VALUE RESET /RELEARN - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET AND RELEARN THE ADAPTIVE VALUES AFTER TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OR REPROGRAMMING/REPLACEMENT OF THE PCM/TCM. AFTER THE ADAPTIVE VALUES ARE RESET, THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER ADAPTIVE VALUES MUST BE RELEARNED BY DRIVING IN A PRECISE MANNER TO TEACH THE COMPUTER THE PROPER SOLENOID DUTY AND LINE PRESSURE FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION/COMPUTER COMBINATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Kia Soul shows a cluster of powertrain failures across multiple systems. The most serious involve 1.6L GDI engine models: Kia issued recalls (14v822000 and 19v120000) for catalytic converter overheating that can damage pistons and connecting rods. Owners report that even after ECU upgrades and recall service, vehicles continue stalling at highway speeds, producing loud engine knock, and in one case, catching fire. One owner's engine seized entirely; the dealership refused repair.
Transmission problems are persistent and unresolved. Owners report hard downshifts when slowing to a stop—violent enough to jerk occupants forward—that started around 30,000 miles. Software updates and full transmission replacement have not fixed it. Kia technical support told one dealership this is normal operation.
Engine stalling during highway traffic happens without warning, sometimes with multiple warning lights. Oil consumption of a quart per week occurs without visible leaks. Excessive vibration and shaking—both at idle and during acceleration—are common complaints that dealers dismiss as normal.
Electrical issues include instrument panel blackout and stuck gear shifters. Service experiences vary: some dealers investigate thoroughly; others refuse to address recalls or provide diagnoses, shifting responsibility between locations.
Same Kia Soul powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Catalytic Converter Damage & High Exhaust Temperatures
Catalytic converter overheating and failing due to high exhaust gas temperatures in 1.6L GDI engines. Owner narratives report this leading to abnormal engine combustion, piston damage, and potential connecting rod failure. One owner experienced engine fire after rod failure.
When: Various mileages reported; one owner at 190,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light (P0420 code); Engine fire; Loss of power/acceleration limited to 25-35 MPH; Engine stalling on highway; Loud knocking noise from engine; Engine shuddering
Codes mentioned: P0420, Multiple misfire codes (not stored in computer per one owner)
Repairs/costs cited: Kia recalls 2012-2016 1.6L GDI Soul models; one owner reports ECU logic upgrade performed post-recall but problems persisted. Owner #6 reports engine seized and dealership refused repair citing timing of recall service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalls 19v120000 (February 22, 2019) and 14v822000 (December 29, 2014) for 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines addressing catalytic converter and high exhaust gas temperature issues. One dealership performed upgrade but claimed owner did not bring vehicle in timely manner and refused further repairs. Multiple owners report Kia denying knowledge of problems despite forum reports of widespread issues.
Hard Transmission Downshift on Deceleration
Sudden, pronounced hard downshift when slowing to a stop, described as abrupt braking sensation. Problem persists after transmission replacement and software updates, worsening in cold weather.
When: Started at approximately 30,000 miles (November 2014); one 2023 Soul model observed with same issue at dealership; affecting 3-year-old vehicle in another complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden hard downshift when slowing/stopping; Entire body jerks forward during shift; Problem worse in cold weather; Hesitation when turning or merging onto highway
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's transmission was reportedly replaced; problem remained. Another owner had transmission software update applied but issue persisted. Third mechanic replaced transmission; problem continued. One owner reports burning smell.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia technical support told dealership this is designed/manufactured as intended and not a defect. No recalls or campaigns issued per Kia consumer affairs in 2021.
Engine Stalling & Sudden Power Loss
Engine stalls unexpectedly during highway driving, sometimes complete shutdown. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously. Related to ECU/knock sensor issues per one dealership.
When: One incident during highway traffic; another after ECU upgrade performed
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling in limp mode while driving highway traffic; Complete engine shutdown requiring tow; Check Engine Light, Battery Light, and Oil Light illuminated simultaneously; Engine will not restart after stalling; Speed drops from 75 MPH to 30 MPH unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: ECU knock sensor fault identified by one service manager
Repairs/costs cited: One owner required 911 assistance and towing after stalling in moving traffic. Service manager indicated ECU knock sensor was cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia rep stated open recall on vehicle and needed ECU-related repairs; owner obligated to bring in for service. One owner cites 2019 ECU recall as possible source of current issues.
Excessive Engine Vibration & Shaking
Engine shakes at idle and during acceleration, causing whole vehicle to vibrate. Occurs both when stopped and while driving. Dealership claims this is natural behavior.
When: Various mileages; one complaint at 25,000 miles (instrument panel issue concurrent)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shaking at idle and during driving; Whole car vibrates/shakes violently; Engine hesitation during turning or acceleration; Vehicle has to be held down with brake pressure during shaking episodes; Engine turns off randomly when stopped
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealership claims this is natural behavior. One owner required multiple inspections without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership in Athens, GA stated this is natural and directed owner to company in Atlanta. No recalls or official campaigns applied.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burning oil at high rate without visible leaks, consuming approximately one quart per week.
When: By 2020 in one complaint; timing unclear in another
Symptoms owners cite: Burning one quart of oil per week; No visible oil leaks present; Low gas mileage reported in one complaint
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic inspection found no leaks; confirmed engine is burning oil internally.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner filed complaints with Kia Consumer Affairs in December 2020 and January 2021; Kia rep stated no engine campaigns or recalls issued at that time.
Instrument Panel & Gear Shift Electrical Failure
Instrument panel fails to illuminate and gear shifter stuck in park, requiring gear release button to move selector.
When: At approximately 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel does not illuminate when powered on; Gear shifter will not move out of park without pressing gear release button
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but failure could not be diagnosed and was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified of this failure.
Engine Block Grooves & Structural Damage
Engine block develops grooves indicating internal damage. Vehicle experiences shaking and acceleration failure at high mileage.
When: At 190,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking while driving 55-60 MPH; Failed to accelerate; Check Engine Light flashing; Grooves found in engine block upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to independent mechanic who identified grooves in engine block. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no further assistance.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 105,262 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.