The oil filter on a 2013 Kia Soul is mounted on the engine block near the front side, close to the oil pan. In most configurations you’ll access it from the engine bay with the hood up, though some engines use a cartridge in a side-mounted housing that may require removing undertrays or shields to reach it.
Understanding the exact spot depends on which engine your Soul has. The 2013 model year offered a couple of gasoline engine options, and location can vary between spin-on filters and cartridge-style housings. Below is a concise guide to help you find and recognize the filter on common 2013 Soul configurations.
Engine variants and filter configurations
Use this as a quick reference to identify where to look based on the engine type in your Soul.
- 1.6L gasoline engine (Gamma II family): The oil filter is typically on the front or front-side of the engine block, near the oil pan. Access is often easiest from above after removing the engine cover; some setups require a partial underside view with the vehicle raised.
- 2.0L gasoline engine (Nu family): Some variants use a cartridge-style filter inside a small housing on the side of the engine. These may be tucked behind shields or under panels, so you might need to remove an undertray or reach from the wheel well area to identify the housing and filter cap.
Either configuration will be clearly marked as a filter canister (spin-on) or a plastic/metal cartridge housing when you look at the engine. If you don’t see a clear spin-on canister, expect a cartridge-style setup in a side-mounted housing.
Accessing and replacing the oil filter
Before you begin, gather the basics and prepare the vehicle for safe maintenance. You may need to raise the front of the car and remove shields for clearance.
- Park on level ground, engine cool, and engage the parking brake. If you will be working under the car, place wheel chocks and ensure the car is securely supported.
- Position a drain pan under the oil pan to catch used oil when you remove the filter.
- If necessary, remove the front undercarriage splash shield and/or the engine cover to gain access to the filter area.
- Locate the filter assembly: either a traditional spin-on filter or a cartridge in a side-mounted housing.
- For a spin-on filter: use a filter wrench to loosen the old filter counterclockwise, let any residual oil drain, then remove the filter by hand and wipe the mounting surface clean.
- For a cartridge filter: loosen and remove the housing cap, lift out the old filter cartridge, and wipe the inside of the housing clean before inserting a new cartridge.
- Install the new filter (spin-on: coat the gasket with fresh oil and thread on by hand until snug, then a quick turn with the wrench as specified by the manufacturer; cartridge: insert the new cartridge and re-seat the housing cap).
- Replace the oil drain plug if removed and refill the engine with the correct amount and grade of oil as specified in the owner’s manual.
- Start the engine and check for leaks around the filter area; check the oil level after a few minutes of running and top off if needed.
Dispose of the old oil and filter according to local regulations, and wipe up any spills to prevent environmental damage.
Tips to confirm the exact location for your Soul
If you want to be certain about your specific VIN and engine code, consult the owner’s manual or a Kia dealership/official service bulletin. Engine code labels are typically found on the underside of the hood, near the radiator support, or on a sticker in the engine bay. The exact filter type (spin-on vs. cartridge) and its precise mounting can vary by engine, trim, and production date.
Summary
In a 2013 Kia Soul, the oil filter sits on the engine block near the front, with access depending on the engine variant. Most owners will find a spin-on filter on the 1.6L Gamma II, while some 2.0L Nu setups use a cartridge in a side-mounted housing. Whether you’re changing a spin-on or a cartridge, you’ll typically need to remove a nearby shield or cover to reach it, drain the old oil safely, and replace with fresh oil after installation. Always verify the exact location for your vehicle’s engine code in the manual or with a dealer to ensure correct procedure.