2010 Kia Soul

Routine

Owners filed 135 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
20,000 milesMedian miles at failure

105 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags17
13212
Electrical System16
061
Structure10
000
Steering9
202
Visibility8
000
Vehicle Speed Control7
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Service Brakes7
010
Power Train7
100
Structure › Body6
010

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars14V822000
Filed Dec 29, 201495,314 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch13V114000
Filed Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Electrical System › Wiring10V388000
Filed Aug 31, 201035,185 vehiclesKia Motors Corporation

Defect. KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.

Risk. WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE LIGHTS IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 24, 2026LA

The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt didn't lock and at the moment it is available to be inspected. My seat belt didn't lock so it is probably why my back fractured. I don't know if the problem has ever been reproduced or confirmed. To my knowledge no one has inspected the car. There was no warning signs or lights that came on. Apparently the air bags only deploy with front or rear impact not rollovers and the seat belts don't lock either but how does a 2001 Saturn seat belts lock in a rollover but a 2010 Kia doesn't.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 2, 2026CA

See attached document for complaint.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 2, 2025OH

Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated

Steering
Filed Dec 16, 2024CA

Hello, I would like to report that someone attempted to steal my 2010 Kia Soul. The incident occurred on [XXX], in San Jose, CA 95111. As a result of the attempted theft, there is damage to the car’s steering wheel and ignition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is needed to assist with this report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Feb 7, 2024KS

Scanner can not communicate with the ecm/tcm U0101 code shifting issues starting issues

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 2023CA

I bought car being financed in sac,ca. August 8, 2023. Took back referred to mechanic round corner. Brake rotor issues fixed front this was August 14 noise still exist took back turned back rotors scraping noise pulling to left took to other automotive repairs ,inspections shocks original 2010 208,000 miles , brakes rotors scratches need replacing , pads, sway bar crack or been welded, sway bar link needs replacing crack control arms bushings cracked,windshield wipers needed replacing, check engine light I replaced coils and spark plugs, valve cover gasket leak ,front tires worn . Brakes sway bar axle issues could have have tragic accidents rollover cause injury to self passengers pedestrians and other vehicles. Even though car sold as is there's safety issues that should had been addressed before sold to anyone . I been to midas, Les Schwab, AAA inspection jiffy lube, orange Grove automotive, sales person said I need to take to another mechanic they use in elk Grove sine the mechanic they been using not fixing properly or in denial what's wrong, he said they aren't mechanics it's illegal that I brought car back to lot . I left it there feel unsafe after finding out what all wrong when mechanic said stop noise and salesmen said help me if I take to their people .I don't want car cause what else been overlooked it's about moneys I've spent rentals wage losses Safety first neglected . I feel they need to make deal right another car comparable in performance safety what this car

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 25, 2023TN

I was driving down the interstate on my way to work when my check engine light turned on and began flashing rapidly. I then began to get over to the shoulder and into safety when I heard what sounded like a loud dropping sound come from the engine and smoke started coming out of the hood. When I got pulled over to the shoulder, I ran and popped my hood and saw that the whole battery was on fire, within minutes the whole car was engulfed and I was told to get back for my safety by someone that stopped.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2023172,470 milesTX

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,470.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2022TX

The airbag light is on, and the passenger airbag light is off. Kia dealership performed the electronic scan, and is obtaining message with defect in OCS sensor defect and electrical voltage. Kia said needs Kia part #95910-2K000 that Kia has discontinued. There is no way to fix the air bag issue as Kia has discontinued the part, and no dealer has the part in the United States. The vehicle is available for inspection. Dealer has confirmed the problem, but can't repair because the Kia part has been DISCONTINUED. The part that has been discontinued is the Control Module, Module Assembly Air Bag.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 21, 2022TX

The contact owned a 2010 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH when she crashed into the rear passenger side of another vehicle due to an illegal turn damaging both vehicles. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy nor did the seatbelt retract. The contact stated when the paramedics helped out the vehicle the air bag fell out of the steering wheel. The contact was taken to the hospital for back pain. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 6, 2022280,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2010 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, a semi-truck entered her lane of traffic which forced her vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated that the truck did not hit her vehicle; however, the vehicle shut off with the check engine, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and then to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 29, 2021IL

---COMPONENT OR SYSTEM ISSUE-- Not sure yet. Based on google, it's possibly either a "faulty fuel pump relay" or "defective ignition switch". ---SAFETY ISSUE-- Potential for grave injury if a child or someone got in the car and put it in drive There were many young children AND teenagers in attendance. --REPRODUCED? or CONFIRMED? NOT OFFICIALLY-- Only that it has happened twice now. 1st occurrence--First week of July 2021 Heard the car running hours after the car was parked and the key removed. Unlocked the driver door, put the key in and turned it forward, then back and car turned off. Double-checked it by starting car and then turning off and sitting a few minutes. Nothing else happened at that point. ---2nd occurrence-Sunday, July 25th, 2021 On camping trip...at campsite Someone in the group heard a car running. It was the 2010 Kia Soul I went to get the key and returned to the (unlocked) car and turned the car off. ---INSPECTED? Not yet ---WARNINGS? None that I noticed. Though, shortly following the incident, while driving (first 5 minutes of starting car), the OD light came on. I pulled over, turned off car, and the light did not come on again.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 2021IN

Started my 2010 kia soul ➕, it had a loud ruff idle to it & felt like it was choking each time i hit gas pedal. AutoZone scanner gave codes of c1513 brake lite switch implausible & code c1503 esc switch input low. Pls help me. Ive had a family emergency & need my vehicle to get my dying family memeber

Engine
Filed May 19, 2021TN

Car was being driven on a neighborhood street at 25 mph a block and a half from home. The car just stopped. The electric system still worked but there was no engine activity whatsoever. There were no warning lamps or sounds prior to this event. The oil had been changed a week prior to this happening. Evidently from reading various reports online of the same type of events happening to other owners, it seems this is a known engine issue for multiple models of Kia cars. The car had to be towed to a garage where it was inspected and diagnostics were run. Dianostics determined: "found metal beneath valve cover and camshaft damaged due to apparent lack of oiling - no compression present." This car had approximately 150k miles on it and was a 2010 Kia Soul ! 4.2 0L 1975CC FI GAS N 2 model. The repair fix is a complete engine replacement at a cost of 5-6 THOUSAND dollars. Insane.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 12, 202189,000 milesPA

1. STATIONARY - A PIECE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION SPRING BROKE OFF. MY HUSBAND WENT TO CHECK WHAT WEIRD NOISE THE CAR WAS MAKING WHEN HE TURNED THE WHEEL FULLY AS WE WERE TRYING TO EXIT OUR PARALLELED PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. WHEN HE OPENED THE HOOD, HE LOOKED AROUND AND ASKED ME TO TURN THE WHEEL FROM SO HE COULD HEAR EXACTLY WHERE THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM. WHEN HE HEARD IT WAS ABOVE THE RIGHT WHEEL AREA, HE LOOKED DEEP, REACHED IN AND ENDED UP FINDING A PORTION OF THE SPRING. A DAY OR TWO LATER, BOTH SIDES ARE MAKING THAT NOISE, THOUGH NO DISLODGED PORTION FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS BEEN FOUND YET. 2. STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED - TIRE BEGAN LOSING AIR AT A RATE WHICH TOOK 1 FULL DAY. HAD THE TIRE CHECKED FOR HOLES, FOUND 1 AND REPAIRED IT. NEXT-DAY HOWEVER, SAME PROBLEM. CHECKED AGAIN, NO HOLES. NEXT DAY THE SAME. FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO TIRE SALES SHOP WE ALWAYS USE. IT WAS THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AND A CRACK WAS FOUND ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE WHEEL, WHICH MEANS IT WAS NOT FROM BRUSHING AGAINST THE CURB ONE TOO MANY TIMES. 3. HORN HAS ONLY EVER WORKED INTERMITTENTLY.

Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2021199,000 milesOR

I WAS DRIVING MY TYPICAL ROUTE TO WORK AND MID TURN, WITH MY CAR ON, ON A CITY ROAD, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART IT TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. VERY SCARY THING TO HAPPEN, VERY WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN A MORE DANGEROUS PLACE, LIKE THE FREEWAY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 202072,500 milesMD

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON; DIAGNOSED AS CANISTER PURGE VALVE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 31, 202027,000 milesVA

I EXPORTED MY KIA SOUL 2010 TO GERMANY DUE TO MILITARY MOVEMENT ORDER. AS THE CAR IS NOW REGISTERED IN GERMANY; I DID NOT GET ANY NOTIFICATIONS FROM KIA US ABOUT THE RECALL SC098AM REGARDING A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, RATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY GERMAN CAR DEALER IS TRYING TO HELP ME GET THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CHANGED, BUT IS UNABLE TO GET THE NECESSARY INFORMATION FROM KIA. IS THERE A POSSIBILITY TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING THE NECESSARY WORK FROM A SAFETY RECALL DONE IN GERMANY? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

Steering
Filed Mar 10, 2020101,000 milesIA

I NEED TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM BECAUSE IT'S LOOSE, AND WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED 1,000 MILES AGO.

Power Train
Filed Feb 24, 2020145,000 milesAZ

PROBLEM STARTED AFTER HAVING CLUTCH REPLACED IN APRIL 2019. WHEN IN 2ND GEAR, CAR HESITATES AND BEHAVES AS IF IT ISN'T GETTING GAS; IE: DOES NOT ACCELERATE WHEN APPLYING GAS. I TAKE FOOT OFF OF GAS AND THEN PUT BACK ON THE PEDAL OR HAVE TO CHANGE GEARS BEFORE CAR ACCELERATES.

20 of 135 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202512000Routine
202429010Routine
202350411Fatalities reported
202288113Fatalities reported
2021232230Above average
2020378168Fatalities reported
2019136180Routine
20182181141Fatalities reported
20172711140Above average
20168112350High concern
20158974831Fatalities reported
20148985691Fatalities reported
20136623450High concern
20125143232Fatalities reported
2011194351Fatalities reported
2010 — this page1353150Routine

Compare every Soul year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 29, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.