TireKick

Model-year record

2010 Kia Soul
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2010 Kia Soul

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

134

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

27

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (15% of 134 reports), followed by air bags (13%).

Electrical System15% · 20 reports
Air Bags13% · 17 reports
Structure10% · 14 reports
Steering9% · 12 reports
Visibility7% · 10 reports
Unknown Or Other7% · 9 reports
Power Train6% · 8 reports
Vehicle Speed Control5% · 7 reports

+ 17 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 134 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11551804, ODI 11301110, ODI 11170642, ODI 10441698, ODI 10429655.

Individual complaint reports(134)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Apr 2026 · ODI 11728848Details +

See attached document for complaint.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728848 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2025 · ODI 11691093Details +

Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11691093 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2024 · ODI 11630982Details +

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)

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11630982 at NHTSA →
EngineFeb 2024 · ODI 11570456Details +

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

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11570456 at NHTSA →
SuspensionNov 2023 · ODI 11555882Details +

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 suppose to be or give me $1500 back quash deal cause I don't like disrespect they have given me to be professional defrauding me not concerned my safety just$$$. Then say I illegally left car in lot but not that they illegally sold me an unsafe vehicle. I got full coverage insurance before taking car.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11555882 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2023 · ODI 11551804 · fireDetails +

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.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11551804 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2023 · ODI 11526618Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11526618 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2022 · ODI 11470926Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11470926 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2022 · ODI 11470315 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

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.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11470315 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2022 · ODI 11467850Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11467850 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2021 · ODI 11426984Details +

---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.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11426984 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2021 · ODI 11424514Details +

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

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11424514 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2021 · ODI 11417762Details +

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.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11417762 at NHTSA →
SuspensionApr 2021 · ODI 11407751Details +

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.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11407751 at NHTSA →
SteeringJan 2021 · ODI 11390546Details +

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.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11390546 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2020 · ODI 11364516Details +

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

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Oct 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11364516 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2020 · ODI 11342468Details +

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

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11342468 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2020 · ODI 11317358Details +

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

Reported
Mar 2020
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11317358 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2020 · ODI 11311076Details +

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.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11311076 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2020 · ODI 11308045Details +

I WAS PLAYING THE RADIO, WHEN THE SOUND WENT OUT. NOW WHENEVER I TURN THE RADIO ON, I SOMETIMES HEAR A POPPING SOUND AS IF IT IS GOING TO TURN ON BUT THEN IT GOES SILENT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Sep 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11308045 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11302443Details +

A LOUD POPPING SOUND GOES OFF AND THE RADIO SYSTEM AND SPEAKERS ALL GO OUT WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT IS ALSO CAUSING RANDOM LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE CAR TO TURN OFF THE PANEL ONES. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT WAS NOTED ON CARS.COM THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. MY FEAR IS THAT A FIRE MAY HAPPEN DUE TO THIS ISSUE.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11302443 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11301110 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE BILL DODGE KIA DEALER (877-583-6175, LOCATED AT 3 SAUNDERS WAY, WESTBROOK, ME 04092) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11301110 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2019 · ODI 11269830Details +

THE BRAKES ARE NOT BRAKING THE WAY THEY SHOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND THEN STALLED TO STOP I WAS ON I-285 GOING HOME TO JASPER GA ALSO I'VE NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CAN GO INTO ANOTHER GEAR W OUT BRAKE ON

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11269830 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2019 · ODI 11268222Details +

CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK, AND CANNOT BE STARTED DUE TO SAFETY FEATURE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO START CAR IN GEAR. TEMPORARY FIX WAS DISCOVERED TO BE SHIFT ALL THE WAY TO 2ND GEAR, THEN BACK TO PARK. TAKING TO KIA DEALER TOMORROW TO HAVE 'SWITCH' CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE SHORT. CAR WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED. PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE. ONCE IN CARPORT THE NEXT MORNING (10/9). THEN IN PARKING LOT AFTER RETURNING FROM SHOPPING IN GROCERY STORE (10/12).

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11268222 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2019 · ODI 11208079 · crash · fire · 1 injuriesDetails +

"TAKATA RECALL" THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR WAS HIT TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND. A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT AND COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE. TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT WAY ON CITY STREET. INSURANCE HAVE TOTALED THE VEHICLE.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash Fire 1 injuries
Open ODI 11208079 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2019 · ODI 11206156Details +

HEAD LIGHTS, A/C, POWER WINDOWS, SUN ROOF, WIPERS AND HORN ALL STOPPED WORKING AT ONCE.IT WAS ON A HOT DAY. THEN ALL JUST STARTED WORKING AFTER CAR HAD COOLED DOWN. SAME THING HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE, SOMETIME IN LATE JUNE OR EARLY JULY 2017. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AFTERWARD BUT THEY COULDN'T HELP.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11206156 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2019 · ODI 11192485Details +

THIS AND OTHER MODELS OF KIA/HYUNDAI HAVE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH AUTO TRANS A4CF1/2 ELECTRICA HARNESS THAT FAILS PREMATURELY AND FREQUENTLY, INCLUDING TEMP SENSOR INTERGRATED INTO IT. CAR NOW HAS 94K AND CODE P0713 FOR THE TEMP SENSOR FAILURE AND RECENTLY P0765 FOR SELONOID D, WHICH IS ALL RELATED TO WIRE HARNESS INSIDE TRANS. TEMP SENSOR FAILS, AND SOLDER CONNECTIONS BECOME LOOSE AND IRRETIC SHIFTING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND ALL SORTS OF TRANS PROBLEMS START. I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED UPON OWNERS TAKING CARS TO DEALER OR TRANS SHOP, THEY ARE TOLD THEIR TRANSMISSIONS ARE NO GOOD.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11192485 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2019 · ODI 11191797Details +

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED!

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Mar 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11191797 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2019 · ODI 11170642 · fireDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE, WHICH LED TO FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THEN TOWED TO THE VEHICLE'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN LOCATION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11170642 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2018 · ODI 11162496 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE HEADLIGHT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A SEAT BELT INJURY ON HER CHEST AND A NOSE INJURY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11162496 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11151094 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Nov 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11151094 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2018 · ODI 11140380Details +

TAKATA RECALL : SOMOS PROPIETARIOS DESDE MAYO DEL 2012 HASTA LA FECHA VAN 3 OCACIONES QUE LE REPARAMOS LOS FRENOS Y CONSTANTEMENTE HUELE A QUEMADO Y SE LE PRENDE LUZ DE CHECK ENGINE POR LO MENOS UNA VEZ POR MES DESDE QUE LO TENEMOS Y SE LE APAGA A LA SEMANA O DOS SEMANAS NOS MANDAN DE LA HYUNDAI A EL DEALER DE LA KIA Y EN ESE DEALER NOS DICEN QUE NO TIENE NADA NADAMAS LO REPROGRAMAN PERO EL PROBLEMA CONTINUA.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Jul 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11140380 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2018 · ODI 11102167Details +

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, ONCE WHEN THE CRUISE WAS ON AND ONCE WHEN IT WASN'T. THE KIA SOUL WOULD NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING OR SLOW DOWN TO LESS THAN 20 MPH. LUCKILY I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE OR FOUR LANE BOTH TIMES AND HAD TIME TO GET OVER ON THE BERM AND PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THEN PARK AND THEN TURN OFF IMMEDIATELY. I TRIED TO RESTART AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO 7,000 IN PARK. I LET CAR SIT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES...FIRST TIME WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT SEEMED TO BE OKAY. I DROVE IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE SECOND OCCURRENCE. THIS TIME CAR WOULD NOT RESET AND WHEN TRYING TO RESTART, ENGINE WAS REVVING TO 7,000 RPM IN PARK. I TOLD ALL THIS TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTIC BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG...I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT AND AFTER SOME RESEARCH, LOOKS LIKE THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11102167 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2017 · ODI 11035286Details +

THE TRANSMISSION STOPS SHIFTING AFTER 3RD OR 4TH GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SHIFT HARD AND NOT RIGHT FROM TAKE OFF. SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION.

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11035286 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2017 · ODI 11015078Details +

WIRING CONNECTOR CONNECTED TO THE RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY MELTED. I HAD REPLACED THE RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY A YEAR EARLIER TO ITS FAILURE. UPON THE REPAIR SHOP I TOOK MY CAR TO CALLING THE DEALER, IT WAS MENTIONED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BY THE DEALER. THE MELTING OF THIS CONNECTOR CAUSED THE ENGINE TO START OVER HEATING AND THE A/C TO NO LONGER COOL. DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE CONNECTOR IS NOT AVAILABLE AND IT WOULD TAKE REPLACING THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL HARNESS. THE CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES ON IT.

Reported
Aug 2017
Incident date
Aug 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11015078 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2017 · ODI 10980922Details +

MY CAR IS STALLING WHILE DRIVING. IT IS REALLY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I CHECKED IT TWICE THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WITH KIA AND THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY THE ISSUE. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AS THIS STALLING FEELS LIKE A POWERFUL STONEWALL IMPACT. IT HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN A 2 MONTH SPAN. MY KIDS GOT SCARRED TOO WHEN IT HAPPENED WHILE THEY WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. IF THE DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.

Reported
Apr 2017
Incident date
Apr 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10980922 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2017 · ODI 10957491 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DEER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10957491 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2016 · ODI 10935357 · crash · fire · 1 injuriesDetails +

AS I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON I-95 IT HAD STARTED TO RAIN. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF A TWO LANE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH IN A 70 MPH ZONE WHEN AN 18 WHEELER WENT BY ME GOING 85 MPH OR MORE. IT PUSHED WATER ON THE ROAD OVER INTO MY LANE AND I FELT MY WHEELS BEGIN TO MOVE. I LET OFF THE GAS AND GRIPPED THE WHEEL. MY ESC LIGHT NEVER TURNED ON. I HYDROPLANED FROM MY LANE INTO THE RIGHT LANE THEN BACK INTO MY LANE AND OFF THE ROAD. THE WHEELS LOCKED ABOUT 20 FEET OFF THE ROAD AND THE CAR TIPPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HIT A TREE. I HAD MY SEATBELT ON AS I SAT AND DIALED 911. MY WINDSHIELD WAS SPIDERWEBBED, MY HOOD OF THE CAR WAS UP, AND ALL MY BELONGINGS WERE THROWN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. I WAS WEARING MY PRESCRIPTION GLASSES AND A HEADBAND AND WITH THE FORCE OF THE HIT, BOTH WERE THROWN OFF MY FACE. AS I SAT IN THE CAR ON THE PHONE WITH 911 THE CAR BEGAN TO CATCH FIRE. I UNBUCKLED MY SEATBELT AND GOT OUT THE DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVER. WHEN I GOT OUT I REALIZED NOT ONE AIR BAG IN MY VEHICLE WENT OFF. NOT EVEN THE SIDE ONES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash Fire 1 injuries
Open ODI 10935357 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2016 · ODI 10891517Details +

MY HORN DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. I ALMOST WAS IN A BAD ACCIDENT TRYING TO PREVENT A CAR SIDESWIPING ME TO CROSS LANES - I KEPT TRYING TO HONK THE HORN. IT WOULD NOT WORK SO I HAD TO JAM ON MY BRAKES AND ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED TOO. I WROTE TO KIA AND GOT NO RESPONSE. I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE - A DRIVER TO THE RIGHT OF ME CUT ME OFF TO GET INTO THE TURN LANE TO THE LEFT OF ME.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10891517 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2016 · ODI 10885954Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 (NA) KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 15V736000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Reported
Jul 2016
Incident date
Jul 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10885954 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2016 · ODI 10870975Details +

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- COPY OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE ADMINISTRATOR REGARDING TAKATA AIRBAGS. *SMD

Reported
May 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10870975 at NHTSA →
StructureMay 2016 · ODI 10870488Details +

SUN ROOF FALLS OUT OF TRACKS

Reported
May 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10870488 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2016 · ODI 10840080Details +

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON (DRIVER SIDE) AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FLIES ON AND OFF. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER REPORTS A NEW MODULE NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED BUT IT WOULD BE CHARGED TO THE OWNER. I DISAGREE AS THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND FROM REVIEWING COMPLAINTS ON LINE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT.

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10840080 at NHTSA →
StructureFeb 2016 · ODI 10837384Details +

PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK WOULD UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY INITIALLY FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS AND NOW DOES NOT UNLOCK AT ALL WHEN USING THE KEY FOB AND SINCE THERE IS NO MANUAL KEY-LOCK CYLINDER ANYWHERE EXCEPT ON THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR, THIS FRONT DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED UNTIL AFTER THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10837384 at NHTSA →
SteeringFeb 2016 · ODI 10824145Details +

MY 2010 KIA SOUL IS CEASING AND LOCKING UP ON ME AND MY ENGINE IS SHUTTING OFF. IT HAS DONE THIS FIVE TIMES. I DOCUMENTED TWICE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD TO RECREATE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE SOMEONE WOULD SAY THIS. WHEN I TURN RIGHT THE WHEEL WILL TURN LEFT AND IT WILL STIFFEN AND SHUTT OFF. I ALMOST CRASHED 5 TIMES. 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

Reported
Feb 2016
Incident date
Feb 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10824145 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingJan 2016 · ODI 10822167Details +

THE STOP LAMP SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, DESPITE THIS EXACT PART BEING RECALLED BACK IN 2013. THE STOP LAMPS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES ARE ENGAGED.

Reported
Jan 2016
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10822167 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2015 · ODI 10786597Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION, THE KEY WOULD NOT START THE VEHICLE, AND THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Reported
Oct 2015
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10786597 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2015 · ODI 10781275Details +

CAR WAS PARKED UNDER CARPORT. I CAME BACK TO CAR REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED NO INDICATION OF FOUL PLAY. REPLACED 8/24/15. THEN AGAIN CAR PARKED UNDER CARPORT EXPLODED AGAIN 2ND TIME 10/09/15. WHEN IT EXPLODES LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE CRAWLED IN HATCHBACK AND PUSHED GLASS OUTWARD, GLASS COMPANY SAFELITE CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS.

Reported
Oct 2015
Incident date
Oct 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10781275 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2015 · ODI 10779549Details +

MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 70 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SEEMD TO SHIFT DOWN TO 3RD GEAR ALMOST HAVING THE CAR BEHIND US REAREND US. HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALL THE TIME IF WE GO OVER 65 OR 70.

Reported
Oct 2015
Incident date
Oct 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10779549 at NHTSA →
TiresSep 2015 · ODI 10766502Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH GENERAL EXCLAIM UHP TIRES, SIZE: 195/50/ZR16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE LOST PRESSURE. THE CONTACT NOTICED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE BUBBLES ON THE INNER SIDEWALL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Mar 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10766502 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Exterior LightingJan 2013 · 13V114000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical System · 10V388000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Structure · 14V822000Details +

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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima, MY 2011-2014 Kia Sorento and MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.7 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field and other data on other Kia vehicles (approximately 3.6 million additional vehicles) equipped with the same engines used in the above-mentioned vehicles.As a result of this PE, Kia has issued NHTSA Recalls 20V-750 and 21V-844 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain Kia vehicles equipped with various engine types.Additional information on these and other related recall actions is available in the downloadable version of this resume available at NHTSA.gov.In addition, ODI has upgraded this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 which will focus on potential recall scope concerns and recall remedy concerns related to the engine failure-related recalls mentioned above and conducted previously.See the EA21-003 Opening Resume available at NHTSA.gov for more information.Also available in the downloadable version of this resume is a list of the reference numbers for the 444 ODI reports, or Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), cited above which ODI received through mid-November 2021.Note that the Manufacturer reports cited above are customer complaints received through March 2019.

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had already opened Recall Queries (RQ17-003 and RQ17-004) on all Kia and Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II engines for engine failures that may cause stalling and fires.The queries cover most of the petition subject Optima, Sorento, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles but not any of the subject Soul vehicles.On August 21, 2018, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP18-003) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the CAS petition. ODI sent Information Request letters to Kia and Hyundai (September and October 2018) requesting information on all engine and non-engine related fires in the petition vehicles.ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Kia and Hyundai. During the DP18-003 analysis, Kia and Hyundai each initiated three additional safety recalls related to engine compartment fires on certain petitioned and non-petitioned vehicles (nearly 740,000 total vehicles: Recalls 18V-907, 18V-934, 19V-101, 19V-063, 19V-120, and 19V-204). Based on ODI?s review of the applicable materials, including responses to Information Requests sent to multiple manufacturers, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ), and Early Warning Data, NHTSA decided to grant the petition.The CAS petition was granted on March 29, 2019. Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) have been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged defects relating to non-collision vehicle fires in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul.Attached is a list of the reference numbers for the 404 VOQs cited above.

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of a single complaint on the subject vehicles that alleges the hand wheel became mechanically de-coupled from the road wheels when the intermediate steering shaft universal joint separated from the upper steering column.It appears that the intermediate steering shaft in the complaint vehicle was disassembled and then improperly re-assembled with the universal joint not fully engaged with the upper steering column's splined shaft and the pinch bolt was not secured in the retaining groove when fastened.The component supplier has added additional fool-proofing measures to the assembly process to further reduce the likelihood of improper assembly.Kia inspected a total of 3,695 subject vehicles and steering column assemblies at the component supplier, the vehicle assembly plant in Korea and at US ports in the weeks immediately following the opening of this pursuit and found no evidence of improper assembly.Kia also conducted a service action (SA057) to inspect another 169 subject vehicles (out of 336) manufactured on the same day as the complaint vehicle and a total of 594 subject vehicles (out of 1,747) manufactured during the same week as the complaint vehicle and found no issues to report.An additional 342 subject vehicles outside the scope of the service action were also inspected and again Kia found no evidence of improper assembly.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Crash-test ratings

2010 Kia Soul 4-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Soul1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263128
Soul1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263128
Soul2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243026
Soul2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243026

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2010 Kia Soul: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 Kia Soul?

Owners filed 134 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Kia Soul. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 Kia Soul?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (15% of complaints) and air bags (13%).

How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Soul have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2010 Kia Soul, covering components such as exterior lighting. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Soul get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Kia Soul between 26 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.