2010 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 135 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 23 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsDec 29, 2014
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.
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
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.
Campaign 14V822000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringAug 31, 2010
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.
WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
Campaign 10V388000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
21 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 24, 2026, crash
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.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2023
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 24, 2022
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 bags, Seat belts, Jun 21, 2022, crash
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.
Air bags, May 16, 2019, crash, fire
"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.
Air bags, Dec 19, 2018, crash
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.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2018, crash
AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO
Air bags, Feb 28, 2017, crash
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.
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 14, 2016, crash, fire
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
Air bags, May 24, 2016
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- COPY OF A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE ADMINISTRATOR REGARDING TAKATA AIRBAGS. *SMD
Air bags, Mar 5, 2016
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.
Air bags, Nov 28, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS DISCHARGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A SHOULDER CUT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2012, crash
IN THE MIDST OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, I HAD TO SUDDENLY STOP. I APPARENTLY DID NOT STOP QUICK ENOUGH AND REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY LEFT ARM TOOK PART OF THE SHOCK. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 - 45 MPH. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR COLLAPSED, TO A POINT THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT FREELY OPEN. AT LEAST TWO OF THE AIRBAG SENSORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. I HAVE PICTURES. *TR
Air bags, Sep 2, 2012, crash
2010 KIA SOUL WAS HIT BY PLYMOUTH NEON AS NEON WAS EXITING HIGHWAY I-70 WESTBOUND AT ZUMBEHL RD IN ST CHARLES, MO. NEON FAILED TO EITHER STOP AT RED LIGHT OR YIELD RIGHT OF WAY TO MY KIA SOUL. THE SOUL WAS HIT ON THE RIGHT FRONT COMPLETELY TEARING OFF THE FRONT BUMPER. THE SOUL WAS SPUN COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND HIT A SECOND TIME IN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. THE IMPACT SENT THE SOUL ACROSS 2 TRAFFIC LANES AND ACROSS AN APPROXIMATELY 6 INCH HIGH MEDIAN CURB INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NEITHER THE FRONT AIRBAGS, NOR THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER IMPACTED THE SIDE INTERIOR CAUSING INJURIES. *TR
Air bags, Jul 25, 2012, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, MY SON SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER WHICH HAD ENTERED HIS PATH. FAILING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE ENTERED A ROADSIDE DITCH WITH A STEEP EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE OPPOSITE SIDE EMBANKMENT ON THE LEFT FRONT QUADRANT WHICH RESULTED IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLES FRONT END. (THE DAMAGE CAUSED IS NEARLY IDENTICAL TO THE CRASH TEST PROVIDED ON THE IIHS'S WEBSITE IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED). OUR DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. UPON STRIKING THE OPPOSITE EMBANKMENT AND RECEIVING THE FRONT END DAMAGE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED COMPLETELY AT LEAST ONE TIME. (ACCORDING TO THE KIA WEBSITE, THE SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED), HOWEVER, THAT FAILED TO HAPPEN AS WELL. FORTUNATELY MY SON WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT, AND WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DUE TO IT'S SAFETY RATING. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN A KIA SOUL FRONT END/ROLLOVER ACCIDENT! *TR
Air bags, Jan 10, 2012, crash
I WAS HIT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR BY A DRIVER THAT RAN A RED LIGHT GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND THE IMPACT SPUN MY CAR COMPLETELY AROUND. NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED! THEN ON APRIL 30, 2011, RIGHT AFTER GETTING MY CAR BACK FROM BEING REPAIRED, MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING IT AND REAR ENDED A CAR THAT SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES QUICKLY. NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR A SECOND CRASH! *TR
Air bags, Jan 16, 2011, crash
09/09/2010 I WAS T-BONED IN A 2010 KIA SOUL WITH 1822 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS A MURANO GOING 45 MPH. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL AND DRIVER DOOR. I SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION FROM HITTING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND SOME SPECTACULAR BRUISING ON MY LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER. NOT ONE OF THE SIX AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY RATING AND THE NUMBER OF AIRBAGS. TODAY 01/16/2011 THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WAS BENT PARALLEL TO THE GROUND. I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. *LN
Air bags, Aug 16, 2010, crash
2010 KIA SOUL TRAVELING SOUTH ON SC HIGHWAY 905 AT 9:45PM., RURAL HIGHWAY WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT FROM A RIGHT SIDE DIRT ACCESS ROAD. THERE WAS A FRONT END CRASH TO THE KIA SOUL RESULTING IN TOTAL DAMAGE FRONT THE FRONT BUMPER TO THE FRONT DASH BOARD AREA. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED. THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL RESPONDED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. UPDATED IVOQ PICTURES RECEIVED. 08/2/710 *TR
Steering, Air bags, Aug 2, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2010 KIA SOUL AND HAD IT ABOUT TWO MONTHS WHEN WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING COLUMN CAME OFF. I TOOK PICTURES, AS I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE WHEELS, I DIDN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL MY CAR WOULDN'T STOP. I KEPT PUSHING DOWN ON THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE WAY, THAT WAS WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN. I CONTACTED KIA 24 HOUR ROADSIDE, THEY TRANSPORTED MY VEHICLE TO UNION CITY KIA, WHERE I FOUND OUT FROM TONY IN THE SERVICE CENTER THAT MY AIRBAG NEEDS TO ALSO BE REPLACED IN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE IT WAS NON FUNCTIONAL. THIS IS DAY THREE, AS THIS HAPPENED DURING THE WEEKEND, I CALLED KIA TODAY ABOUT HAVING A VEHICLE TO STAY MOBILE. I AM STILL WAITING ON A CALL BACK, THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THEY ARE STATING THAT I CANNOT HAVE A LOANER CAR OR RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Jul 31, 2010, crash
WE REAR-ENDED A 2004 EXPEDITION IN OUR 2010 KIA SOUL AT 20MPH. MY WIFE SUSTAINED A "TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY" AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS BEING CUT IN HALF (BOTH SIDES) BEFORE THE SENSORS WERE ACTIVATED. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE WIRING HARNESS CUT IN THE ACCIDENT AND THE CAR. MY 39 YEAR OLD WIFE WILL NOW SPEND THE REST OF HER LIFE DISABLED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR. KIA STATES THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT ACTIVATE AT 20MPH. THIS IS NOT A 5 STAR FRONTAL IMPACT DESIGN. THE FUEL SHUT OFF DID NOT ACTIVATE, 'ALL SAFETY FEATURES FAILED'. I DROVE THE CAR 1/4 MILE TO A PARKING LOT AFTER THE WRECK, ONTO A TRAILER LATER THAT DAY, OFF THE TRAILER, BACK ONTO A TRAILER AND OFF AGAIN. THE DEALER TOLD US TO POUND SAND AND CALL KIA IF WE WEREN'T SATISFIED WITH THE VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS. *TR
Air bags, Nov 17, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE CONTACT HIT A DEER WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO CRUSH INWARD. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4276.