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: service brakes
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Service brakes, Visibility/wiper, Nov 19, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 31, 2020
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
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2019
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
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
Electrical system, Structure, Service brakes, Oct 15, 2018
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.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 15, 2018
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.
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
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 25, 2016
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 19, 2015
I WAS NOTIFIED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT NONE OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE LIGHTING UP WHEN I BRAKED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY KIA SOUL TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND A FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH. THIS WAS THE SAME FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH THAT WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL IN 2013. THIS MEANS THAT THE REPLACED NEW BRAKE SWITCH IS ALSO FAULTY AFTER LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF DRIVING. IT IS A WORRY TO ME THAT KIA COULD BE REPLACING A FAULTY RECALLED PART WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PART, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT HAS MAJOR SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. I WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR AND THIS ALSO SEEMS UNFAIR GIVEN THE HISTORY OF THE PARTICULAR PART.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Jul 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED AND THE BRAKES MADE A NOISE WHEN DEPRESSED, CAUSING THE BRAKES NOT TO ENGAGE AT A NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURES HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOR PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 95,000.
Wheels, Service brakes, Sep 24, 2012, fire
DEALERSHIP CHANGED MY BRAKES ON SEPT 18. ON SEPT 19, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ALL FOUR BRAKES ACTIVATED WITHOUT BRAKES BEING PRESSED. VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 65MPH TO 30 MPH AND DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BRAKE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 25, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN SOUTH FLORIDA I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING MY 2010 KIA SOUL TO STOP DURING A PANIC STOP SITUATION. I AM OVER 210 LBS. AND HAD TO PUT EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH I HAVE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. I AM 63 AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE 15 AND NEVER HAD A CAR REACT LIKE THIS KIA. IT HAS 4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES. IF [XXX] WAS DRIVING WE WOULD HAVE ENDED UP ON THE REAR DECK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. [XXX] IS SMALL AND WOULD NOT BEEN ABLE TO PUSH AS HARD AS I DID. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM (BRAKING ISSUES) BECAUSE I CERTAINLY NEED A CAR WHICH WILL STOP ON COMMAND. I TALKED TO A YOUNG GIRL HERE IN NASHUA WHO OWNS A 2011 KIA AND SHE TOLD ME SHE THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING "WRONG" WITH HER BRAKES ALSO. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN A CAR WON'T STOP LIKE IT SHOULD. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY COMPLAINT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 19, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY RENTED A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABNORMALLY SMALL AND HIGH, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DESIGN OF THE PEAL CAUSED DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATIONS BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROADWAY AND LOCATE THE PEDAL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Service brakes, Electric, May 12, 2010, crash
4-8-10 AAA TELLS ME THE REAR BRAKES ARE NOT ENGAGING WHEN THEY CHANGED A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT BRAKES AND PATCH TIRE. DEALERSHIP DID NO REPAIRS. 4-26-10 2010 KIA SOUL SE2, BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN CAR AHEAD STOPPED CAUSING MY CAR TO REAR END THAT CAR. SPEED UNDER 15 MPH. $3000 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. SCRATCH TO OTHER CAR. 5-11-10 INDEPENDENT MASTER MECHANIC INSPECTED BRAKES AND THINKS THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AND UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. ADVISES LEMON LAW APPLICATION STARTED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE FAILURE CONTINUED DURING THE TRAVEL FOR APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES. IN ADDITION, WHENEVER DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK; THE FUEL CONTINUOUSLY SPRAYS OUT. ALSO, THERE WAS FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.