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: visibility
14 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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, May 7, 2019
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.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 10, 2015
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.
Equipment, Visibility/wiper, Nov 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE OPERATING THE AIR CONDITIONING, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS BECAME FOGGED. ALSO, WHEN USING THE VENT TO DIRECT AIR TO THE FLOOR, CONDENSATION WOULD OCCUR ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Visibility, Sep 28, 2012
MY CAR IS 2 YRS OLD IT HAS OVER 15 CHIPS AND CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Jul 1, 2011
SHATTERED HATCHBACK GLASS. I WAS JUST GETTING IN MY2010 KIA SOUL AFTER WORK. I OPENED DRIVER SIDE , SAT IN, AS I CLOSED DRIVER DOOR THE HATCHBACK GLASS SIMPLY SHATTERED AND FELL APART. I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK . *TR
Visibility, Mar 1, 2011
I WAS RETURNING FROM A TRIP WHEN I GOT A SMALL ROCK CHIP. I HAD IT FILLED AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. THIS MORNING, WHEN I DROVE TO WORK, MY WINDSHIELD WAS FINE, BUT THIS AFTERNOON, THERE WAS AN L SHAPED CRACK IN THE BOTTOM MIDDLE OF MY WINDSHIELD. I AM FINDING THAT THIS WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND CHIPS WITH GREAT EASE. AT THIS POINT, THAT CRACK CANNOT BE "FILLED," THE WINDSHIELD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Visibility, Feb 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS STRUCK BY A SMALL ROCK CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GLASS SPECIALIST WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WOULD FRACTURE AGAIN IF STRUCK AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING WITH TOUGHER GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE AN ENGINEER FURTHER EXAMINE THE WINDSHIELD GLASS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,813.
Visibility, Dec 5, 2010
WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT BASE OF WINDOW COVERED BY THE WIPER NOT WHERE A ROCK COULD ACCESS IT. THE CRACK HAS SINCE SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE SURFACE OF THE WINDOW. THIS HAPPENED IN MARCH OF 2010 AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS. I AM UNWILLING TO FIX DUE TO THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED WITH AMERICAN GLASS THAT IS NOT SO SOFT. *TR
Visibility, Nov 14, 2010
ROCK BARELY TAPS WINDSHIELD CAUSING DAMAGE. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Aug 5, 2010
MY 2010 KIA SOUL HAS SUCH SEVERE INTERIOR DAMAGE FROM THE SUB-STANDARD MATERIAL THEY USED THAT THE MARKET VALUE HAS DEPRECIATED FAR BEYOND THE NORM. ANY METAL, EVEN PLASTIC THAT TOUCHES THE DOORS (SEAT BELT BUCKLE) PILLARS, CENTER CONSOLE, GLOVE BOX, ETC....BECOMES DAMAGED. THE MATERIAL HAS NO PADDING UNDER IT SO THERE IS NO ABSORPTION AND IT IS "HONEY COMB" DESIGN WHICH WHEN SCRATCHED BREAKS THE "HONEY COMB" WHICH HAS A LIGHT GREY UNDER IT. MY FATHER BOUGHT THE SAME CAR AT THE SAME TIME AND HE TOO HAS THIS PROBLEM. THE CARS SHOWING THIS DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO WAY OF FIXING IT AND THE MANUFACTURE IS TELLING US TO WAIT FOR THEIR SOLUTION, MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR. KIA HAS PUT OTHER 2010 SOULS ON THE LOT WITH COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MATERIAL SO THIS SHOULD BE THE SOLUTION. THEY WILL NOT SEND ME ANYTHING IN WRITING STATING THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM THOUGH THEY HAVE GIVEN OUT HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF REFERENCE # AND TELL EVERYONE THEY ARE WORKING ON THE SOLUTION. I FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE WASTING TIME, LETTING TIME LAPSE SO THEY CAN EITHER CLAIM THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OR THEY ARE WAITING FOR THE LEMON LAW TIME LIMITS TO EXPIRE. WHAT COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES A DEFECT BUT WON'T PUT IT IN WRITING? I AM FURIOUS, THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE ALSO PRESENT, LIKE CHIPPING PAINT THAT HAS STARTED TO RUST WITH 6000 MILES ON IT. WE DESERVE CONSUMER PROTECTION. PLEASE CHECK WWW.KIASOULFORUM.COM FOR EVEN GREATER AWARENESS OF THIS VERY PUBLIC ISSUE. REAR VIEW WINDOW SO SMALL AND HIGH IT IS A DANGER. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Dec 20, 2009
I HAVE HAD MY KIA SOUL SINCE MAY 2009. I HAVE EXPERIENCED CHIPS IN THE GLASS AND PAINT AS WELL AS SCRATCHES TO THE GLASS FROM A PLASTIC ICE SCRAPER AI HAVE USED ON 3 OTHER VEHICLES WITHOUT ISSUE. I DO NOT USE ICE SCRAPERS OFTEN HERE IN TEXAS, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD WINDOWS SCRATCHED BY A PLASTIC UTENSIL DESIGNED FOR THE TASK I WAS PERFORMING. I THINK THE WINDOWS ARE MADE OF A HYBRID COMPOUND THAT IS NOT FULLY GLASS TO BE SO EASILY CHIPPED AND SCRATCHED. IT REMINDS ME OF THE POLYCARBONATE USED IN THE GLASSES I WEAR. THEY ARE "SCRATCH RESISTANT", BUT WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE I WILL HAVE SCRATCHES FROM THE MOST BENIGN OCCURRENCES. I BELIEVE THE GLASS IN THIS VEHICLE WILL BE A HAZARD OVER THE LONG TERM BY CREATING ISSUES WITH VIEWING THE ROAD. THE SCRATCHES CATCH THE LIGHT AND CAUSE STAR EFFECT LIGHTING RIGHT IN THE PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Nov 7, 2009
FACTORY INSTALLED WINDSHIELD CHIPS AND CRACKS FROM THE EDGE EASILY AND OFTEN. I HAD THE FIRST WINDOW REPLACED AT ABOUT 5,000 MILES AND THAT WINDOW WAS A GENUINE KIA WINDOW INSTALLED AND NOW IT HAS TWO SMALL CHIPS AND A CRACK FROM THE EDGE OF THE GLASS AND ONE BIG CHIP AT 8,000 MILES. I HAVE NOT CHANGED MY DRIVING AND HAVE NEVER OCCURRED THIS MANY WINDOW DEFECTS. I BELIEVE THE WINDOW TO BE NOT PROPERLY ANNEALED OR TREATED IN THE FURNACE OR IT IS JUST TOO THIN. *TR
Visibility, Aug 7, 2009
2010 KIA SOUL WINDSHIELD HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES SINCE WE BOUGHT IT 4 MONTHS AGO. YES, CAUSED BY SMALL ROCKS FROM THE ROAD. THE FIRST TWO TIMES WE PAID OVER $50.00 TO HAVE THE CRACKS "BLOWN". THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER A ROCK HITS AGAIN THIS TIME THE SMALL ROCK HAS CREATED A MASSIVE CRACK AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.I CANT AFFORD TO REPLACE BUT IF I DID ISN'T IT GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN? I'VE BEEN DRIVING A LONG TIME AND I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR A WINDSHIELD ONE TIME. NOW IN THE SPAN OF 4 MONTHS ITS BEEN 3 TIMES. *TR