2010 Kia Soul
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 661 |
| 2014 | 895 |
| 2015 | 897 |
| 2016 | 807 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 135 |
| 2020 | 376 |
| 2021 | 231 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down the interstate on my way to work when my check engine light turned on and began flashing rapidly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231025
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260824
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO
NHTSA ODI report, 20181112
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120902
11% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20120924
9% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Steering Shaft Separation
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
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
Campaign 10V388000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V822000 — check if this car was fixed
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V388000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V822000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Kia Soul reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Kia Soul is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Soul?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Soul have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.