2010 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 24 8 fire 1 injury

“BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND DRIVERS SIDE DOOR STARTED TO SMOKE. MAIN SMOKE WAS COMING FROM SPEAKER AREA. WINDOWS WERE DOWN. EXITED CAR IN PARKING LOT AND BY THIS TIME, DOOR STARTED TO MELT. SOON THEREAFTER, DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAR WAS STILL NEAR OTHER VEHICLES AND PEOPLE IN BUSY PARKING LOT. WAS TOLD BY BYSTANDER'S THAT VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE PUSHED FURTHER AWAY FROM BUSY AREA. ENTERED VEHICLE VIA PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, LEANED ACROSS WITH RIGHT HAND TO PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL AND USED LEFT HAND TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL. RIGHT HAND BURNED DUE TO HEAT FROM DRIVERS SIDE BLAZING FIRE WHILE PRESS…”
NHTSA complaint #10429655, 2011 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11551804, 2023 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11301110, 2020 · fire

Structure 21 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“THE 2010 SOUL HAD A MAJOR FAILURE WHEN IT IMPACTED A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO LEAKING FLUIDS, SIGNS OF SMOKE OR FIRE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ROUGHLY 15 MINUTES LATER AND BURNED TOTALLY UP BEFORE FIRE CREWS COULD GET THERE TO PUT IT OUT. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE FIRE WALL. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE SAFETY BUMPERS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO WORK BELLOW THE 15 MPH CONSTRAINT ARE UNDER DESIGNED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10351526, 2010 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“KIA SOUL 2010 PURCHASED IN MARCH 2010. THE CLIPS TO MY FRONT BUMPER HAVE ALL BROKEN AND IT WAS GLUED ON SO IT WILL STAY ON UNTIL OUR MECHANIC PUT BOLTS TO HOLD IT BETTER. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT FIX IT SINCE THEY STATED I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WAS NOT IN ONE. THE BUMPER STARTED FALLING OFF BEFORE 10,000 MILES. THERE ARE NO DENTS OR DINGS IN THE FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP AFTER I HAD BY FOOT ON THE BRAKES FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 11K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT WHEN IT SHOULD. THE BRAKE RELAY WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER…”
NHTSA complaint #10362292, 2010 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10837384, 2016

Air Bags 20 15 crash 2 fire 14 injury

“AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO”
NHTSA complaint #11151094, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“"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.”
NHTSA complaint #11208079, 2019 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 SPIDERWEBB…”
NHTSA complaint #10935357, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 15 3 crash 2 fire 3 injury

“AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO”
NHTSA complaint #11151094, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 SPIDERWEBB…”
NHTSA complaint #10935357, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #10476786, 2012 · fire

Steering 12 2 crash 2 injury

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 -15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE FRONT WHEELS WOULD NOT STRAIGHTEN WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE LEFT SIDE OF HER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HAND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. SHE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VIN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2200.”
NHTSA complaint #10362432, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ABNORMALLY VEER OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 700.”
NHTSA complaint #10350108, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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)”
NHTSA complaint #11630982, 2024

Power Train 11 1 crash

“MY WIFE AND I JUST PURCHASED A USED 2010 KIA SOUL ON 01/21/2012. SHE WAS DRIVING IT TO THE CAR WAS AND AS SHE WAS TRYING TO MAKE HER WAY TO THE ENTRANCE SHE WAS PULLED UP TOO CLOSELY. SHE BACKED UP THEN SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR AND AS SHE BEGAN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THOUGHT IT WAS STILL IN REVERSE AND BEGAN TO MOVE BACKWARD. SHE THEN PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THEN SHIFTED INTO FIRST AGAIN AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED, THIS TIME CAUSING HER TO HIT THE PAY BOX FOR THE CAR WASH AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE FENDER, MIRROR AND DOOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10444813, 2012 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11311076, 2019

“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).”
NHTSA complaint #11268222, 2019

Unknown Or Other 11

“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)”
NHTSA complaint #11630982, 2024

“---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. D…”
NHTSA complaint #11426984, 2021

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11424514, 2021

Visibility 10

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10410276, 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”
NHTSA complaint #10386126, 2011

“MY CAR IS 2 YRS OLD IT HAS OVER 15 CHIPS AND CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE WINDSHIELD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10477423, 2010

Engine 9 2 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11551804, 2023 · fire

“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 TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11170642, 2019 · fire

“Scanner can not communicate with the ecm/tcm U0101 code shifting issues starting issues”
NHTSA complaint #11570456, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 9 1 crash 2 injury

“AUTO SE ACELER CAUSANDO ACCIDENTE. ENTRANDO AL ESTACIONAMIENTO SE ACELER CHOCANDO CON LA PARED DEL CONDOMINIO”
NHTSA complaint #11151094, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11102167, 2018

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10885954, 2016

Tires 7 1 fire

“KIA SOUL 2010 PURCHASED IN MARCH 2010. THE CLIPS TO MY FRONT BUMPER HAVE ALL BROKEN AND IT WAS GLUED ON SO IT WILL STAY ON UNTIL OUR MECHANIC PUT BOLTS TO HOLD IT BETTER. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT FIX IT SINCE THEY STATED I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WAS NOT IN ONE. THE BUMPER STARTED FALLING OFF BEFORE 10,000 MILES. THERE ARE NO DENTS OR DINGS IN THE FRONT BUMPER AREA. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP AFTER I HAD BY FOOT ON THE BRAKES FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME. THIS HAPPENED AT ABOUT 11K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT WHEN IT SHOULD. THE BRAKE RELAY WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER…”
NHTSA complaint #10362292, 2010 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10766502, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ADD AIR TO THE TIRE, THE VALVE STEM BECAME DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEM COULD NOT BE REPLACED WITH OUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE VALVE AND TRANSMITTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10467543, 2012

Engine And Engine Cooling 5 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“THE 2010 SOUL HAD A MAJOR FAILURE WHEN IT IMPACTED A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO LEAKING FLUIDS, SIGNS OF SMOKE OR FIRE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ROUGHLY 15 MINUTES LATER AND BURNED TOTALLY UP BEFORE FIRE CREWS COULD GET THERE TO PUT IT OUT. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE FIRE WALL. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE SAFETY BUMPERS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO WORK BELLOW THE 15 MPH CONSTRAINT ARE UNDER DESIGNED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10351526, 2010 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 dea…”
NHTSA complaint #11467850, 2022

“I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE KIA, AFTER THAT WAS FIXED THE CAR WAS STILL NOT RUNNING RIGHT, IT WAS SLUGGISH AND USING A LOT OF GAS. THE HEAD WAS CRACKED, AND SEVERAL OF THE VALVES WERE MESSED UP AND EVENTUALLY THE WHOLE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE WHOLE PROCESS TOOK APPROXIMATELY 2 1/2 MONTHS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10430517, 2011

Wheels 5 1 crash 1 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”
NHTSA complaint #10476786, 2012 · fire

“I AM AN OWNER OF A 2010 KIA SOUL, PURCHASED IN JULY 2009. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOISTURE ON ROAD, CAR COULD BARELY HANDLE AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE TRACTION LIGHT AND LOW AIR PRESSURE LIGHT CONSISTENTLY CAME ON AND OFF. WAS TOLD IT WAS "NOT A PROBLEM" BY DEALER AND WOULD WEAR OFF. MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHICH SIDE SWEPT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR AT A SPEED OF APPX 10 MPH AND DROVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL INTO CURB. CAR HAD PASSENGER SIDE BODY DAMAGE AND SOME HEAVY SCUFFING TO THREE WHEELS WHICH BODY SHOP REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER OF 2010, CLIPPED CURB TRAVELING AT APP…”
NHTSA complaint #10410115, 2009 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11407751, 2021

Interior Lighting 4 3 fire

“I HAD MY 2010 KIA SOUL PARKED IN MY GARAGE AFTER ARRIVING HOME WITH IT ON 9/1/10, AT ABOUT 715 PM. AT 8 PM, MY DAUGHTER NOTICED SMOKE AND WE FOUND IT WAS THE GARAGE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED BOTH OF MY CARS, MY GARAGE AND MY HOUSE AND EVERYTHING IN IT. THE INVESTIGATION FOUND IT WAS THE KIA THAT STARTED ON FIRE. ON 9/1/10, KIA CAME OUT WITH A RECALL ON THE SPEAKER LIGHTS THAT ARE PRONE TO START A FIRE. KIA SAYS MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THAT RECALL, BUT IT DID START ON FIRE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10359951, 2010 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE LED LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY . THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL AND SPEAKERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS STATED THAT THE LIGHT HARNESS WIRES MELTED. THERE WERE REPAIRS TO THE HARNESS AND THEY REPLACED THE LIGHTS UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 600. UPDATED 12/7/10/ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10352853, 2010 · fire

“BRAND NEW KIA SOUL 2010 - LESS THAN 500 MILES. ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DOOR PANEL WHILE DRIVING. TOWED TO DEALER, WHO REPLACED DOOR PANEL. LED LIGHT TRANSMITTER IN SPEAKERS SHORTED AND MELTED PLASTIC INSIDE DOOR. RESPONSE FROM KIA (ADVISED BY DEALER) WAS "DON'T LEAVE THE SPEAKER LIGHTS IN ON POSITION. ONLY USE THEM WHEN YOU NEED THEM." THIS WAS THE SECOND SAME INCIDENT THAT THE DEALER HAD THAT WEEK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10349737, 2010 · fire

Suspension 4 1 crash

“I AM AN OWNER OF A 2010 KIA SOUL, PURCHASED IN JULY 2009. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOISTURE ON ROAD, CAR COULD BARELY HANDLE AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE TRACTION LIGHT AND LOW AIR PRESSURE LIGHT CONSISTENTLY CAME ON AND OFF. WAS TOLD IT WAS "NOT A PROBLEM" BY DEALER AND WOULD WEAR OFF. MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHICH SIDE SWEPT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR AT A SPEED OF APPX 10 MPH AND DROVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL INTO CURB. CAR HAD PASSENGER SIDE BODY DAMAGE AND SOME HEAVY SCUFFING TO THREE WHEELS WHICH BODY SHOP REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER OF 2010, CLIPPED CURB TRAVELING AT APP…”
NHTSA complaint #10410115, 2009 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11555882, 2023

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11407751, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 4

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11555882, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11206156, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10781275, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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 SPIDERWEBB…”
NHTSA complaint #10935357, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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).'”
NHTSA complaint #10824145, 2016

Exterior Lighting 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11206156, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10822167, 2015

“THE VEHICLE'S TURN SIGNALS HAVE STOPPED WORKING FOR OVER 6 MONTHS NOW. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND EVEN AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, THE SIGNALS CONTINUE TO NOT WORK. THEY CANNOT SEEM TO FIX IT. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING AND I AM CONCERNED MY DAUGHTER MAY GET A TICKET OR HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. THE RIGHT TAILLIGHT HAS ALSO BEGAN TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS.”
NHTSA complaint #10730840, 2014

Fuel System 3 1 crash 1 injury

“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 WR…”
NHTSA complaint #10346524, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH A PIECE OF METAL ON THE ROAD HIT THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE STOPPED AT A GASOLINE STATION HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL WAS SPILLING BACK OUT AND ASSUMED THAT THE METAL FRACTURED THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK AND ADVISED HIM THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10381435, 2011

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10315522, 2009

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11470315, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I PURCHASE A 2010 KIA SOUL ! ON 12/31/2009. SOON AFTER I NOTICES HOW EASILY THE PILLARS AND PARTS OF THE DOOR PANEL BECAME SCRATCHED AND NICKED BUT THE SEAT BELT. REPORT IT TO KIA USA AND WAS ISSUED A KIA CONSUMER # K1695129 AND WAS INFORMED THAT A FIX WOULD BE COMING IN APRIL THEN IN JUNE. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM KIA SINCE. THE PLASTIC IS VERY SOFT AND CAN EVEN BE DAMAGED BY A FINGER NAIL. I WOULD LIKE THIS SUB-STANDARD PLASTIC TO BE REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10350741, 2010

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10523758, 2009

Equipment 2

“THE FACTORY PROVIDED KEYS FOR THE CAR ARE INTEGRATED REMOTE WIRELESS ENTRY KEY FOBS AND CONCEALED IGNITION KEY. TO REVEAL THE KEY, A BUTTON ON THE FOB IS PRESSED AND A SPRING LOADED ARM ROTATES THE KEY OUT OF THE FOB SO IT CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED IGNITION SWITCH. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT, AFTER PARKING THE CAR I WENT TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION BY ROTATING THE KEY FOB COUNTER CLOCKWISE. WHEN I DID THE ARMATURE THAT HOLDS THE KEY SNAPPED OFF LEAVING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE RUNNING. AS ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE KEY REMAINED EXPOSED, IT WAS VERY DIFFICU…”
NHTSA complaint #10509260, 2013

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10655088, 2010

Fuel/Propulsion System 2 1 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11551804, 2023 · fire

“Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated”
NHTSA complaint #11691093, 2025

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“WE HAVE A 2010 KIA SOUL THAT'S DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AFTER YOU OPEN THE DOOR AND THEN TRY TO SHUT IT THE DOOR LATCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. EVEN IF YOU TRY AND ENGAGE THE LOCK THE DOOR WILL NOT SECURE. THE ONLY FIX THAT WE HAVE FOUND SO FAR IS TO TAKE A KEY AND INSERT IT INTO THE LATCH. WITH THE KEY IN THE LATCH YOU MOVE THE KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE EDGE TOWARDS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS HAS RELEASED THE LATCH WHERE IT WILL CATCH. I CAN SEE THIS BECOMING A SERIOUS DANGER IF THE LATCH FAILS TO SECURE WHEN SOMEONE IS DRIVING AND THE DOOR CO…”
NHTSA complaint #10302257, 2010

“WITHIN A WEEK OF TAKING DELIVERY ON 7/24/09, THE INTERIOR AND MOST ESPECIALLY THE DOOR SKINS WERE ALREADY ACQUIRING MARKS AND SCRATCHES - A SLIGHT FINGER NAIL SCRATCH REQUIRED A SPECIAL PRODUCT TO REMOVE ETC. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. 1. WHEN RELEASING THE CLUTCH PEDAL THERE WAS A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A CABLE THAT HAS SINCE BECOME MORE CONSISTENT. ON 8/3/09, I HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CABLE CONNECTED TO THE THROW-OUT BEARING WHICH WAS SAID TO BE NORMAL. HOWEVER, THIS CABLE NOISE HAS NOT BEEN NORMAL WITH ANY OF MY OTHER MANUAL TRANSMISSION…”
NHTSA complaint #10284471, 2009

Traction Control System 2 2 crash

“THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON IN MY 2010 KIA SOUL AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS THEY CLAIM IT IS DUE TO A FENDER BENDER THAT OCCURRED ON THE REAR RIGHT BUMPER AND REFUSE TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY ALSO SAID THAT THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE COMPUTER ABOUT THE BRAKE SENSOR LOCATED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDDLE THAT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE SOMEONE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO HARD PROBABLY WHEN IT WAS REAR ENDED AT A LOW SPEED WHICH CAUSED THE DAMAGE. FUNNY BUT I THOUGHT THAT WAS WHAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FOR IF YOU WANTED TO STOP IN AN EMERGENC…”
NHTSA complaint #10417042, 2011 · crash

“I AM AN OWNER OF A 2010 KIA SOUL, PURCHASED IN JULY 2009. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOISTURE ON ROAD, CAR COULD BARELY HANDLE AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE TRACTION LIGHT AND LOW AIR PRESSURE LIGHT CONSISTENTLY CAME ON AND OFF. WAS TOLD IT WAS "NOT A PROBLEM" BY DEALER AND WOULD WEAR OFF. MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT WHICH SIDE SWEPT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR AT A SPEED OF APPX 10 MPH AND DROVE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL INTO CURB. CAR HAD PASSENGER SIDE BODY DAMAGE AND SOME HEAVY SCUFFING TO THREE WHEELS WHICH BODY SHOP REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER OF 2010, CLIPPED CURB TRAVELING AT APP…”
NHTSA complaint #10410115, 2009 · crash

Parking Brake 1

“I AM THE OWNER OF A 2010 SOUL. THE CAR ROLLED DOWN A HILL IN 1ST GEAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON TWICE, THE 2ND TIME INTO A RIVER. NOW EVERY TIME IT IS DAMP OR COLD THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STICKS [STAYS ON WHEN THE LEVER IS DISENGAGED] AND I END UP DRIVING WITH THE BRAKE ON. THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES UNTIL THE BRAKE LETS GO. I HAVE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY MY LOCAL DEALER TWICE AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10369845, 2010