2010 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 134 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2010 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 Kia Soul trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2010 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not Rated15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Kia Soul has 134 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 134
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2010 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Structural Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Kia Soul?
The 2010 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for structural and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for structural and airbag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2010 Kia Soul has 134 NHTSA complaints, with the highest counts in electrical faults, structural problems, and airbag malfunctions. There are 3 recalls and 22 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Electrical faults are the most reported component with 24 complaints.
- Structural problems account for 21 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions are reported in 20 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most frequent complaint.
- Structural problems are the second most common issue.
- Airbag malfunctions are the third most reported component.
All 2010 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | 8 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 20 | 15 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 4 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
See attached document for complaint.
Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated
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 d…
Scanner can not communicate with the ecm/tcm U0101 code shifting issues starting issues
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…
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 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 mi…
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 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 stat…
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…
---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…
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…
Car was being driven on a neighborhood street at 25 mph a block and a half from home. The car just stopped. The electric system still worked but there was no engine activity whatsoever. There were no warning lamps or sounds prior to this event. The oil had been changed a week pri…
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 ARO…
I WAS DRIVING MY TYPICAL ROUTE TO WORK AND MID TURN, WITH MY CAR ON, ON A CITY ROAD, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART IT TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. VERY SCARY THING TO HAPPEN, VERY WORRIED IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN A MORE DANGEROUS PLAC…
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON; DIAGNOSED AS CANISTER PURGE VALVE.
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 T…
I NEED TO REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM BECAUSE IT'S LOOSE, AND WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED 1,000 MILES AGO.
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.
I WAS PLAYING THE RADIO, WHEN THE SOUND WENT OUT. NOW WHENEVER I TURN THE RADIO ON, I SOMETIMES HEAR A POPPING SOUND AS IF IT IS GOING TO TURN ON BUT THEN IT GOES SILENT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Kia Soul.
2010 Kia Soul Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Kia Soul. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 134 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (24 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (21 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 15 fire reports out of 134 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Kia Soul. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Kia Soul?▾
The 2010 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.