2010 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 Kia Soul. This model year has 134 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2010 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2010 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2010 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 134 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2010 Kia Soul
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2010 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2010 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2010 Kia Soul has 134 NHTSA owner complaints, 22 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (24 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2010 Kia Soul has 22 crash-related complaints and 15 fire reports out of 134 total NHTSA complaints. 18 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Kia Soul. The largest issue: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 Kia Soul?▾
The 2010 Kia Soul has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2010 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.