Model year
2010 Kia Soul
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 135 complaints for the 2010 Kia Soul (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24), AIR BAGS (17), STEERING (12). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400–$2,600, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2010 135 complaints
- 2011 194 complaints
- 2012 514 complaints
- 2013 667 complaints
- 2014 902 complaints
- 2015 902 complaints
- 2016 816 complaints
- 2017 272 complaints
- 2018 219 complaints
- 2019 137 complaints
- 2020 387 complaints
- 2021 238 complaints
- 2022 94 complaints
- 2023 54 complaints
- 2024 30 complaints
- 2025 12 complaints
Recalls
14V822000 · Dec 29, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
13V114000 · Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.…
10V388000 · Aug 31, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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,…
Complaints
135 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 23, fire flag on 15, injury field 19, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10030 | Steering Shaft Separation · STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING | Aug 12, 2010 | Dec 14, 2010 |
| DP18003 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Aug 21, 2018 | May 10, 2019 |
| PE19004 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Mar 29, 2019 | Dec 22, 2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · 1.6L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 31 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Soul · 1.6L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 31 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Soul · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Soul · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2010 Kia Soul at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.