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AM · Hatchback

2010 Kia Soul

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2010 Kia Soul.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2010 Kia Soul

Recall·14V822000

Structure: roof and pillars

A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.

Recall·13V114000

Exterior lighting: switch

Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007…

Recall·10V388000

Electrical system: wiring

A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS,…

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 135 owners reported

Electrical system20
Air bags18
Structure14
Steering12

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2010 Kia Soul at a glance

Trims
BaseExclaimPlus
Engine
1.6L 4-Cylinder, 2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Hatchback
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2010 Kia Soul?

Owners have filed 135 complaints about the 2010 Kia Soul with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2010 Kia Soul reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2010 Kia Soul?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2010 Kia Soul listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.