2010 Kia Soul — Known Issues & Recalls

Your car has started running on its own twice after you removed the key and locked it up — once in early July 2021 and again on July 25, 2021. Both times, turning the key forward and back shut the engine off. Shortly after one incident, your overdrive light came on briefly while driving, then didn't return. This could indicate a faulty fuel pump relay or defective ignition switch that's failing to fully shut off the engine.

Your 2010 Kia Soul is running rough at idle and feels like it's struggling or choking when you step on the gas pedal. A diagnostic scanner found two error codes related to the brake light switch and electronic stability control switch, which suggests an electrical connection problem rather than an engine issue. The fix will likely involve checking the brake light switch connector and electrical connections, or replacing the brake light switch itself.

Your check engine light is coming on, and the problem has been diagnosed as a faulty canister purge valve. This valve controls vapor emissions from your fuel tank, and when it fails, it triggers the warning light. Replacing the canister purge valve should resolve the issue.

Your car suddenly stopped while driving at 25 mph with no warning signs. Diagnostics found metal debris under the valve cover and a damaged camshaft caused by inadequate oil circulation, resulting in complete loss of engine compression. The repair requires a full engine replacement.

Your car's engine computer isn't communicating properly with the transmission computer, which is causing rough shifting and trouble starting. A diagnostic scanner shows error code U0101, indicating a communication breakdown between these two systems. The issue will likely require a mechanic to diagnose the wiring, connectors, or computer modules to restore proper communication.

Your steering wheel suddenly locked while you were turning on a city road, forcing you to stop in the middle of traffic and restart the engine to regain control. This is a serious safety concern since it could happen again in a more dangerous situation like on the freeway. The issue likely involves the power steering system or steering lock mechanism and may require diagnostics of the electric power steering components or steering column assembly.

Your driver's side control arm is loose and needs to be replaced. This is a structural steering component that keeps your wheels aligned and stable, so the loose connection should be addressed soon to maintain safe handling.

When you hit a bump in the road, you hear a loud popping sound and your radio and speakers cut out completely. At the same time, random warning lights appear on your dashboard that only turn off when you restart the car. You're concerned this electrical issue could potentially cause a fire.

Your car's radio stops producing sound during normal operation. When you turn the radio on, you may hear a popping noise as if it's about to work, but then it goes silent again—this happens whether your car is parked or driving. The issue likely involves a loose connection, blown fuse, or failing amplifier that needs to be inspected and repaired.

Your 2010 Kia Soul has multiple serious safety issues that have developed or were present when you purchased it: the brakes are worn and need new rotors and pads, the suspension components (sway bar, control arms, sway bar links) are cracked or damaged, the shocks are original with 208,000 miles, the windshield wipers don't work properly, and there's an engine valve cover gasket leak. These suspension and brake problems together could affect your car's stability and stopping ability, increasing the risk of loss of control or rollover, especially the brake and sway bar issues. Repairs will likely involve replacing brake rotors and pads, sway bar components, control arm bushings, shocks, and addressing the valve cover gasket leak.

Your check engine light came on and began flashing rapidly while driving on the interstate. You heard a loud dropping sound from the engine, smoke came pouring out from under the hood, and when you pulled over and opened the hood, you discovered your battery was on fire. The fire spread quickly and engulfed the entire vehicle.

Your airbag warning light has turned on and stayed on when you start your car several times. This warning light indicates a problem with your airbag system that needs to be diagnosed by a mechanic. Ignoring this could mean your airbags won't work properly in a crash.

Your airbag warning light is on, and diagnostic scans show a problem with the occupant classification sensor (OCS) and electrical voltage in the airbag system. Kia has discontinued the required control module (part #95910-2K000), and dealers cannot obtain it anywhere in the United States, leaving the airbag system unable to be repaired. The fix would normally involve replacing the airbag control module assembly, but this part is no longer available from the manufacturer.

You were in a crash at 15 MPH when your vehicle hit another car's rear passenger side. During the accident, your airbags did not deploy and your seatbelt did not retract as expected. After paramedics removed you from the vehicle, the airbag fell out of the steering wheel. You were hospitalized for back pain and your vehicle was declared a total loss. The manufacturer was not contacted about this failure.

Your engine shut off suddenly while driving at 45 MPH after your vehicle was forced onto the shoulder by another truck. Multiple warning lights came on (check engine, ABS, and brake), and your car wouldn't restart despite several attempts. A mechanic diagnosed the issue as complete engine failure. The repair would likely require engine replacement or a major engine rebuild.

Your car's steering wheel and ignition system were damaged during an attempted theft. The damage affects both the steering and electrical components of your vehicle. Repairs will likely involve replacing or repairing the damaged steering wheel and ignition switch/cylinder.

Your car has multiple issues: a piece of the driver's side suspension spring broke off and is making noise when you turn the wheel, and the same noise has now started on the passenger side. Your tire is losing air over the course of a full day due to a crack found on the inner side of the wheel rim. Additionally, your horn only works intermittently and is unreliable. These issues will likely require a full suspension spring replacement on both sides, wheel rim replacement or repair, and horn system diagnosis.

You exported your 2010 Kia Soul to Germany and didn't receive notification about a safety recall (SC098AM) involving the brake light switch. Your German dealer is trying to help you get the switch replaced but can't obtain the necessary information from Kia to complete the recall work. You're seeking assistance to have this safety recall performed in Germany.

After having your clutch replaced in April 2019, your car hesitates when you're in 2nd gear and doesn't accelerate smoothly when you press the gas pedal — it feels like the engine isn't getting fuel. You have to lift off the gas and reapply it, or shift to a different gear, before the car will accelerate normally.

Your car's gas tank mounting brackets are rusting and appear to be improperly coated or plated. This could potentially lead to structural issues with the tank support over time. The mounting brackets may need to be replaced or properly treated to prevent further rust damage.