Kia Soul 2010–2013 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (AM)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,509 complaints, 912 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2010 Kia Soul
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 135
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2010
- Electrical system24 reports
- Airbag system21 reports
- Body structure21 reports
Recall areas Structure — body · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Electrical system — wiring
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Kia Soul
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 194
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2011
- Hydraulic brake circuit32 reports
- Electrical system30 reports
- Airbag system26 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure — body · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Soul
Close- Median failure report
- 87,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 514
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine209 reports · median 119,000 mi
- Steering166 reports · median 68,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise39 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Kia Soul
Close- Median failure report
- 91,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 666
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine285 reports · median 117,000 mi
- Steering152 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Electrical system71 reports · median 61,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Engine · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2013; earliest: the 2010, and the 2010 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2010–2013 Kia Soul reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 78,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 156,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 912
- Recalls
- 5
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine34.9% of complaints · median 117,000 mi
- Steering22.1% of complaints · median 68,000 mi
- Electrical system10.8% of complaints · median 66,000 mi
Owners filed 1,509 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010–2013 Kia Soul; the engine leads with 34.9% of them, and half of the 912 that record an odometer reading came by 78,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 30,000 to 123,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2010–2013 Kia Soul last?
On the 2010–2013 Kia Soul, half of the 912 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 78,000 miles and 90% by 156,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
124 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 22 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Soul reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Soul 2010–2013 · 912 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 119 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 22 complaints (2.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 30,000
- Median
- 78,000
- 75%
- 123,000
- 90%
- 156,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 119 | 13.0% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 57 | 6.2% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 45 | 4.9% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 42 | 4.6% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 38 | 4.2% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 51 | 5.6% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 54 | 5.9% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 64 | 7.0% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 48 | 5.3% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 51 | 5.6% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 51 | 5.6% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 51 | 5.6% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 40 | 4.4% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 45 | 4.9% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 32 | 3.5% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 44 | 4.8% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 19 | 2.1% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 16 | 1.8% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 11 | 1.2% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 12 | 1.3% |
| 200,000+ | 22 | 2.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Soul problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Soul 2010–2013
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Airbag system82 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 21,000–81,000
- Electrical system163 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 20,000–107,000
- Steering334 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 40,000–98,000
- Problems owners could not categorise132 reportsmedian 93,000middle half 52,000–144,000
- Engine527 reportsmedian 117,000middle half 81,000–144,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit137 reportsmedian 124,000middle half 87,000–155,000
- Engine and its cooling system86 reportsmedian 136,000middle half 106,000–159,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 527 | 34.9% | 117,000 | 81,000–144,000 |
| Steering | 334 | 22.1% | 68,000 | 40,000–98,000 |
| Electrical system | 163 | 10.8% | 66,000 | 20,000–107,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 137 | 9.1% | 124,000 | 87,000–155,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 132 | 8.7% | 93,000 | 52,000–144,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 86 | 5.7% | 136,000 | 106,000–159,000 |
| Airbag system | 82 | 5.4% | 55,000 | 21,000–81,000 |
| Brakes | 66 | 4.4% | 55,000 | 13,000–78,000 |
| Body structure | 66 | 4.4% | 20,000 | 3,000–66,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 59 | 3.9% | 56,000 | 16,000–100,000 |
Known problems with the 2010–2013 Soul
Engine / Exhaust 2012–2013
1.6L Gamma GDI: high exhaust gas temperatures overheat the catalytic converter, causing abnormal combustion that damages pistons and can break a connecting rod, puncturing the block. The escaping oil onto hot exhaust creates a fire risk. Recall 19V-120 (February 2019, ~379,000 vehicles) reflashed the catalytic overheating protection ECU logic and replaced damaged converters and engines.
Steering
Electric power steering assist loss complaints across the generation.
Anti-theft
Trims without an engine immobilizer are easily stolen, driving a large theft loss pattern.
Before you buy a 2010–2013 Soul: the 3-minute check
Generated from 912 mileage-tagged complaints, 5 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine / exhaust on 2012–2013 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check steering.
- Check anti-theft.
- Years differ here: from 135 to 666 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Soul problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi39% below | At 90k mi57% below | At 120k mi74% below | At 150k mi86% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 81,000–144,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 40,000–98,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 20,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 87,000–155,000 | later | in window | in window | in window | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 52,000–144,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 106,000–159,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Airbag system | 21,000–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Soul 2010–2013 · 912 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 39% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 57% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 74% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2010–2013 Kia Soul recalls (5)
NHTSA records 5 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
Sep 2023 · 2011–2013 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of…
Feb 2019 · 2012–2013 · EnginePiston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage…
What can happen. Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the…
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter…
Dec 2014 · 2010–2013 · StructureA detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia…
Apr 2013 · 2010–2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the…
The free fix. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners…
Aug 2010 · 2010 · Electrical SystemWhen the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harnesses for the lights in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, and the wiring harness for the Kia sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination. This…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,509 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 97 (6.4%)
- Fires
- 89
- Injury reports
- 73
- Fatality reports
- 2
Soul problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 666, most of them about the engine, and the 2010 the fewest, 135. A typical year drew about 354.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 | 105 | 20,000 | Electrical system (24) | 3 |
| 2011 | 194 | 132 | 52,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (32) | 3 |
| 2012 | 514 | 309 | 87,000† | Engine (209) | 3 |
| 2013 | 666 | 366 | 91,000† | Engine (285) | 3 |
What Soul owners reported
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the contact heard a noise outside and discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire near the engine compartment. The contact extinguished the fire using water and salt. The contact received notification…
2013 · 223,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0420 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and…
2013 · 190,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was moving freely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering…
2013 · 102,000 miles · Steering
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was…
2013 · 127,000 miles · Engine
Built from 912 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Soul generations
- Soul 2014–2019 1,762 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Soul 2020–2025 257 reports with mileage, most about the engine