How common are engine problems in the 2010 Kia Soul?

NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Soul, which is 16% of the 135 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2010 Kia Soul engine?

No engine-related recall is on file for the 2010 Kia Soul in the NHTSA data provided.

At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 Kia Soul is 55,000 miles.

What kinds of engine issues do owners report?

Owners describe sudden acceleration, engine racing or revving without pedal input, smoke or fire near the engine, and in one case a cracked head requiring engine replacement.

Were there any injuries linked to engine complaints?

NHTSA data shows 3 injuries, 3 fires, and 2 crashes among the reported engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Soul.

2010 Kia Soul Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Soul, 16% of its 135 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 55,000 miles. Owners reported fires, sudden acceleration, and engine failures, but no engine-related recall is on file.

Engine complaints: 22; 16% of 135 complaints
All complaints this year: 135
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 55,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration where the engine revs or races unexpectedly when braking or at low speeds.
Several complaints describe smoke and fire originating near the engine or firewall, in some cases while driving and in one case after a crash.
Some owners report the engine surging or lunging forward at idle or low speed without pedal input.
One owner reported a cracked engine head and damaged valves that required a full engine replacement.
A few owners noted the vehicle unexpectedly downshifting or losing power at highway speeds.

When 2010 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 21, 2009, latest Feb 7, 2024.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2009 to Feb 2024; peak Jul 2009 (1).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Kia Soul

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201022 (16%)
201136 (19%)
2012224 (44%)
2013312 (47%)
2014602 (67%)
2015673 (75%)
2016622 (77%)
2017203 (75%)
2018152 (70%)
201992 (68%)
2020251 (66%)
2021179 (77%)
202272 (82%)
202317 (33%)
20245 (17%)
20252 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2010 Kia Soul?: NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Soul, which is 16% of the 135 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2010 Kia Soul engine?: No engine-related recall is on file for the 2010 Kia Soul in the NHTSA data provided.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 Kia Soul is 55,000 miles.
What kinds of engine issues do owners report?: Owners describe sudden acceleration, engine racing or revving without pedal input, smoke or fire near the engine, and in one case a cracked head requiring engine replacement.
Were there any injuries linked to engine complaints?: NHTSA data shows 3 injuries, 3 fires, and 2 crashes among the reported engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Soul.