Kia Recalls Souls and Sorentos for Fire Risk
Kia Motors America said it is recalling about 35,000 2010-11 Souls and Sorentos because faulty wiring harnesses could short and cause a fire, reported Automotive News.
The recall affects about 23,972 2010 Soul compact crossovers equipped with a special lighting system that includes illuminated front speakers in the interior door panel. About 11,213 2011 Sorento crossovers equipped with a similar feature in the “Limited” options package also are affected.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received four complaints of fires in the interior door panels of the 2010 Kia Soul while the vehicle was being driven. No crashes were reported.
Kia said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries that have resulted from the problem, and owners of vehicles with the illuminated speaker option can turn off the feature to prevent damage before taking the vehicles to dealers for repairs.
According to a Kia, a limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by Johnson Controls Inc. may have been soldered improperly. The harness could short out in certain conditions, possibly causing a fire, the statement said. Kia did not detail the type of conditions that could lead to a short.
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →