Kia Soul (SK3): Features of your vehicle / Tailgate

WARNING

Exhaust fumes

If you drive with the tailgate opened, you will draw dangerous exhaust fumes into your vehicle which can cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants.

If you must drive with the tailgate opened, keep the air vents and all windows open so that additional outside air comes into the vehicle.

WARNING

Rear cargo area

Occupants should never ride in the rear cargo area where no restraints are available. To avoid injury in the event of an accident or sudden stops, occupants should always be properly restrained.

Opening the tailgate

• The tailgate is locked or unlocked when all doors are locked or unlocked with the key, transmitter, smart key or central door lock/unlock switch.
• Only the tailgate is unlocked if the tailgate unlock button on the transmitter or smart key is pressed for approximately 1 second.
• If unlocked, the tailgate can be opened by pressing the handle and pulling it up.
• Once the tailgate is opened and then closed, the tailgate locks automatically. (All doors must be locked.)

NOTICE

In cold and wet climates, door lock and door mechanisms may not work properly due to freezing conditions.

WARNING

The tailgate swings upward. Make sure no objects or people are near the rear of the vehicle when opening the tailgate.

CAUTION

Make certain that you close the tailgate before driving your vehicle. Possible damage may occur to the tailgate gas lifters and attaching hardware if the tailgate is not closed prior to driving.

Closing the tailgate

Lower and push down the tailgate firmly. Make sure that the tailgate is securely latched.

WARNING

Make sure your hands, feet and other parts of your body are safely out of the way before closing the tailgate.

CAUTION

Make sure nothing is near the tailgate latch and striker while closing the tailgate. It may damage the tailgate's latch.

Emergency tailgate safety release

Your vehicle is equipped with the emergency tailgate safety release lever located on the bottom of the tailgate. If you have to open the tailgate urgently inside the tailgate due to battery discharge, external handle failure, or other reasons.

The tailgate can be opened by doing as follows:

1. Input the mechanical key into the hole.

2. Push the mechanical key to the right (1).

3. Push up the tailgate.

WARNING

Do not grasp the part supporting the tailgate (gas lifter), as this may cause serious injury.