Trouble Installing Bottom Hooks on Thule OutWay Bike Rack on a 2013 Kia Soul

Question:

The hooks do not fit into the lower part of the hatch. Ive removed them from the cables as suggested and tried working them in from the sides of the hatch also. Im thinking this rack was tested on the 2014 Soul and not the back models, as the 2014 Kia Soul has a different hatch/bumper design. Am I missing something? Also, I just noticed that of the 92 Kia Soul videos you have on your site, you have 4 trunk mounted bike rack videos for the 2014 model and zero for the older 2010-2013 models. I cannot find any pictures or videosgoogle search of a single Kia Soul 2013 or older with a trunk mounted bike rack. Can you verify that any of the numerous 2013 Kia Soul compatible trunk mounted bike racks you sell actually work? Am I the first person to have this problem?

asked by: Aaron F

Helpful Expert Reply:

The issue you are having is not uncommon and not unique to the Kia Soul or a specific year. You mentioned removing the hooks from the cables but that is not necessary. All you have to do is get the top hooks in place to support the rack. Then pull the bottom cables out enough and pull open the hatch a little, put the hooks in place, then shut the hatch like normal. I have to do this on my car and my wife's SUV. Works every time.

The video thing is coincidence since I have personally installed trunk mount racks on older model Kia Souls and they do fit. The only issue is on models that have that spoiler on the top. Than can cause fit issues.

expert reply by: Michael H