2011 Kia Soul Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Soul, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes4618.8%
- Electrical3012.2%
- Engine2811.4%
- Airbags2510.2%
- Visibility176.9%
- Driver assistance176.9%
- Powertrain (other)135.3%
- Body & structure124.9%
- Exterior lighting124.9%
- Fuel system93.7%
- Suspension93.7%
- Other / unspecified83.3%
- Seat belts72.9%
- Tires & wheels62.4%
- Steering41.6%
- Interior & seats20.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was successfully jump-started; however, after driving approximately one mile, the vehicle began jerking and lost power again and was pushed to a residence. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,655.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was successfully jump-started; however, after driving approximately one mile, the vehicle began jerking and lost power again and was pushed to a residence. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,655.
Recall #23V652000-Faulty fuse can cause fire while parked or driving. I was advised by letter from KIA in November 2023 that due to this defect, the vehicle should be parked outside and not driven until a replacement part was available. I issued a complaint in January 2024 that no resolution was determined by KIA, and I was then rendered without transportation. It is now June 2024, and still no resolution. I find this totally unacceptable, and since you are the regulatory agency managing the Auto Manufacturers, I would expect some pressure would be exerted to push KIA to resolution. This is a serious defect...FIRE!! I can't drive it or sell it (responsibly).
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine is going excessive through oil .
Solo. NO quiso correr
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle had just passed a inspection for me to get it licensed and Kentucky. There was no light showing that the airbags would not work. Unfortunately, this vehicle is not available.I had reached out to kia multiple times. My fears I have another Kia the same year.
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 63 MPH, an object hit the vehicle's front, driver-side tire which caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into a highway sand barrel as the vehicle flipped forward and rolled over onto the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact exited the vehicle through the front passenger door with the assistance of a fellow motorist. The contact was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and was treated for head trauma, pain to both shoulders, neck, and back; as well as, scratches to the left elbow and right hand. A police report was filed. A couple of sand barrels were damaged which left sand scattered across the highway. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
When you press the break the car stalls, when you fuel up the car it will not start. Autos unlimited in Rolla, Mo sold it as inspected with "" nothing "" on the inspection sheet. This dealer is claiming they will "fix: this issue. It cost me 480.00 to fix it. --- evap canister purge vent- evap leak- fuel malfunction- canister solenoid.
HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, HADN'T EVEN SHIFTED INTO 4 TH GEAR, AND THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO INTENSE HEAT OR COLD, NO FLYING DEBRIS.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2011 KIA SOUL I BOUGHT OFF OF A FRIEND. IT DROVE GREAT ONLY HAD 80000 MILES. HOWEVER WHEN I GOT IT 3RD GEAR WOULD SOMETIMES BE HARD TO GET IN GEAR AND GRIND. I JUST REACHED 100000 MILES AND I GOT UP FOR WORK TODAY AND IT WONT GO INTO GEAR IN FIRST OR REVERSE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEEMS ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS. IM HOPING ITS NOT MY TRANSMISSION BUT IM GOING TO SHOP IN AN HOUR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR THIS VEHICLE. EVEN THE MILES ON MY CAR A TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED. THIS STARTED ON A INTERSTATE SHIFTING COMING OFF OF THE RAMP 5TH GEAR I COULDNT GET IT IN I HAD TO FORCE IT.
THERES SOMETHING REALLY WRONG WITH MY ENGINE AND OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUE. I'VE BEEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY WONT FIX IT BECAUSE THERES NO RECALLS THAT HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED. THE SENSOR LIGHTS KEEP TURNING ON AND ONCE I CHECK IT IT SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG, BUT THE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND IT WILL TURN OFF WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT, ALSO THE SMELL OF THE ENGINE SMELLS LIKE ITS BURNING AND THE CAR GET REALLY HOT AS IF THE HEATER WAS ON.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
On November 18th, 2021, at 7.20 AM while driving at posted speed limit of 45mph, the hood on my 2011 Kia Soul suddenly flew open, hitting the window, causing me to slow down and stop on the side of the road. After inspecting the destroyed hood, hinges and severally damaged roof, I proceeded to secure the hood so I can get back to my home and begin the process of working this out. To my knowledge, there have been no recalls or complainants on the hood latch mechanism that should have prevented this. I was the only occupant at the time and could have resulted in serious injury or even death, if there were more cars at the time who knows what the outcome would have been. Unknow about reproducing the issue. The vehicle has now been estimated 2 times by the insurance company and still ongoing. No warning lamps of any kind were given. As of today I am still dealing with the Insurance company as they are not wanting to pay what the estimate is, leaving me stranded. Kia needs to make this right and step in.
WHEN TURNING CAR ON IT THE ENGINE MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND. CAR IS LOSING ACCELERATION ON ROADS ESPECIALLY EXPRESSWAY. ALSO, THE ENGINE PINGS OR KNOCKS WHEN TURNING THE CAR OFF. I HAVE EVEN HEARD THE ENGINE KNOCK WHILE IN MOTION. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD MOLDING GARNISH LH LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND HIT ANOTHER CAR! LOSING THIS MOLDING GARNISH CAUSES AIR TO LEAK INTO THE WINDSHIELD.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the cruise control failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the Vin was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
IN THE 9 YEARS SINCE PURCHASE I'VE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 13 TIMES. THEY GENERALLY BURN OUT WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER SO NOW I JUST REPLACE BOTH WHEN ONE GOES OUT. I HAVE TO KEEP SPARES IN THE GLOVE BOX BECAUSE ON ONE OCCASION THEY BOTH WENT OUT ON THE SAME DAY.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When you press the break the car stalls, when you fuel up the car it will not start. Autos unlimited in Rolla, Mo sold it as inspected with "" nothing "" on the inspection sheet. This dealer is claiming they will "fix: this issue. It cost me 480.00 to fix it. --- evap canister purge vent- evap leak- fuel malfunction- canister solenoid.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOUD CLUNK IN RIGHT REAR OF CAR PROBABLY THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS LOUD CLUNK WHILE DRIVING AND HATTING ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD
REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS. HEAT SHIELD IS VIBRATING WHILE ACCELERATING. ALSO HAVE OIL PAN LEAK, CAUSING A PUDDLE IN THE DRIVEWAY.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked overnight on his driveway, caught on fire, and exploded in the early morning. The fire started from the engine bay. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The fire originated from the front engine bay, and soon after engulfed the entire vehicle. The vehicle was totaled, the side of the house was damaged, a motorcycle was destroyed and parts of the contacts shop were damaged. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police department report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No warning lights were illuminated prior. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000. The contact stated that they believed NHTSA campaign number 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) was responsible for the failure of the vehicle.
THE 18 INCH HANKOOK LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE A DEATH TRAP IN WINTER. I WENT DOWN AN OFF RAMP SIDEWAYS. ON ICE AND SNOW THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER TIRES, HANKOOK 18 INCH TIRES, ARE ABSOLUTELY AWFUL AND A THREAT TO ANYONE'S LIFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BREAKING IN WINTER IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WITH THESE TIRES. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT CONSTANTLY REVERSE LOCKS. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE SEAT BELT OFTEN RESERVE LOCKS WITHOUT A JERK OR SUDDEN STOP INCIDENT. IT USUALLY IS DISCOVERED WHEN TRYING TO PUT A SEATBELT ON.
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING COLLISION. SEAT BELT TENSIONER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT ENGAGE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE 18 INCH HANKOOK LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE A DEATH TRAP IN WINTER. I WENT DOWN AN OFF RAMP SIDEWAYS. ON ICE AND SNOW THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER TIRES, HANKOOK 18 INCH TIRES, ARE ABSOLUTELY AWFUL AND A THREAT TO ANYONE'S LIFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BREAKING IN WINTER IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WITH THESE TIRES. *TR
THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE EVERYTIME I HIT A BUMP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. FEELS LIKE THE AXLE IS GOING TO FALL OFF. I SAW THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WANTED TO POST THE COMPLAINT, HOPING THAT SINCE IT IS A COMMON ISSUE, KIA IS FORCED TO HAVE IT FIXED OR REIMBURSE US. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE OF THE CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL MAKING CLUNKING NOISE ("CLACK"), AS IF GETTING LOOSE, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON AND THE STEERING IS TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, WHILE STANDING STILL OR DRIVING REGARDLESS OF ROAD OR PAVEMENT. THIS NOISE ALSO APPEARS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, RUTS AND RAISED REFLECTIVE PAVEMENT MARKERS, ALTHOUGH IN THIS INSTANCE IS MORE OF A COMBINATION OF MULTIPLE 'CLACK' SOUNDS AS THE WHEELS GO OVER MORE THAN ONE ROAD DISTURBANCE (I.E. CONSECUTIVE REFLECTIVE MARKERS). MANUFACTURER KIA ALREADY HAS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN YEARS OF THEIR KIA OPTIMA MODEL.
MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING ON A COUNTRY ROAD AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED INTO HER LANE, HIT HER HEAD-ON AND SHE DIED ON THE SCENE. WHEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO INVESTIGATE, THEY NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OF HER KIA SOUL DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN AND THEY LOCATED THE STEERING WHEEL (AIRBAG DEPLOYED) IN THE FLOORBOARD BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DRIVERS DOOR (YES SEAT BELT WAS PROPERLY ON) AND SUFFERED A TBI AS WELL AS EXTREME BRUISING ALONG THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY WHY DIDN'T THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOY?. I WAS REAR-ENDED AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS WHERE THE PASSENGER SEAT USED TO BE.. ALSO THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE IN THE PRONE POSITION ON IMPACT AS I WAS SPINNING ACROSS TWO OPPOSING LANES OF TRAFFIC. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH REAR SEATS FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY IN A SECURE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE LATCH WOULD FUNCTION CORRECTLY WHEN INTENSE FORCE WAS APPLIED BY USING AN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .