2011 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 194 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 27 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsDec 29, 2014
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
Campaign 14V822000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2026
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.
Electrical system, Jun 16, 2024
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).
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 10, 2024
Solo. NO quiso correr
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2024
KIA AmericaFebruary 6, 2024 P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Attn: Customer Relations Good afternoon, I received a Safety Recall letter dated November 14, 2023 concerning the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) for my 2011 KIA Soul, (NHTSA Recall# 23V652). I want to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the lack of response to this issue. I’ve never owned any vehicle subject to a recall that took over two months to address. There has been no follow up information from KIA with any details of progress or timeline to resolve this issue. As a result, I’ve initiated phone calls to a KIA Dealership as well as the KIA Customer department to try and get information and no one seems to have any idea on a resolution to the problem. Since this issue can result in an engine compartment fire, I cannot safely transport any child requiring a secured Child Safety Seat with any degree of confidence. I’m requesting a response on this matter that provides an informed resolution that includes parts and a timeline to fix this problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 5, 2024
recalled number 23V652 Manufacturer recall SC284AM HECU car can set on fire while driving its been months that a recall was said and we consumers where told to park our cars, yet we need them to utilize daily our families are at risk because Kia wont release the remedy. Last year I received the recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2024
Even though Kia recalled my vehicle because of possible fire risk, they do not arrange the remedy in a timely manner. The recall is open since September and I have to park my car outside, and have to drive it with fire risk. My complaint is for “delay of remedy”
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2024
This complaint is in reference to existing recall 23v652 for various KIAs including my 2011 Soul. This defective fuse could cause a fire, and owners advised to park outside and not drive vehicle. Advised in November letter, I have called KIA Customer Care and local dealer today (Jan 9 2024), and still no repair solution. I find this delay in remedy unacceptable as I am without transportation. Would appreciate your using your influence to move this to resolution. Thank you.
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2023
My car has been recalled due to electronic control system fire danger. I am afraid to drive hiway 299 to Redding because my car might catch on fire. All of my services are are in or near Redding. I can't get a response from Kia, other than a pending recall notice. They claim to not know anything.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 18, 2023
I have had this recall(SC284) since September 25, 2023 of this year. Also I have called multiple places to have it repaired and I’ve gotten the run around. They have been so rude! Also now the check engine light has come on the dash so now I’m getting even more worried about the recall situation.
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2023
I have the recall for my 2011 Kia Soul. HECU that states to park outside and away from vehicles due to potential engine fire. Park until recall is fixed. I have contacted the Manufacturer, Dealership, my insurance company and the NHTSA as this is my only vehicle and means of transportation. There is no remedy for the fix nor an ETA of the Fix. I was told there was nothing that could be done. I am so angry as MY car can catch fire while driving which puts my life at risk along with others. WHAT am I supposed to do? Walk everywhere? The manufacturer will not provide a loaner or reimbursement for a rental, the dealership will not provide a loaner and my insurance will not provide a rental due to I don't have a claim. Who takes responsibility for an unsafe vehicle that cannot be driven or driven and put everyone at risk? This needs to be rectified!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 14, 2023
Brake lamps and park light issues. Wiring harness seems to be overheating causing lamps to keep blowing. No park lights working at all so it seems to be a electrical issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2023
After getting fuel, the car stalls immediately. I have to push the gas petal and give it several pushes to get it to go. Sometimes it stalls while driving. It will turn off randomly especially after pressing the break pedal. It turns off, and all the warning lights turn on. Then it totally turns off all sources of power to it. Bluetooth microphone has not worked since I got it with 30 miles on it. Now it has 136,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2020
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2020
CAR WAS IDLE FOR ONLY 3 DAYS BATTERY WAS ONLY 12 30 DAYS OLD CAR WONT START NOT MATTER LIGHT WERE ON, RADIO WOULD PLAY AIR WOULD COME ON. CAR COULD BLOW HORN AND ALL, CAR JUST WOULD GET GAS OR ANYTHING AT ALL. CALL MY TOW HE JUMP HER AND BOOM SHE START RIGHT AWAY. WENT TO JOHNSON AUTOMATIVE ON CALDER AND HE DID HER RUN SHE WAS FINE SAID WAS BATTERY BUT I DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING ON IN VECHIL ALL SHE WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY PER HURRICANE LAURA NO FILTER NOITHING SHOWED UP AT ALL BUT BATTERY BUT SHE ONLY JUST BOUGHT BATTERY LAST YEAR SO HMM
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 28, 2020
BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSED. BREAK LIGHT SWITCH NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ESC/STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STOPPED. TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT EVERY 6-12 MONTH, AS WELL AS HEAD LAMPS BURNING OUT OFTEN.
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2020
THE HORN ONLY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO, I CAN NOT FIND A REASON FOR THIS. DOES NOT MATER IF CAR IS RUNNING OR NOT, WEITHER IT IS TURNING OR NOT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES THAT I WISH IT WOULD HAVE WORKED IN SOME SERIOUS DRIVING SITUATIONS AND IT DID NOT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2019
INTERMITTENT HORN. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. IN DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED? THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE! DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS SITTING, DRIVING, TURNING, ANYTHING. THE HORN ONLY SEEMS TO WORK WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. VERY DANGEROUS!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2018
A COUPLE YEARS AGO, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAD ISSUES OPENING AFTER BEING UNLOCKED. THIS WAS FRUSTRATING, BUT NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, THE DOOR HAS OPENED WHILE DRIVING A COUPLE TIMES. THIS SAME ISSUE WAS RECALLED IN THE KIA SORENTO AT THE END OF 2017 FOR THE SAME REPORTED ISSUE AND THE SAME PART REPLACEMENT. KIA HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE ISSUE AS MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SORENTO RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. THIS WAS NOT A MAJOR ISSUE UNTIL THE DOOR STARTED OPENEING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY KIA AND FIXED IN ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2018
107000 MILES ON THE CAR. STARTED CAR IN THE MORNING AND IT MADE A WHINING NOISE. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE IT WAS COLDER THAN IT HAD BEEN. AFTER WARMING UP A FEW MINUTES DROVE DOWN MY ROAD ABOUT A MILE AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED AROUND AT WENT BACK HOME. POPPED THE HOOD AND SMELLED STRONG BURNING SMELL. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE ALERNATOR. WHEN I PULLED IT TO REPLACE IT NOTICED THAT THE WINDINGS INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR WERE BURT AND CHARED/MELTED.
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2018
I WAS UNAWARE THAT MY CAR WAS UNDER A RECALL. I AM ACTIVE DUTY AIR FORCE AND DID NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL STATING MY CAR NEEDED TO BE FIXED. I FOUND OUT THROUGH MY PCS WEBSITE.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2017
BAD WIRE IN STEERING WHEEL, WHICH MAKES HORN MALFUNCTION FREQUENTLY(IF I REPEATEDLY TURN WHEEL, HORN WILL WORK). THIS STARTED THREE YEARS AGO. CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, AND I SEE NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. I ALSO HAVE A BAD SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, WHICH ALLOWS AIRBAG TO BE ON OR OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT(DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Feb 8, 2017
BRAKE LIGHTS QUITS WORKING , CRUSE DOESN'T WORK , RADIO IS AFFECTED
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 03/30/16.*JB UPDATED 04/14/16.*JB
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2015
OCASSIONALY THE HORN WILL NOT WORK. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.