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
194 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2019
GAS PEDAL STICKS. WHEN I GO TO ACCELERATE IT DOESN'T GO I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN HARDER ON THE PEDAL BUT PULLS OFF FASTER THEN IT'S SUPPOSE TO .
Power train, May 20, 2019
THE LINE HOLDING MY AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID IS LEAKING AT SUCH A RAPID RATE THAT MY CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON IN MY CAR UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO SAFELY OPERATE MY VEHICLE AND SWITCH GEARS ON A HIGHWAY. THE PART IS SEVERELY LOW NATIONWIDE, POTENTIALLY ON BACK ORDER.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT JUST CUT OFF ON ME. NO WARNING SIGNS, NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH, ALL GUAGES WERE FINE. I TOWED IT HOME AND THE NEXT DAY I EXAMINED IT TO SEE WHY IT DID THAT. I NOTICED THE WATER PUMP LEAKING SO I CHANGED THAT WITH THE TIMING BELT AND THERMOSTAT BUT IT KEPT OVER HEATING. I HAD A PRESSURE CHECK AND AIR POCKET CHECK AND EVERYTHING CAME BACK FINE. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TEST DONE AND NOTHING IS SHOWING UP. WHAT IF I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT DID THIS?
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2019
MY HORN INTERMITTENTLY WORKS - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ON BLOGS MANY OTHERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE.
Air bags, Apr 23, 2019, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A CAR FAILED TO YIELD CAME ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND I IMPACTED THE PASSAGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2019
SO I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE SHUT MY CAR OFF. I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND SHUT MY GARAGE DOOR. I TOOK GARBAGE BAGS OUT TO MY SHED AND RETURNED TO THE GARAGE SAT DOWN ON CHAIR TO TAKE OFF MY BOOTS AND I HEARD LOUD GLASS SHATTER SOUND. I LOOKED AROUND AND NOTICED MY REAR WINDOW WAS BLOWN OUT! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. NO CAUSE OTHER THEN POSSIBLE REAR DEFROST ISSUE. WHICH I HAD THEM ON PRIOR TO PARKING.
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!
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR SHE. IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLANKING NOISE. THEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR IMMEDIACY MADE A LOUD POP, LIKE A GUN SHOT AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I WAS STRANDED FOR AWHILE. I DID GET A TOW TO A MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THE MOTOR WAS BLOWN. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET MY CAR FIXED IN FLORIDA SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO GEORGIA WHERE I RESIDE. A MECHANIC IN VWRGIA CURRENTLY HAS THE CAR AND AGREES THE MOTOR IS BLOWN. HE REMOVED THE OIL PAN AND THE CAR DOES HAVE OIL. BELIEF IS THAT THE OIL PUMP FAILED CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS HAD NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AT ALL AND I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS CAR SINCE PURCHASE IN 2011. AWFULLY STRANGE THAT THE 2012 MODELS ARE UNDER RECALL WITH THE SAME ENGINE SIZE BUT NOT THE 2011. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 21. 2019.
Air bags, Feb 8, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 75 MPH. THE CONTACT WHILE TRYING TO GET OUT THE WAY WAS STRUCK A SECOND TIME, WHICH CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. *BF *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 6, 2019
HEAD-GASKETS AND/OR THERMOSTATS FAILING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND LOW MILES. I AM ON 2ND HEAD-GASKET AND 4TH THERMOSTAT AND ONLY AT 109000 MI. TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND TWICE WHILE AROUND TOWN. FLUID LEVELS WERE GOOD AND OTHER MAINTENANCE DONE REGULARLY. I HAVE TALKED WITH MULTIPLE KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY START BY SAYING THAT IS NOT NORMAL THEN AFTER LOOKING OVER THE CAR SAYING ITS A NORMAL THING FOR SOULS. THESE FAILURES HAVE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT EACH TIME ONCE THE THERMOSTAT STICKS CLOSED. NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS AND TEMP GAUGE ONLY SHOWED THE OVERHEAT 2 OUT OF FOUR TIMES. THEY SEEM TO BE FAILING FAIRLY REGULARLY AROUND 20000 MI.
Suspension, Jan 22, 2019
LOUD CLUNK IN RIGHT REAR OF CAR PROBABLY THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS LOUD CLUNK WHILE DRIVING AND HATTING ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD
Power train, Engine, Dec 29, 2018
THE CLUTCH HAS GONE OUT TWICE . THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 54029 AND DATE OF 1/17/17. LESS THAN SIX MONTHS LATER I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THAT IT WAS SLIPPING ON TAKEOFF. THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THIS TIME IT 72735 AND DATE OF 12/28/18 . THE BILL FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS 1445.79 . IT IS REDICULOUS THAT IT GOES OUT SO SOON. I HAVE READ ON LINE THAT KIA USES A VALVE ON THE SLAVE CYLINDER THAT CAUSES SLIPPING.
Engine, Dec 16, 2018
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A NOISE , I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AS I WAS PULLING OFF THE HIWAY AND THE MOTOR QUIT RUNNING. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE.I FOUND OUT THE NEXT DAY THAT THE MOTOR HAD LOCKED UP. THE MOTOR HAD OIL IN IT AND THE WATER WAS NOT LOW. THE MECHANIC SAID THE OIL PUMP WAS PROBLEY BAD. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE.SO NOW THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH A BLOWN MOTOR AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THE CAR FOR ANOTHER 18 MONTHS.
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.
Structure, Engine, Nov 15, 2018
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POTENTIALLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 12862172. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2018
SUNROOF IS NOT USABLE AS IT COMES OFF OF THE TRACKS. UNABLE TO CLOSE TIGHT ENOUGH DUE TO DAMAGE WHICH PROMOTES LEAKING.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 18, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE EXACT ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
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.
Air bags, Mar 23, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, AND WAS LATER TOWED TO A TOWING FACILITY. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2018
I WAS CHECKING MY VIN AND IT SAYS IT HAS BEEN RECALLED BUT WE HAVE NO INFORMATION FROM THE KIA DEALER ABOUT IT WE HAVE THIS CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND STILL WE HAVE NO NEWS ABOUT THIS RECALL FROM KIA DEALER
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 9, 2017
THE CAR WON'T START AFTER PUTTING GAS IN SEVERAL TIMES . AFTER 3 TRIES AND AROUND 10-14 MINUTES IT WILL START. THERE ARE SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE REGARDING THIS HAOOENEDIJF TO KIA SOULS .
Engine, Sep 11, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GEARED INTO THE PARK POSITION, THE RPMS INCREASED TO OVER 2,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT TO RESET THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MENTOR KIA IN MENTOR, OHIO, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500.
Power train, Aug 1, 2017
I PURCHASED KIA SOUL PLUS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2 MONTHS AGO FROM ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 53,000 MILES. VEHICLE "LAGGED" MOMENTARILY WHILE TRANSMISSION UPSHIFTED. I ASSUMED CHARACTERISTIC OF CAR. APPROX. 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH MY FIANC' @ APPROX. 65MPH THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY & DRASTICALLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO (I BELIEVE) 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, WITH NO PROVOCATION ON MY PART. IF MY FIANC AND I WERE NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS, THE SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED, OUR HEADS WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY HIT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. MY FIANC' IS SCHEDULED FOR SPINAL CORD SURGERY SOMETIME THIS MONTH (AUGUST). HER NEURO-SURGEON INFORMED US THAT ANOTHER SIMILAR SITUATION COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE HER TO BE QUADRIPLEGIC, OR EVEN DEATH. I IMMEDIATELY EXITED FREEWAY, HOWEVER, CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 2ND (OR 3RD) GEAR, LIMITING CAR TO 30 TO 35MPH DRIVING HOME ON SIDE STREETS. CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, AND NEXT DAY DROVE NORMAL AGAIN, FOR ONE WEEK. ON JULY 31, 2017 WHILE TAKING CAR TO CITRUS KIA IN ONTARIO, CA, FOR EVALUATION OF TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE DID SAME THING AGAIN. SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT DRASTICALLY SLOWING DOWN CAR TO 35MPH. AGAIN, WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 2ND (OR 3RD) GEAR. I WAS ONLY OCCUPANT. AWARE OF KIA'S TSB #033 OUTLINING TCM'S UPGRADE ON TRANSMISSIONS BUILT PRIOR TO AUG. 2010, (MINE BUILT JUNE 2010) THE SERVICE WRITER AT CITRUS KIA STATED UPGRADE WAS DONE IN OCT. 2010. I AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THEIR FINDINGS. HOPEFULLY TODAY. (8/1/2017) KIA'S POWERTRAIN WARRANTY IS 100,000 MILES OR 120 MONTHS TO ORIGINAL BUYER, SUBSEQUENT BUYERS IS 60,000 MILES OR 60 MONTHS. SOUL IS PAST 60 MONTHS WARRANTY LIMIT HAVING 72 MONTHS OF SERVICE. HOWEVER, UNDER MILEAGE LIMITS AT 56,000 MILES. THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION!