Problems · NHTSA complaints

2011 Kia Soul problems

Owners filed 194 complaints about the 2011 Kia Soul with NHTSA between Feb 2011 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes, hydraulic (32).

Complaints
194
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
27
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
29
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Service brakes, hydraulic32
  2. Electrical system30
  3. Air bags26
  4. Engine24
  5. Service brakes13
  6. Exterior lighting13
  7. Power train13
  8. Structure12
  9. Visibility11
  10. Electronic stability control (esc)10
  11. Suspension9
  12. Vehicle speed control8
  13. Fuel/propulsion system8
  14. Seat belts7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201117
201214
201312
201416
201517
201610
201711
201811
201914
202010
20216
20221
202315
202437
20251
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Service brakes, hydraulic

32 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11722193

Electrical system

30 reports1 crash2 fires
“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).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2024Electrical systemODI 11594637

Air bags

26 reports22 crashes
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated, indicating that the airbag system was inoperative. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. A certified letter was sent to the manufacturer, requesting a goodwill refund; however, the request was denied due to the lack of recall coverage for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 167,492.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Air bagsODI 11760046

Engine

24 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,169.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11587508

Service brakes

13 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2024Service brakes, FirerelatedFire reportedODI 11627799

Exterior lighting

13 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2021Exterior lightingODI 11420911
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.