2011 KIA SOUL

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents
    Typical range: 24,500–94,000 mi

    Median 43,000 mi, based on 27 reports (21% had no usable mileage)

    • "MYSELF AND 13 YOA DAUGHTER WERE ON CR0151 WHEN WE WERE STRUCK BY A 1996 CHEVY S-10 ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF OUR 2011 SOUL HITTING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FENDER DOORS AND PILLAR BETWEEN THE RIGHT SIDE DOORS. NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF WITH THIS IMPACT AND WITH ALL TH…"~12,402 mi, complaint #936727
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SIDESWIPED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRAIN INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1132088
    • "AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN SERIOUS FRONTAL IMPACT - A TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT IT AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, [REDACTED ADDRESS] *CN"~55,000 mi, complaint #1237774
    • "I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON AZ SR 95 AT 45 MPH. OTHER VEHICLE WAS NORTH BOUND AND MADE A "U" TURN IN FRONT OF ME. I COULD NOT AVOID HITTING HIM BROADSIDE AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE."~81,000 mi, complaint #1647239
    • "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…"~167,492 mi, complaint #2240166
  2. #2

    glass and windshield

    13 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 13,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE ON MY WAY TO WORK LAST WEEK, ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD. TODAY WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, SAME THING. I WAS NOT TAILGATING, I WAS NOT FOLLOWING ANY BIG TRUCKS...NOTHING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 13 YEARS AN…"~1,100 mi, complaint #865661
    • "I HAVE A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD THAT IS GETTING BIGGER- DO NOT RECALL A ROCK HITTING IT... *TR"~8,000 mi, complaint #881416
    • "I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 18 MONTHS, AND THE WINDSHIELD CRACKS WAY TOO EASILY. I'VE OWNED 23 CARS AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ONE BEFORE. THIS KIA IS GETTING ITS 2ND WINDSHIELD TODAY. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING ACTUALLY HIT IT, BUT HAVE HEARD A 'POP' SOUND EA…"~14,000 mi, complaint #910129
    • "1. MY KIA SOUL WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A ROCK WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. MY WINDSHIELD NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST ME $250.00 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE .COULD THIS HAVE BEEN DUE TO CHEAP KIA GLASS OR POOR BOXY DESIGN AS I READ FROM OTHER KIA SOUL OWNE…"~34,300 mi, complaint #966036
    • "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…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1555511
  3. #3

    other

    8 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 80,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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 VEHICL…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1476444
    • "WHEN IT RAINS THE FLOORBOARDS FILL WITH WATER (LITERAL PUDDLE) FRONT AND BACK, MAINLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER, I DID NOT NOTICE THE ISSUE UNTIL AFTER THE MILEAGE WARRANTY HAD SLIGHTLY EXPIRED. I CONTACTED…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1271217
    • "WHILE TRAVELING AT 55MPH THE HOOD RELEASED HITTING THE ROOF ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ROOF, THE HOOD AND THE FENDERS. NOTE THAT THE HOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED FOR OVER A MONTH. ALSO NOTE THAT THE HOOD WAS IN THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION BEFORE ST…"~58,800 mi, complaint #1240245
    • "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."~96,000 mi, complaint #1623461
    • "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"~112,000 mi, complaint #1438229
  4. #4

    brake hydraulics

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 118,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED AND BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR WENT OVER THE PARKING CURB ON TO WALKWAY, THE CORNER OF THE STORE STOPPED ME NO DAMAGE TO THE WALL, DAMAGE TO THE MY CAR. KIA SOUL, 2011 *TT"~1,700 mi, complaint #887231
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, THE BRAKES SEIZED, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS SMOKED, THE BRAKE SHIFTER INTERLOCK FEATURE WOULD NOT TAKE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL W…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1222407
    • "MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT GO OUT WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND THEY ARE CONSTANTLY ON WHILE DRIVING."~106,000 mi, complaint #1585529
    • "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 take…"~121,169 mi, complaint #1989810
    • "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 originate…"~165,000 mi, complaint #2043903
  5. #5

    engine internal

    2 stranded, 5 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTER IN THE ENGINE CAUSED A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT…"~8,000 mi, complaint #920198
    • "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 G…"~105,500 mi, complaint #1515654
    • "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 SID…"~110,850 mi, complaint #1544389
    • "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 A…"~124,026 mi, complaint #1524156
  6. #6

    horn

    4 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 46,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HORN WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO REPA…"~500 mi, complaint #859948
    • "MY HORN INTERMITTENTLY WORKS - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ON BLOGS MANY OTHERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE."~60,000 mi, complaint #1564115
    • "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. "~62,000 mi, complaint #1098201
    • "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 SITUATIO…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1636039
    • "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, A…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1552657
  7. #7

    stability and traction control

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL COMES ON WHEN TRAVELING ON DRY ROADS GOING IN STRAIGHT LINE AND STAYS ON FOR INDETERMINATE PERIODS (SOMETIMES DAYS AT A TIME) UNRELATED TO DRIVING CONDITIONS. WILL NOT TURN OFF EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED AND KEY IS TAKEN OUT OF…"~3,000 mi, complaint #971606
    • "DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD IN GOOD WEATHER CONDITIONS WHEN THE BRAKES INITIATED FOR NO REASON AND NO GAS SEEMED TO BE GOING TO THE THROTTLE. THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT OFF BUT THERE WAS STILL NO CHANGE. THE…"~15,000 mi, complaint #858106
    • "THE ESC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON DRY ROAD BETWEEN 30 AND 55 MPH. TRIED TURNING PUSHING THE ON/OFF ECS SWITCH, BUT LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF. WITH VEHICLE STOPPED, SHIFTING TRANSMISSION WHILE PUSHING ON BRAKE PEDAL, ESC LIGHT WOULD NOT G…"~26,565 mi, complaint #1084744
    • "FILE A VEHUILCE SAFETY COMPLAINT 07/09/2014; CONFIRMATION #: 10609442 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FEEDBACK, RESPONSE OR STATUS TO MY ISSUE, WHICH I FOUND OUT MANY KIA SOUL DRIVERS ARE HAVING, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED TO RESOLVE TEH PROBLEM. THE ECS ON VARI…"~26,565 mi, complaint #1267560
    • "1. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND UNPREDICTABLY. 2. I REPLACED THE MAP LIGHT. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING AND I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE I ORDERED MYSELF. A LOCAL GARAGE DID THE WORK, NOT A DEALER."~130,000 mi, complaint #1703949
  8. #8

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE DIM HEADLIGHTS ON MY KIA SOUL WERE BLOWING EVERY 3 MONTHS. I BOUGHT BULBS FROM THE AUTO PARTS STORE FROM THE CHEAP TO SUPER EXPENSIVE BULBS. NOTHING HELPED. I CALLED KIA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED THERE BULBS. SO, I BOUGHT THOSE BULBS TOO. MY HEADLIGHT…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1326624
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH WHICH PREVENTED HER FROM SEEING WHEN REVERSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO STANDARDS AND…"~32,500 mi, complaint #1057263
    • "FOG LIGHTS QUIT WORKING JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. THE PROBLEM IS IN THE LIGHT, TURN SIGNAL KNOB. THEY WILL COME ON AND OFF AT TIMES WHEN TURNING THE TURN SIGNAL ON TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. I HAVE COME TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE JUST TURNED THE FOG LIGHTS O…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1376658
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ECM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED A…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1372037
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED. THE V…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1688731
  9. #9

    wiring harness

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY LOT…"~5,000 mi, complaint #918720
  10. #10

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, HIS KNEE SLIGHTLY BUMPED INTO THE IGNITION KEY. AS A RESULT, THE KEY TURNED INTO THE OFF POSITION AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE FAIL…"~725 mi, complaint #865903
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AT NIGHT TIME, HER NEIGHBOR INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VAN GRIFFITH KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS] 377, GRANBURY, TX 76049; [REDACTED…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1702865
  11. #11

    suspension arms and bushings

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "VEHICLE HAS SOUND COMING FROM REAR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A BOLT LOOSE ON THE SUSPENSION ACCORDING TO HTTP://WWW.KIASOULFORUMS.COM/10-SOUL-PROBLEMS/19930-CLUNKING-RATTLE-NOISE-LEFT-REAR-SOUL.HTML#/FORUMSITE/20709/TOPICS/19930 I AM A SING…"~38,200 mi, complaint #1127236
    • "AFTER A ROUGH WINTER IN PA. STARTED HEARING A LOUD THUNKING NOISE IN REAR OF CAR. NEVER COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. THIS YEAR 2015 WHEN GOING FOR A INSPECTION, MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE REAR TRAILING ARM BUSHING WAS COMPLETELY WORN AWAY. HE WAS VERY S…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1201551
    • "TOOK CAR TO KIA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A CLUNKING NOISE IN REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR WHEN CAR HIT BUMPS IN ROAD. TECHNICIAN WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM ON THIS TYPE OF CAR. THEY RETORQUED THE REAR CONTROL ARM BOLTS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY DID OR DID NOT HAVE A SER…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1040921
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD CLUCKING NOISE WAS HEARD NEAR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE WAS NOT D…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1165314
    • "LOUD CLUNK IN RIGHT REAR OF CAR PROBABLY THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS LOUD CLUNK WHILE DRIVING AND HATTING ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD"~145,000 mi, complaint #1533291
  12. #12

    tire failure

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "TL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL WITH NEXXEN TIRES, SIZE 225/45 R18. THE DOT WAS NOT AVTHE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT…"~7,000 mi, complaint #841433
    • "I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS PULLED INTO A CURB. THIS CAUSED OVER $1600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE…"~8,200 mi, complaint #947926
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK NEXEN P225/45/R13 TIRES, DOT 8EJ7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…"~14,000 mi, complaint #892932
    • "I PURCHASED A NEW SET OF 4 KUMHO TIRES P205/55R16 89H BSW SOLUS XPERT KH20 AT 22096 MILES ON 10/17/2013. WITHIN THE 1ST 45 DAYS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL [REDACTED ADDRESS] AND THE TIRE WENT DOWN IN SECONDS. DISCOUNT TIRE REPLACED THE TIRE UNDER THE R…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1033803
    • "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 WINT…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1340362
  13. #13

    unintended acceleration

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "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…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1407123
    • "ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS (APPROX 10 DURING LAST 2.5 ) AFTER MY 2011 KIA SOUL PASSED 1-YR MARK, RPMS WILL SUDDENLY INCREASE W/NO PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR. USUALLY OCCURS DURING REPEATED LIGHT INTERMITTENT BRAKING/LIGHT ACCELERATION DURING SLOW & GO RUSH HR TRAFFIC…"~7,500 mi, complaint #1119389
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED TO 6000 AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE. AFTER SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RPM'S CONTINUED TO INC…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1153269
    • "TL* THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PARKING BRAKE SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS T…"~163,000 mi, complaint #1737179
  14. #14

    door latch and hinge

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "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…"~3,000 mi, complaint #879925
    • "ON THE ABOVE DATE THE REFERENCED KIA SOUL WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN A FORD 350 PICK UP TRUCK RAN INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AREA. THE PICKUP TRUCK WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. THE COLLISION CAVED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR'S EXTERIOR SKIN AS WELL AS T…"~8,678 mi, complaint #894894
    • "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…"~151,000 mi, complaint #1519660
  15. #15

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION ONCE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION WAS DISENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED W…"~40,000 mi, complaint #957163
    • "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…"~56,300 mi, complaint #1396513
    • "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 REVER…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1722543
    • "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 L…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1567780
  16. #16

    abs module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact's daughter stated that the battery was drained, and while the contact was going to jumpstart the vehicle, the contact observed that the ABS module was running while the vehicle was turned off. The contac…"~101,350 mi, complaint #1986937
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact observed that there was a leak of oil due to spotting on the driveway. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the leak was from the ABS system. The independent mechanic stated t…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1993104
  17. #17

    engine oil consumption

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS. HEAT SHIELD IS VIBRATING WHILE ACCELERATING. ALSO HAVE OIL PAN LEAK, CAUSING A PUDDLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. "~65,000 mi, complaint #1375770
    • "KIS CONSUMING OIL, THE OIL INDICATOR DOESN'T TURN ON UNTIL AFTER THE OIL STICK SHOWS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THEN IT ONLY BLINKS OCCASIONALLY."~69,000 mi, complaint #1655134
  18. #18

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE FACE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER W…"~86,285 mi, complaint #1260374
    • "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."~200,000 mi, complaint #1717774
  19. #19

    transmission manual clutch

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE CLUTCH AND FLY WHEEL WORE OUT ON THE CAR AT 22K MILES. THIS IS EXTREMELY EARLY FOR A CLUTCH TO FAIL. THE CLUTCH FAILED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY (I-81) AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS FOR MANY YEARS AND HA…"~22,791 mi, complaint #967564
    • "MY SOUL IS A FIVE SPEED, I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, IN FIRST GEAR READY TO START ACCELERATING, WHEN I REALIZED, MY CAR WAS REVERSING INSTEAD OF GOING FORWARD. I COULD NOT GET IT OUT OF REVERSE, NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I SHIFTED TO. OTHER FAMILY DROVE MY CAR AS…"~34,800 mi, complaint #1052770
    • "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…"~72,735 mi, complaint #1527012
  20. #20

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AIR CONDITIONER I ACTUALLY FOUND THIS OUT BY ACCIDENT. I BOUGHT A PORTABLE EXPLOSIVE GAS DETECTOR FROM MENARDS (MODEL NUMBER: 240PGD) MAINLY FOR MY SISTER WHO LIVES IN A TRAILER PARK AND HAS BECOME SEVERELY ILL FROM A SEWER GAS SMELL IN THE COURT. JUST BEFORE…"~24,000 mi, complaint #931531
  21. #21

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1503239
  22. #22

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "DRIVING ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. HAD TO BRAKE VERY HARD. BRAKES WORKED BUT MADE A HORRIBLE GRINDING-LIKE VIBRATION UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY ANALOGY THAT COMES CLOSE TO DESCRIBING IT IS IT SOUNDED AS IF THERE…"~1,000 mi, complaint #971999
    • "SECOND INCIDENT OF BRAKE (DEALER SAYS EMERGENCY BRAKE) CAUSING VEHICLE VIBRATION. THIS EXITING PARKING LOT. ON HARD SURFACE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EXPERIENCE VIBRATION WHICH RAMPS UP IN FREQUENCY THEN RAMPS DOWN. HAVE REPLACED EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOE. DEALER SAYS BRAK…"~40,000 mi, complaint #961203
  23. #23

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle had not been repaired. Shortly after the electronic stability control, ABS, and TPMS warni…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1883769
  24. #24

    cruise control conventional

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "SPEED CONTROL - THE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE ON NUMEROUS OCCAISIONS, WHEN THE BRAKE WAS GENTLY APPLIED OR TAPPED, SPEED CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE AND THE SPEED ACTUALLY INCREASED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER. WE WERE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE RE…"~10,100 mi, complaint #918854
    • "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 Campai…"~270,000 mi, complaint #1752217
  25. #25

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 COMMO…"complaint #1059655
    • "I TOOK MY KIA SOUL IN FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE. THE MECHANIC LET ME KNOW THAT THE AXLE SHAFT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THR PART BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS A NEW MODEL AND THAT PART…"complaint #1144167
  26. #26

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SLOW TO REGISTER THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY PUM…"~44,000 mi, complaint #1197304
  27. #27

    sunroof

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 KIA SOUL ON A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN, AT ABOUT 8:30 AM, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY SHATTERED. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND FELT AND SAW GLASS COMING DOWN ON AND AROUND ME. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. I FEL…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1323880
    • "SUNROOF IS NOT USABLE AS IT COMES OFF OF THE TRACKS. UNABLE TO CLOSE TIGHT ENOUGH DUE TO DAMAGE WHICH PROMOTES LEAKING."~50,000 mi, complaint #1482197
  28. #28

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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 O…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1497675
    • "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 ."~202,000 mi, complaint #1576881
  29. #29

    tpms

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT THE STANDARD WHEEL SIZE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE TPMS VALVE STEM HAD BROKEN OFF I…"~500 mi, complaint #934024
  30. #30

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "VIOLENT SHUTTER VIBRATION, FELT LIKE BLOWN PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AFTER 30 MILES(DROVE OFF LOT) PULLED OVER TO INSPECT TIRES EVERYTHING LOOKED OK AND DROVE OFF WITH NO SHUTTER OR VIBRATION VEHICLE HAS DONE IT 4 TIMES NOW AT 1,000 MILES, HAS DONE IT AT 40 MPH-70…"~1,000 mi, complaint #851703
    • "A BAD BEARING, CAUSED AIR PRESSURE IN LEFT TIRE TO INFLATE TO A DANGEROUS PSI, THAT COULD BLOW TIRE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AT HIGH SPEED AND DEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED TO DRIVE 525 MILES, FROM DALLAS TO KANSAS CITY, MO. DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE DRY, WITH…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1220336
  31. #31

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE INSIDE OF MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FULL OF WATER. I ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE AUGUST OF THIS YEAR. *TR"~34,000 mi, complaint #1024364
    • "VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURE HAD BEEN AT OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE FREEZING OVERNIGHT. WHEN DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE AND SHUT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE POINT OF THE REAR WI…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1245447
  32. #32

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "BRAKE LIGHTS QUITS WORKING , CRUSE DOESN'T WORK , RADIO IS AFFECTED"~94,000 mi, complaint #1354566
  33. #33

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019, I WAS DRIVING FROM KATY, TX TO NEW ORLEANS, LA TRAVELING WITH MY 2-YEAR-OLD SON ON I-10. APPROXIMATELY 51 MILES OUTSIDE OF LAFAYETTE, 2011 KIA SOUL LOSES ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED IN THE PASSING LANE. RPM AND MPH…"~114,000 mi, complaint #1610812
  34. #34

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~177,000 mi, complaint #1565479
  35. #35

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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 OT…"~108,500 mi, complaint #1537474
  36. #36

    paint and clearcoat

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WE PURCHASED A MOLTEN 2011 KIA SOUL. 3 MONTHS AFTER OWNING THE CAR WE NOTICED MULTIPLE PAINT CHIPS ALL OVER THE CAR AND WINDSHIELD CHIPS. I HAVE LESS THAN 4500 MILES AND I DO NOT DRIVE ON GRAVEL OR FOLLOW SALT TRUCKS. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET THE KIA DE…"~4,489 mi, complaint #851812
  37. #37

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1283439
  38. #38

    steering rack mechanical

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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,…"~91,500 mi, complaint #1361144
  39. #39

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ON JULY 2, 2012 WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED RESULTING IN THE FRONT WHEEL GOING UNDER THE CAR. THIS RESULTED IN THE ENTIRE COLLAPSE OF THE SUSPENSION, FAILURE OF STEERING CAPABILITIES AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE…"~22,000 mi, complaint #928350
  40. #40

    unknown

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 mor…"complaint #1951063

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA SOUL directly.