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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-KIA-SOULNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Kia
2011 Kia Soul problems
The 2011 Kia Soul has 193 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2011 Kia Soul has 193 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 37 complaints, typically surfacing around 104,205 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Soul?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Brakes: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 80,000–152,000 mi
Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–118,000 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Kia Soul SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Kia Soul? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
brakes — 37 owner reports
· tends to show around 104,205 mi · ~$450 to fix
electrical — 28 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,167 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 23 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,669 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
visibility — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,326 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 104,205 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 Soul· powertrain
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 contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2011 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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 detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
AQService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Kia Soul has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2011 Kia Soul?
The 2011 Kia Soul is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Brakes: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 80,000–152,000 mi; Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–118,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Kia Soul?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 37 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 104,205 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Kia Soul a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 193 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 104,205 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Kia Soul?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 37 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 104,205 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 104,205 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Kia Soul has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Kia Soul?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 193 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Kia/Soul.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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