PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION - This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engines listed below, which may set DTC P0011, P0014, P0016, or P0017 after an engine replacement. If these DTCs were not present prior to engine replacement, the camshaft reluctor wheel (also called pulse wheel) may not be in the correct position when engine is at Top Dead Center and may be sending an erroneous signal to the PCM, causing the DTC. Follow the procedure outlined in this publication, with engine set to Top Dead Center (TDC), to inspect and identif
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Kia Soul engine problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Kia Soul have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Soul | 8 |
| 2011 Soul (this page) | 13 |
| 2012 Soul | 173 |
| 2013 Soul | 231 |
| 2014 Soul | 457 |
| 2015 Soul | 523 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L & 3.8L Lambda engines for 2007-2008MY Sorento (BL), * 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2019MY Soul (AM, PS), and * 1.8L & 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2018MY Forte (TD, YD/YDm), 2019MY~ Forte (BDm). When replacing the cylinder heads on these engines, inspect the lubrication ports for installation of the steel sealing balls. Current replacement cylinder heads may not be equipped with the required steel balls. Identify and locate the nine (9) lubricant passages on 3.3L and 3.8L engines and three (3) on 1.8L and 2.0L engines and ver
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a spectrum of engine failures in the 2011 Kia Soul, beginning with catastrophic loss of power. One owner experienced complete engine shutdown at highway speed 51 miles outside Lafayette, Louisiana, with all dashboard lights illuminating and RPM dropping to zero—a pattern that worsened over days and involved visible smoke under the hood. Replacement of both catalytic converters occurred, but the owner notes uncertainty about whether other problems were addressed.
Another owner's vehicle stalled at 30 mph during a right turn with smoke and coolant visible in the engine bay at 157,000 miles. A third owner's engine seized entirely, with a mechanic suspecting oil pump failure despite normal oil and coolant levels.
Two separate fire incidents appear in the narratives—one at 12,000 miles with unexplained origin, another totaling the vehicle with flames consuming the front end and windshield exploding. An owner using a portable gas detector detected high concentrations of explosive gas (consistent with butane/propane refrigerant) at the A/C vent, causing headaches; another owner's A/C blew cool air for only five minutes before reverting to warm, a problem persisting through multiple Mazda and Kia dealership attempts to repair.
Additional complaints include uncontrolled RPM surge to over 2,000 in park at 2,500 miles, lifter noise and poor running at 8,000 miles, and cold-start difficulty after refueling with check engine light cycling. Dealers frequently could not duplicate or diagnose these issues.
Same Kia Soul engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Engine Power Loss / Stalling at Speed
Engine shuts down abruptly while driving at highway speed, RPM and MPH drop to zero, all dashboard lights illuminate. Vehicle loses all accelerative power. Restarts after turning off and back on, but issue recurs and worsens over time.
When: Highway speed; one incident at 51 miles outside Lafayette, LA; progressively worsening over days
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; RPM and MPH drop to zero; All dashboard lights illuminate; Unable to accelerate; Smoke visible from under hood; Issue recurs and worsens progressively
Repairs/costs cited: Both catalytic converters replaced (one on October 7, second found defective two days later); however, owner reports uncertainty whether other issues remain undiagnosed
Engine Stall with Smoke and Coolant Leak
Vehicle stalls while making a right turn at low speed (30 MPH). Smoke and coolant visible in engine compartment. Towed to independent mechanic who diagnosed engine failure. Dealership contacted but did not diagnose or repair.
When: At 157,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled during low-speed turn; Smoke from engine hood; Coolant visible in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified engine failure; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted, no assistance provided
Engine Misfire / Cold Start Difficulty After Refueling
Check engine light illuminates. Vehicle will not start after refueling without manual throttle input. Once started, runs normally until fuel level drops and problem repeats. Owner reports reading about fuel system recalls in other countries.
When: Recurring issue; check engine light on January 15, off briefly, returned January 18
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on and off; No start condition after refueling; Requires manual gas application to start; Problem recurs as fuel level drops
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer reports all recalls completed on vehicle
Uncontrolled RPM Surge at Idle
While vehicle stationary in park, RPMs increase rapidly to over 2,000 without throttle input. Slowing occurs when brake applied. Issue reset by turning engine off and restarting. Dealer unable to reproduce.
When: At approximately 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid, uncontrolled RPM increase to over 2,000 while in park; No throttle input applied; Vehicle slows when brake applied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate failure; manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA
Lifter Noise / Poor Running Condition
Loud noise from engine lifter while driving. Vehicle runs poorly. Dealer inspected but found no defect.
When: At 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise while driving at 55 MPH; Poor vehicle performance
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to identify defect
Engine Seizure / Oil Pump Failure
Engine locked up while driving. Oil level normal, coolant level normal. Mechanic suspected oil pump failure. Kia stated no recalls available.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine making noise while driving; Motor shut off abruptly; Engine locked up; Motor seized
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suspected oil pump failure; vehicle inoperable; owner still making loan payments on vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia stated no recalls on vehicle
Vehicle Fire - Unexplained Origin
Vehicle caught fire without warning while owner was exiting vehicle in driveway. Owner extinguished fire with fire extinguisher. Exact origin unknown. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Explosion; Vehicle fire without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not towed or diagnosed; owner extinguished fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not made aware of failure
Complete Vehicle Fire - Interior Malfunction
Front of vehicle erupts in flames, windshield explodes, entire vehicle totaled. Owner attributes to interior malfunction. New vehicle purchased from Kia.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Entire front engulfed in fire; Windshield explosion; Complete vehicle meltdown
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled
A/C Refrigerant Leak / High Explosive Gas Detected
Portable explosive gas detector (butane/propane-sensitive) showed high concentrations of explosive gas when tested at A/C vent. Owner and wife experienced increasing headaches. Gas readings taken multiple times at different temperatures with A/C on, all showed red LED warning.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Explosive gas detected at A/C vent by portable gas detector; High concentrations of butane/propane detected; Owner and wife experienced increasing headaches
A/C Malfunction - Warm Air After 5 Minutes
A/C works briefly (about 5 minutes) then blows warm air. Multiple repair attempts at Mazda and Kia dealerships unsuccessful. Owner reports niece's 2011 Kia Soul has identical problem.
When: Within three months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: A/C works initially then fails; Warm air from vents after brief cool operation
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda dealership attempted one repair; Kia dealership attempted two repairs; no success
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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…
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 63,075 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.