Model year
2011 Kia Soul
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 194 complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). 1 recall marked park outside. The components listed on the most complaints are SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (32), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28), AIR BAGS (25). NHTSA lists 3 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated the SUV FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400–$2,600, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2010 135 complaints
- 2011 194 complaints
- 2012 514 complaints
- 2013 667 complaints
- 2014 902 complaints
- 2015 902 complaints
- 2016 816 complaints
- 2017 272 complaints
- 2018 219 complaints
- 2019 137 complaints
- 2020 387 complaints
- 2021 238 complaints
- 2022 94 complaints
- 2023 54 complaints
- 2024 30 complaints
- 2025 12 complaints
Recalls
23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023
Park outsideSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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…
14V822000 · Dec 29, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
13V114000 · Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.…
Complaints
194 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 27, fire flag on 5, injury field 29, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP18003 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Aug 21, 2018 | May 10, 2019 |
| PE19004 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Mar 29, 2019 | Dec 22, 2021 |
| AQ23002 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | Nov 17, 2023 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.151 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · 1.6L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 30 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Soul · 1.6L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 31 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Soul · 2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 29 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Soul · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2011 Kia Soul at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.