Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
No recalls on record for this model
No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
39
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11627799 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
35
Most reports here involve fire. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11722193 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
43
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
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The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11630130 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
21
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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The contact owned a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 63 MPH, an object hit the vehicle's front, driver-side tire which caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into a highway sand barrel as the vehicle flipped forward and rolled over onto the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact exited the vehicle through the front passenger door with the assistance of a fellow motorist. The contact was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and was treated for head trauma, pain to both shoulders, neck, and back; as well as, scratches to the left elbow and right hand. A police report was filed. A couple of sand barrels were damaged which left sand scattered across the highway. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11610837 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
24
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 19 mention a crash, 25 mention an injury.
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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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760046 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
25
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
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On November 18th, 2021, at 7.20 AM while driving at posted speed limit of 45mph, the hood on my 2011 Kia Soul suddenly flew open, hitting the window, causing me to slow down and stop on the side of the road. After inspecting the destroyed hood, hinges and severally damaged roof, I proceeded to secure the hood so I can get back to my home and begin the process of working this out. To my knowledge, there have been no recalls or complainants on the hood latch mechanism that should have prevented this. I was the only occupant at the time and could have resulted in serious injury or even death, if there were more cars at the time who knows what the outcome would have been. Unknow about reproducing the issue. The vehicle has now been estimated 2 times by the insurance company and still ongoing. No warning lamps of any kind were given. As of today I am still dealing with the Insurance company as they are not wanting to pay what the estimate is, leaving me stranded. Kia needs to make this right and step in.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11443904 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
7
Most reports here involve fluid leaks.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11593446 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov