Home · 2011 Kia Soul · Complaints

What 193 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Kia Soul

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (193)Crash / fire / injury (33)Brakes (45)Electrical system (30)Airbags (25)Engine (24)Visibility & wipers (17)Lights (13)Transmission & drivetrain (13)Body & structure (12)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (10)Fuel system (9)

Newest first · 193 complaints · page 2 of 8

Apr 26, 2024Brakes

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 contact discovered how to disconnect the ABS module and disconnected it. The contact was concerned that the ABS module would cause a fire. The contact was notified of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a hydraulic module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,350.

NHTSA ODI 11585488

Apr 16, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583238

Apr 4, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was independently braking. The contact stated that she was able to pull over, the vehicle stopped, and the engine was still running. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated; however, the vehicle would not move forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that she pulled over, turned off the vehicle, and then attempted to restart the vehicle, but had to wait for over 20 minutes until the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but occurred at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that she smelled a burning plastic odor after another failure. The contact had spoken to a dealer but was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11581096

Mar 28, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brake, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11579973

Mar 13, 2024Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11577104

Mar 12, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11576868

Mar 6, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11575763

Mar 6, 2024BrakesEngine

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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that on one occasion, the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the ECM was not reading and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The mechanic replaced the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11575795

Feb 6, 2024Electrical system

KIA AmericaFebruary 6, 2024 P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Attn: Customer Relations Good afternoon, I received a Safety Recall letter dated November 14, 2023 concerning the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) for my 2011 KIA Soul, (NHTSA Recall# 23V652). I want to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the lack of response to this issue. I’ve never owned any vehicle subject to a recall that took over two months to address. There has been no follow up information from KIA with any details of progress or timeline to resolve this issue. As a result, I’ve initiated phone calls to a KIA Dealership as well as the KIA Customer department to try and get information and no one seems to have any idea on a resolution to the problem. Since this issue can result in an engine compartment fire, I cannot safely transport any child requiring a secured Child Safety Seat with any degree of confidence. I’m requesting a response on this matter that provides an informed resolution that includes parts and a timeline to fix this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11570320

Feb 5, 2024Electrical systemEngine

recalled number 23V652 Manufacturer recall SC284AM HECU car can set on fire while driving its been months that a recall was said and we consumers where told to park our cars, yet we need them to utilize daily our families are at risk because Kia wont release the remedy. Last year I received the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11569951

Jan 24, 2024Electrical system

Even though Kia recalled my vehicle because of possible fire risk, they do not arrange the remedy in a timely manner. The recall is open since September and I have to park my car outside, and have to drive it with fire risk. My complaint is for “delay of remedy”

NHTSA ODI 11567553

Jan 9, 2024Electrical system

This complaint is in reference to existing recall 23v652 for various KIAs including my 2011 Soul. This defective fuse could cause a fire, and owners advised to park outside and not drive vehicle. Advised in November letter, I have called KIA Customer Care and local dealer today (Jan 9 2024), and still no repair solution. I find this delay in remedy unacceptable as I am without transportation. Would appreciate your using your influence to move this to resolution. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11564400

Jan 5, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp was illuminated. The failure mileage was 84,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11563724

Jan 3, 2024Brakes

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 not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11563266

Dec 28, 2023BrakesEngine

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 notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle temporarily jerked. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving and depressing the brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who test-drove the vehicle and informed the contact that no failure was found. The independent mechanic reset the check engine warning light. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11562295

Dec 28, 2023Electrical system

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 to not know anything.

NHTSA ODI 11562373

Dec 25, 2023AirbagsCrash2 injuries

Driving 36 mph and got hit in drive side and the airbags didn't deploy

NHTSA ODI 11561737

Dec 18, 2023Electrical systemBrakesEngine

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 recall situation.

NHTSA ODI 11560666

Dec 6, 2023Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11558822

Dec 2, 2023BrakesFuel systemVisibility & wipers

When you press the break the car stalls, when you fuel up the car it will not start. Autos unlimited in Rolla, Mo sold it as inspected with "" nothing "" on the inspection sheet. This dealer is claiming they will "fix: this issue. It cost me 480.00 to fix it. --- evap canister purge vent- evap leak- fuel malfunction- canister solenoid.

NHTSA ODI 11558072

Nov 28, 2023Brakes

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11557239

Nov 28, 2023Electrical system

I have the recall for my 2011 Kia Soul. HECU that states to park outside and away from vehicles due to potential engine fire. Park until recall is fixed. I have contacted the Manufacturer, Dealership, my insurance company and the NHTSA as this is my only vehicle and means of transportation. There is no remedy for the fix nor an ETA of the Fix. I was told there was nothing that could be done. I am so angry as MY car can catch fire while driving which puts my life at risk along with others. WHAT am I supposed to do? Walk everywhere? The manufacturer will not provide a loaner or reimbursement for a rental, the dealership will not provide a loaner and my insurance will not provide a rental due to I don't have a claim. Who takes responsibility for an unsafe vehicle that cannot be driven or driven and put everyone at risk? This needs to be rectified!

NHTSA ODI 11557244

Nov 27, 2023Brakes

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 not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11556932

Nov 22, 2023Engine

The engine can’t be fixed

NHTSA ODI 11556515

Nov 21, 2023Brakes

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 contact stated that the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11556314

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Working with the data? Download all 193 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Kia Soul verdict →