2011 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Kia Soul has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 5 fires, 29 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (32 reports).

3Recalls
194Owner complaints
27Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Soul?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Kia Soul recalls

Brake control module short can cause engine fire

Recall 23V652Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehicles affected

The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

Recall 14V822Dec 29, 201495,314 vehicles affected

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Recall 13V114Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehicles affected

Most common 2011 Kia Soul problems

Problem areas named in the 194 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System32
Service Brakes, Hydraulic32
Air Bags26
Engine24
Unknown Or Other21
Power Train13
Service Brakes13
Exterior Lighting13
Structure12
Visibility11

What owners report

2026-08-27, Air Bags
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.
2026-03-05, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
2025-06-30, Air Bags
This vehicle had just passed a inspection for me to get it licensed and Kentucky. There was no light showing that the airbags would not work. Unfortunately, this vehicle is not available.I had reached out to kia multiple times. My fears I have another Kia the same year.
2024-12-11, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
2024-11-27, Service Brakes
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. T

2011 Kia Soul questions

Does the 2011 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Kia Soul: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Soul?

Based on 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (32), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (32), Air Bags (26).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Kia Soul has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Kia Soul years

Other 2011 Kia models