This page covers 3 recalls, 193 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Kia Soul.
26–28 mpg combined
8.4–9 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2011 Kia Soul, brake and electrical complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the brake side, owners frequently describe brake warning lights illuminating and braking performance concerns, with some noting that repairs did not fully resolve the issue. The electrical system draws a similar volume of complaints, owners report unexpected stalling, loss of power while driving, and vehicles that won't restart without a jump. Airbag complaints rank third, with owners describing warning lights that indicate the airbag system is not functioning properly, sometimes with no prior indication anything was wrong. A smaller number of owners report a burning smell noticed at idle, and at least one isolated report describes a vehicle fire originating from the engine bay while the vehicle was unoccupied.
193
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
23
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Kia Soul has 3 recalls, the two most serious both involving fire risk: an electrical wiring short that can ignite when the lights are on, and a separate issue where the anti-lock brake control module can catch fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven.
On the structural side, this recall only affects Soul models equipped with a sunroof: a headliner plate near the roofline can break free when the side curtain airbags deploy in a crash, sending a loose panel into the cabin and raising the risk of injury to occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The headliner plate above the sunroof may come loose when the curtain air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will install adhesive strips to secure the headliner plate to prevent detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wiring harnesses in the front door trim panels (Soul) or front and rear door trim panels (Sorento) may have faulty solder joints, potentially causing lighting malfunctions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected wiring harnesses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
