The Lemon Index2011 Kia Soul. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 4
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Auto 4-spd | FWD | 25 / 30 / 27 | Regular | $2,300 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto 4-spd | FWD | 24 / 29 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,800 and 104,500 miles. Median 52,500, from 132 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 120,000 | 84,000–152,000 | 11 |
| Electrical | 75,000 | 9,000–118,000 | 15 |
| Airbags | 57,000 | 30,000–94,000 | 19 |
| Engine | 107,000 | 15,500–121,900 | 14 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 40,000 | 22,800–80,000 | 11 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 17% |
| Airbags | 15% |
| Body structure | 12% |
| Electrical | 12% |
| Stability control | 10% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194 | 27 | 5 | 23 | 1 | 12 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 3
23V652000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module
Defect. 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 Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number
14V822000 Dec 2014 Structure / Body / Roof And Pillars
Defect. 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.
Risk. A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
13V114000 Apr 2013 Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch
Defect. 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. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The
Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Hyundai and kia abs module fires | 2023 | – |
| Closed | Non-crash vehicle fires | 2019 | 2021 |
| Closed | Non-crash vehicle fires | 2018 | 2019 |
Manufacturer communications 66
Kia filed 66 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information…
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector…
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition: cylinder…
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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