2011 KIA Soul problems
Owners have filed 270 complaints about the 2011 KIA Soul with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 11.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 11.9%.
Complaints270
Crashes43
Fires7
Injuries43
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 11.9% · 32
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.9% · 32
Air bags 9.3% · 25
Engine 8.9% · 24
Unknown or other 7.8% · 21
Power train 4.8% · 13
Exterior lighting 4.8% · 13
Service brakes 4.8% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 43 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 43 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 13 model years of the KIA Soul in this data, 2011 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2014 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 48 in the last three years against 35 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 50,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2011 KIA Soul. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and allowing the engine to warm, she heard a loud noise and noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The police and fire department arrived and a report was filed. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 9,000. Electrical system · reported at 9,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 KIA Soul. The contact stated that the horn malfunctioned sporadically and without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 40,000. Electrical system · reported at 20,000 miles
Bad wire in steering wheel, which makes horn malfunction frequently(if I repeatedly turn wheel, horn will work). This started three years ago. Car has been well maintained, and I see no recall for this issue. I also have a bad sensor under the passenger seat, which allows airbag to be on or off when passenger is in seat(doesn't seem to work). Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…