2011 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Service Brakes 45 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE, CAR ACCELERATED AND BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR WENT OVER THE PARKING CURB ON TO WALKWAY, THE CORNER OF THE STORE STOPPED ME NO DAMAGE TO THE WALL, DAMAGE TO THE MY CAR. KIA SOUL, 2011 *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10432736, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11627799, 2024 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND GOING OVER A POT HOLE, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10617863, 2014 · crash

Electrical System 30 1 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY LOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT A RESULT OF THE CRASH, BUT RATHER THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE WIRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10458560, 2012 · crash · fire

“TL* 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10437522, 2011 · fire

“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 mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11722193, 2026

Air Bags 25 22 crash 26 injury 1 death

“MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING ON A COUNTRY ROAD AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED INTO HER LANE, HIT HER HEAD-ON AND SHE DIED ON THE SCENE. WHEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO INVESTIGATE, THEY NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OF HER KIA SOUL DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN AND THEY LOCATED THE STEERING WHEEL (AIRBAG DEPLOYED) IN THE FLOORBOARD BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #10865513, 2015 · crash · 1 death(s)

“Driving 36 mph and got hit in drive side and the airbags didn't deploy”
NHTSA complaint #11561737, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING COLLISION. SEAT BELT TENSIONER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT ENGAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #10965881, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Engine 24 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10520395, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE EXACT ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11102349, 2018 · fire

“Failure to fix the engine repair causing fires”
NHTSA complaint #11593282, 2024

Unknown Or Other 21

“While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11618421, 2024

“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 complaint #11567553, 2024

“Got their recall letter, parked the car. It came up for inspection last December 2023. No inspection station would inspect it due to the fire hazard. It has sat since, not on the road. It runs and drives fine in my driveway. Now I've had no vehicle since December. I'd like it fixed. Or have them just buy it back off me.”
NHTSA complaint #11585663, 2023

Exterior Lighting 13

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the cruise control failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the Vin was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11420911, 2021

“IN THE 9 YEARS SINCE PURCHASE I'VE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 13 TIMES. THEY GENERALLY BURN OUT WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER SO NOW I JUST REPLACE BOTH WHEN ONE GOES OUT. I HAVE TO KEEP SPARES IN THE GLOVE BOX BECAUSE ON ONE OCCASION THEY BOTH WENT OUT ON THE SAME DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11376647, 2020

“1. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND UNPREDICTABLY. 2. I REPLACED THE MAP LIGHT. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING AND I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE I ORDERED MYSELF. A LOCAL GARAGE DID THE WORK, NOT A DEALER.”
NHTSA complaint #11372791, 2020

Power Train 13 1 injury

“I PURCHASED KIA SOUL PLUS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2 MONTHS AGO FROM ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 53,000 MILES. VEHICLE "LAGGED" MOMENTARILY WHILE TRANSMISSION UPSHIFTED. I ASSUMED CHARACTERISTIC OF CAR. APPROX. 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING CAR WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH MY FIANC' @ APPROX. 65MPH THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY & DRASTICALLY DOWNSHIFTED INTO (I BELIEVE) 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, WITH NO PROVOCATION ON MY PART. IF MY FIANC AND I WERE NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS, THE SUDDEN CHANGE OF SPEED, OUR HEADS WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY HIT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. MY FIANC' IS SCHEDULED FOR SPINAL CORD SURGERY SOMETIME T…”
NHTSA complaint #11011925, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“MY 2011 KIA SOUL I BOUGHT OFF OF A FRIEND. IT DROVE GREAT ONLY HAD 80000 MILES. HOWEVER WHEN I GOT IT 3RD GEAR WOULD SOMETIMES BE HARD TO GET IN GEAR AND GRIND. I JUST REACHED 100000 MILES AND I GOT UP FOR WORK TODAY AND IT WONT GO INTO GEAR IN FIRST OR REVERSE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEEMS ITS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS. IM HOPING ITS NOT MY TRANSMISSION BUT IM GOING TO SHOP IN AN HOUR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR THIS VEHICLE. EVEN THE MILES ON MY CAR A TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED. THIS STARTED ON A INTERSTATE SHIFTING COMING OFF OF THE RAMP 5TH GEAR I COULDNT GET IT IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11389985, 2021

“THE LINE HOLDING MY AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID IS LEAKING AT SUCH A RAPID RATE THAT MY CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON IN MY CAR UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO SAFELY OPERATE MY VEHICLE AND SWITCH GEARS ON A HIGHWAY. THE PART IS SEVERELY LOW NATIONWIDE, POTENTIALLY ON BACK ORDER.”
NHTSA complaint #11208724, 2019

Structure 12 3 crash 3 injury

“MY SON AND I WERE IN A SEVERE CRASH. WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND AT ABOUT 50 MPH BY TWO CARS. WE WERE KNOCKED OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A DROP OFF. WE LANDED AND WENT OVER LARGE BOULDERS. CAR WAS TOTALED. FRONT END AND REAR END GONE. TWO WHEELS CAME OFF. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS IS A GREAT CONCERN FOR PEOPLE THAT MAY WANT TO PURCHASE THE SOUL. ALL OTHER VEHICLES IN THE CRASH HAD AIR BAGS THAT DID DEPLOY. I THINK IF OUR AIR BAGS WERE WORKING PROPERLY THEN MY SON AND I MAY OF NOT HAD SUCH SEVERE INJURIES TO OUR HEADS, BACKS AND NECKS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10637405, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10520395, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON THE ABOVE DATE THE REFERENCED KIA SOUL WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN A FORD 350 PICK UP TRUCK RAN INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AREA. THE PICKUP TRUCK WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. THE COLLISION CAVED IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR'S EXTERIOR SKIN AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR SKIN WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON THE KIA SOUL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10439443, 2011 · crash

Visibility 11

“THE REAR WINDOW ON MY 2011 KIA SOUL SHATTERED AFTER CLOSING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE DOOR WAS NOT SLAMMED OR CLOSED WITH ANY FORCE AND THE CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF AT THE TIME. IT WAS LIGHTLY SNOWING AND AROUND 20 DEGREES F WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE WINDOW WAS BROKEN FROM THE CENTER, BUT THE GLASS BOWED OUTWARD AND THE EDGES OF THE WINDOW HAD CRUMBLED AND FALLEN OUT AS WELL. THE GLASS IS VERY THIN AND LOOKS TO BE OF POOR QUALITY AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY CAR WINDOWS BREAKING EVERY TIME I EXIT THE VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10680481, 2015

“MY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO OUR 2011 KIA SOUL AND OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR AND GOT SOMETHING OUT OF THE CAR AND CLOSED THE DOOR NORMALLY, NO FORCE WAS INVOLVED. WHEN HE DID THE REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW SHATTERED ALL THE WAY ACROSS CRUMBLING AND IT BLEW A HOLE IN THE GLASS. WE WENT TO OUR LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP THAT WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND IT WAS A SATURDAY SO ONLY THE SALES STAFF WAS THERE. WE WERE TOLD TO COME BACK ON MONDAY WHICH WAS TODAY AND MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO GET THEM TO REPLACE THE WINDOW AS A WINDOW SHOULDN'T JUST SHATTER WHEN YOU CLOSE ONE OF THE DOORS UNLESS THERE IS SOME TYPE OF DE…”
NHTSA complaint #10508343, 2013

“1. MY KIA SOUL WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A ROCK WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. MY WINDSHIELD NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST ME $250.00 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE .COULD THIS HAVE BEEN DUE TO CHEAP KIA GLASS OR POOR BOXY DESIGN AS I READ FROM OTHER KIA SOUL OWNERS ON THE KIA FORUM? IF SO, PLEASE CONSIDER THIS MY OFFICIAL COMPLAINT. 2. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO STATE MY COMPLAINT THAT THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AS IT HAS THE ABSOLUTE WORST BLIND SPOTS OF ANY VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN AND I AM ALWAYS AFRAID THAT I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN CHANGING LANES. *…”
NHTSA complaint #10500995, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 10

“1. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND UNPREDICTABLY. 2. I REPLACED THE MAP LIGHT. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING AND I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE I ORDERED MYSELF. A LOCAL GARAGE DID THE WORK, NOT A DEALER.”
NHTSA complaint #11372791, 2020

“BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSED. BREAK LIGHT SWITCH NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ESC/STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUS WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STOPPED. TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT EVERY 6-12 MONTH, AS WELL AS HEAD LAMPS BURNING OUT OFTEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11351882, 2020

“ESC HAS ENGAGED AT 50 MPH ON DRY ROADS RAPIDLY SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO 15 MPH. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN A MONTH.”
NHTSA complaint #10724707, 2015

Suspension 9 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS PULLED INTO A CURB. THIS CAUSED OVER $1600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY METAL OR ANYTHING IN THE TIRE. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, SO I KNOW THEY WERE AT THE PROPER PSI. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES. THEY ACTUALLY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND ALL THEY SAID WAS "THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #10483323, 2012 · crash

“LOUD CLUNK IN RIGHT REAR OF CAR PROBABLY THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS LOUD CLUNK WHILE DRIVING AND HATTING ANY BUMP IN THE ROAD”
NHTSA complaint #11171529, 2018

“REPLACED BOTH BALL JOINTS. HEAT SHIELD IS VIBRATING WHILE ACCELERATING. ALSO HAVE OIL PAN LEAK, CAUSING A PUDDLE IN THE DRIVEWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #10983604, 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System 8 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE EXACT ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11102349, 2018 · fire

“While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11618421, 2024

“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 complaint #11558072, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11618421, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT'S MOTHER OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PARKING BRAKE SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO UNPLUGGED THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE DIAGNOSIS OR WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED BERT OGDEN HARLINGEN KIA (8321 W EXPY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78552) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11405345, 2019

“GAS PEDAL STICKS. WHEN I GO TO ACCELERATE IT DOESN'T GO I HAVE TO PRESS DOWN HARDER ON THE PEDAL BUT PULLS OFF FASTER THEN IT'S SUPPOSE TO .”
NHTSA complaint #11221491, 2019

Seat Belts 7 4 crash 6 injury

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING COLLISION. SEAT BELT TENSIONER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT ENGAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #10965881, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“MY SOUL WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMOACT ROLL OVER CRASH IM WHICH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT UNLATCHED AND THEEE WAS NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT O WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND THE TRUCK THAT STRUCK THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH...UPDATED 08-06-15 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10745568, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DRIVERS DOOR (YES SEAT BELT WAS PROPERLY ON) AND SUFFERED A TBI AS WELL AS EXTREME BRUISING ALONG THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY WHY DIDN'T THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOY?. I WAS REAR-ENDED AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS WHERE THE PASSENGER SEAT USED TO BE.. ALSO THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE IN THE PRONE POSITION ON IMPACT AS I WAS SPINNING ACROSS TWO OPPOSING LANES OF TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10536480, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 6 2 crash

“THE 18 INCH HANKOOK LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE A DEATH TRAP IN WINTER. I WENT DOWN AN OFF RAMP SIDEWAYS. ON ICE AND SNOW THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER TIRES, HANKOOK 18 INCH TIRES, ARE ABSOLUTELY AWFUL AND A THREAT TO ANYONE'S LIFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BREAKING IN WINTER IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WITH THESE TIRES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10934767, 2016 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS PULLED INTO A CURB. THIS CAUSED OVER $1600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY METAL OR ANYTHING IN THE TIRE. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, SO I KNOW THEY WERE AT THE PROPER PSI. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES. THEY ACTUALLY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND ALL THEY SAID WAS "THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #10483323, 2012 · crash

“THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE EVERYTIME I HIT A BUMP OR TURN THE VEHICLE. FEELS LIKE THE AXLE IS GOING TO FALL OFF. I SAW THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WANTED TO POST THE COMPLAINT, HOPING THAT SINCE IT IS A COMMON ISSUE, KIA IS FORCED TO HAVE IT FIXED OR REIMBURSE US. IT'S OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE MAKE OF THE CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10584713, 2014

Visibility/Wiper 6

“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 complaint #11558072, 2023

“HAD JUST STARTED DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, HADN'T EVEN SHIFTED INTO 4 TH GEAR, AND THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO INTENSE HEAT OR COLD, NO FLYING DEBRIS.”
NHTSA complaint #11282072, 2019

“VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURE HAD BEEN AT OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE FREEZING OVERNIGHT. WHEN DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE AND SHUT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR THE REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW DOWN TO THE POINT OF THE REAR WIPER. OUTSIDE EDGES OF WINDOW ALSO SHATTERED/DISINTEGRATED ALONG THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE SEAL.”
NHTSA complaint #10810472, 2015

Wheels 6 3 crash 2 injury

“MY SON AND I WERE IN A SEVERE CRASH. WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND AT ABOUT 50 MPH BY TWO CARS. WE WERE KNOCKED OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN A DROP OFF. WE LANDED AND WENT OVER LARGE BOULDERS. CAR WAS TOTALED. FRONT END AND REAR END GONE. TWO WHEELS CAME OFF. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS IS A GREAT CONCERN FOR PEOPLE THAT MAY WANT TO PURCHASE THE SOUL. ALL OTHER VEHICLES IN THE CRASH HAD AIR BAGS THAT DID DEPLOY. I THINK IF OUR AIR BAGS WERE WORKING PROPERLY THEN MY SON AND I MAY OF NOT HAD SUCH SEVERE INJURIES TO OUR HEADS, BACKS AND NECKS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10637405, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE 18 INCH HANKOOK LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE A DEATH TRAP IN WINTER. I WENT DOWN AN OFF RAMP SIDEWAYS. ON ICE AND SNOW THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER TIRES, HANKOOK 18 INCH TIRES, ARE ABSOLUTELY AWFUL AND A THREAT TO ANYONE'S LIFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BREAKING IN WINTER IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WITH THESE TIRES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10934767, 2016 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS PULLED INTO A CURB. THIS CAUSED OVER $1600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY METAL OR ANYTHING IN THE TIRE. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, SO I KNOW THEY WERE AT THE PROPER PSI. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES. THEY ACTUALLY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND ALL THEY SAID WAS "THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #10483323, 2012 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 4 1 fire

“THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE WIND SHIELD EXPLODED. EVERYTHING MELTED DOWN AND CAR IS TOTALED. THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERIOR MALFUNCTION WITH THE CAR. WOULD LIKE KIA TO REPLACE THIS CAR WITH A NEW CAR BECAUSE THIS WAS A NEW CAR THAT I PURCHASED THROUGH KIA. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10447319, 2012 · fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and making a right turn, the contact veered to the side of the road, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the hood. The contact opened the hood and noticed smoke and coolant in the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (S…”
NHTSA complaint #11590381, 2024

“I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM MAZDA IN HILO, HAWAII. AFTER THREE MONTHS THE A/C WHEN IT IS TURNED ON, WOULD WORK FOR 5 MINUTES OR SO, THEN IT WILL BLOW WARM AIR. THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP IN HILO, HAWAII TRIED TO REPAIR THE A/C PROBLEM ONCE, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, THEN MAZDA SENT ME TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHICH TRIED TO FIX THE A/C PROBLEM TWICE, WITH NO SUCCESS. I SINCE MOVED TO OAHU IN APRIL 9TH, 2014. THE A/C PROBLEM IS STILL ON GOING. MY NIECE BOUGHT KIA SOUL 2011 HERE ON OAHU AND HER CAR HAS THE SAME A/C PROBLEM, I HAVE. IS THERE OTHER KIA SOUL 2011 OWNERS WITH THE SAME A/C PROBLEM? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10610872, 2013

Steering 4 2 crash 1 injury 1 death

“MY DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING ON A COUNTRY ROAD AT 50 MILES PER HOUR. ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED INTO HER LANE, HIT HER HEAD-ON AND SHE DIED ON THE SCENE. WHEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO INVESTIGATE, THEY NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL OF HER KIA SOUL DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN AND THEY LOCATED THE STEERING WHEEL (AIRBAG DEPLOYED) IN THE FLOORBOARD BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT.”
NHTSA complaint #10865513, 2015 · crash · 1 death(s)

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND I WAS PULLED INTO A CURB. THIS CAUSED OVER $1600 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY METAL OR ANYTHING IN THE TIRE. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, SO I KNOW THEY WERE AT THE PROPER PSI. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES. THEY ACTUALLY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND ALL THEY SAID WAS "THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #10483323, 2012 · crash

“STEERING WHEEL MAKING CLUNKING NOISE ("CLACK"), AS IF GETTING LOOSE, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON AND THE STEERING IS TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, WHILE STANDING STILL OR DRIVING REGARDLESS OF ROAD OR PAVEMENT. THIS NOISE ALSO APPEARS WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, RUTS AND RAISED REFLECTIVE PAVEMENT MARKERS, ALTHOUGH IN THIS INSTANCE IS MORE OF A COMBINATION OF MULTIPLE 'CLACK' SOUNDS AS THE WHEELS GO OVER MORE THAN ONE ROAD DISTURBANCE (I.E. CONSECUTIVE REFLECTIVE MARKERS). MANUFACTURER KIA ALREADY HAS A RECALL FOR CERTAIN YEARS OF THEIR KIA OPTIMA MODEL.”
NHTSA complaint #10958911, 2017

Seats 2 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DRIVERS DOOR (YES SEAT BELT WAS PROPERLY ON) AND SUFFERED A TBI AS WELL AS EXTREME BRUISING ALONG THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY BODY WHY DIDN'T THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOY?. I WAS REAR-ENDED AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS WHERE THE PASSENGER SEAT USED TO BE.. ALSO THE DRIVERS SEAT BROKE IN THE PRONE POSITION ON IMPACT AS I WAS SPINNING ACROSS TWO OPPOSING LANES OF TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10536480, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH REAR SEATS FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY IN A SECURE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE LATCH WOULD FUNCTION CORRECTLY WHEN INTENSE FORCE WAS APPLIED BY USING AN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10425529, 2011

Equipment 1

“SINCE PURCHASING MY KIA SOUL ON FEB.28, 2011 I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD TWICE! YES, IT WAS HIT BUT SMALL STONES BOTH TIMES, BUT ONE WOULD THINK THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD WITHSTAND SUCH IMPACT. ANY MINOR THING THAT HITS THE WINDSHIELD APPEARS TO BE LEAVING BIG PATHS OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSING DAMAGE. TO ME, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10399758, 2011

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“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 ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11627799, 2024 · fire

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11468146, 2022

Fuel System 1 1 crash 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10520395, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)