2011 Kia Soul Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2011 Kia Soul
- Scores roughly in line with adjacent Kia Soul years — consistency that often signals a stable platform generation.
- The system most likely to surface first: steering column assembly (critical severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the structure:body:roof and pillars.
2011 Kia Soul: Buy or Avoid?
The 2011 Kia Soul offers a distinctive package and generally provides reliable daily transport, but it's crucial to acknowledge its specific mechanical weaknesses, especially concerning the steering system. While the powertrains are largely dependable, overlooking critical recalls or early warning signs can lead to significant and costly repairs. This model is a reasonable choice if you prioritize style and practicality on a budget, provided you proceed with a meticulous pre-purchase inspection.
Biggest Strengths
- Generally robust engine designs (MPI)
- Simple, proven automatic transmission technology
- Good practicality and cargo space for its class
2011 Kia Soul — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2011 Kia Soul. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2011 Kia Soul
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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 total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
What breaks on the 2011 Kia Soul?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Kia Soul — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Kia Soul. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2011s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2011 Kia Soul
Parts and accessories matched to your 2011 Kia Soul
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Frequently Asked Questions
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