Model year guide

2011 Kia Soul

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Kia Soul is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 289 on record.

2011 Kia Soul — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Kia Soul at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints193
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$8,538

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Kia Soul recalls 3

Structure:body:roof And Pillars NHTSA Campaign #14V822000 · 29/12/2014

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V114000 · 01/04/2013

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, …

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Kia Soul common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Firerelated
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2011 Kia Soul safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 Kia Soul SUV FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 Kia Soul MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,300

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Kia Soul worth?

Low
$5,900
Typical price
$8,538
High
$10,700

From 286 comparable 2011 Kia Soul listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Kia Soul costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,500
Fuel only$11,500
Per mile$0.15

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Kia Soul trims & engines on record

Trims
! · GL · Base · Sport
Engines
2.0L · 1.6L

2011 Kia Soul vehicles on record

Other Kia Soul model years

2011 Kia Soul — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Kia Soul have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Soul?

Based on 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system.

What is the 2011 Kia Soul safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 Kia Soul an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Soul get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Kia Soul at about 27 mpg combined (25 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2011 Kia Soul worth?

Comparable 2011 Kia Soul listings run roughly $5,900–$10,700, typically around $8,538 (from 286 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.