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Body and structurePart report

2011 Kia Soul Body and structure Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
6%of 194 total for the year
Median mileage
42,600miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the body and structure of the 2011 Kia Soul, 6% of the 194 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,600 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10508343, filed 2013-04, 47,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10637405, filed 2014-09, 94,000 miles

“When it rains the floorboards fill with water (literal puddle) front and back, mainly on the drivers side. I purchased this vehicle new and have been the only owner, I did not notice the issue until after the mileage warranty had slightly expired. I contacted the dealer once I noticed the issue and they of course wanted $$$ to even look into the issue. In researching for a resolution on the internet this appears to be a very common issue with these vehicles. The main concern is health safety and possible electrical issues that can result from so much interior wetting. …”

NHTSA complaint #10852156, filed 2016-03, 58,000 miles

“We purchased a molten 2011 Kia SOUL. 3 months after owning the car we noticed multiple paint chips all over the car and windshield chips. I have less than 4500 miles and I do not drive on gravel or follow salt trucks. I am currently trying to get the Kia dealership to repair it. Also, a speaker rumbles, it did not start one time (only had it for a few days), and sometimes you can smell antifreeze. The dealership is still deciding if they will help me in regards to the paint and windshield. They have ordered a replacement speaker. …”

NHTSA complaint #10396032, filed 2011-04, 4,489 miles

“When turning car on it the engine makes a knocking sound. Car is losing acceleration on roads especially expressway. Also, the engine pings or knocks when turning the car off. I have even heard the engine knock while in motion. The front windshield molding garnish lh located on the driver side flew off while driving on the expressway and hit another car! Losing this molding garnish causes air to leak into the windshield.”

NHTSA complaint #11151646, filed 2018-11, 105,500 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202211%
202131%
2020103%
201943%
201852%
201741%
2016182%
2015162%
2014111%
2013152%
2012184%
2011126%
20102116%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Soul

Brakes
45 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology