How many electrical system complaints does the 2011 Kia Soul have?

NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, which is 22% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2011 Kia Soul?

Yes. Recall campaign 13V114000 covers the electrical system on the 2011 Kia Soul among other Kia models and model years, reported in 2013.

At what mileage do electrical problems tend to appear on the 2011 Kia Soul?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Kia Soul is 83,000 miles.

Did the 2011 Kia Soul have electrical fires?

NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires and 1 crash reported within the electrical system complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, with no injuries reported.

2011 Kia Soul Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, 22% of its 194 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 83,000 miles. There is one related recall (campaign 13V114000) covering the electrical system, plus 2 fires and 1 crash reported in this category.

Electrical System complaints: 42; 22% of 194
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 83,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report intermittent horn failure that dealers often could not diagnose or duplicate.
Some owners describe stop/brake lights failing to illuminate, sometimes tied to the stop lamp switch recall issue.
Headlight bulbs and sockets reportedly overheated and burned out repeatedly, with owners replacing bulbs multiple times without fixing the problem.
Two owners reported vehicle fires linked to what one insurance company determined was defective wiring.
One owner reported the ignition key could be bumped into the off position while turning, shutting off the vehicle.

When 2011 Kia Soul electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 3, 2011, latest Mar 5, 2026.

42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2011 to Mar 2026; peak Nov 2020 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Kia Soul

NHTSA 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Electrical System980,377 vehicles
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.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Electrical System complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201027 (21%)
201142 (22%)
201247 (9%)
201378 (12%)
2014187 (21%)
201599 (11%)
201669 (8%)
201719 (7%)
201822 (10%)
201917 (13%)
202033 (9%)
202118 (8%)
202210 (11%)
202316 (31%)
202411 (38%)
20254 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2011 Kia Soul have?: NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, which is 22% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2011 Kia Soul?: Yes. Recall campaign 13V114000 covers the electrical system on the 2011 Kia Soul among other Kia models and model years, reported in 2013.
At what mileage do electrical problems tend to appear on the 2011 Kia Soul?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Kia Soul is 83,000 miles.
Did the 2011 Kia Soul have electrical fires?: NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires and 1 crash reported within the electrical system complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, with no injuries reported.