Does the 2011 Kia Soul have engine problems?

NHTSA lists 36 engine-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, making up 19% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year. Median mileage at failure was 94,000.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Soul engine?

No engine-related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2011 Kia Soul.

What engine issues do owners report on the 2011 Kia Soul?

Owners describe engine knocking noises, unintended RPM surges while stationary or in reverse, oil pan leaks, air conditioning blowing warm air, and hard starting after refueling.

Were there any fires linked to the 2011 Kia Soul?

NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents and 1 injury reported among the complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, alongside 1 crash.

2011 Kia Soul Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 36 engine-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, 19% of all complaints for that model year. Median mileage at failure was 94,000. No engine-related recalls are on file for this model year.

Engine complaints: 36; 19% of 194
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 94,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report a loud lifter-type knocking noise from the engine while driving at highway speed.
Some describe the engine RPMs surging on their own while the vehicle is stationary, in reverse, or in park, without the accelerator being pressed.
Several owners report the air conditioning blowing warm air after running for only a short time, with one owner detecting a gas odor near the vents using a gas detector.
Owners report an oil pan leak accompanied by a vibrating heat shield during acceleration.
Some owners report the engine struggling to start after refueling, requiring multiple attempts and several minutes before it starts.

When 2011 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 24, 2011, latest Oct 7, 2024.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2011 to Oct 2024; peak May 2012 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Kia Soul

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Soul model year

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

201020 (16%)
201136 (19%)
2012224 (44%)
2013312 (47%)
2014602 (67%)
2015673 (75%)
2016622 (77%)
2017203 (75%)
2018152 (70%)
201992 (68%)
2020251 (66%)
2021179 (77%)
202272 (82%)
202317 (33%)
20245 (17%)
20252 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Kia Soul have engine problems?: NHTSA lists 36 engine-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, making up 19% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year. Median mileage at failure was 94,000.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Kia Soul engine?: No engine-related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2011 Kia Soul.
What engine issues do owners report on the 2011 Kia Soul?: Owners describe engine knocking noises, unintended RPM surges while stationary or in reverse, oil pan leaks, air conditioning blowing warm air, and hard starting after refueling.
Were there any fires linked to the 2011 Kia Soul?: NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents and 1 injury reported among the complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, alongside 1 crash.