Used car guide

2011 Kia Soul: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2011 Kia Soul

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Seatbelt pre-tensioner recall

    All engines

    Cars built between August 2011 and March 2012 were recalled because the seatbelt pre-tensioner could malfunction and cause injury in a crash.

    At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

    Source: What Car?: Kia Soul (2009-2014) reliability

  • Scratchy, brittle plastics

    All engines

    Interior plastics scratch or snap, especially around the back seats.

    At the viewing: Look over the rear trim for cracks and broken clips.

    Source: What Car?: Kia Soul (2009-2014) reliability

Looking at a Kia Soul?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Kia Soul compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022914Tyres 25%
20212,237Tyres 29%
20202,568Tyres 29%
20191,002Tyres 21%
20185,811Tyres 25%
20175,017Tyres 28%
20166,328Tyres 29%
20157,710Tyres 30%
20147,807Brakes 31%
20133,862Suspension 38%
20124,785Suspension 43%
20108,597Suspension 45%
20096,264Suspension 48%