2011 Kia Soul brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

38 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2011 Kia Soul, 53% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 121,169 mi.

Brakes complaints
38
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
121,169 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Service brakes7

Brakes complaints across Kia Soul years

2201038201139201282201325201420201516201610201752018520199202010202132022820232202422025
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2011 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k260k–100k6100k–150k5150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

What owners say

  1. Filed Mar 5, 2026154,655 miFLBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was successfully jump-started; however, after driving approximately one mile, the vehicle began jerking and lost power again and was pushed to a residence. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11722193 · source
  2. Filed Dec 11, 2024HIBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
    NHTSA complaint #11630130 · source
  3. Filed Nov 27, 2024165,000 miLAFireBrakesOther / Unknown
    The contact owned a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked overnight on his driveway, caught on fire, and exploded in the early morning. The fire started from the engine bay. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The fire originated from the front engine bay, and soon after engulfed the entire vehicle. The vehicle was totaled, the side of the house was damaged, a motorcycle was destroyed and parts of the contacts shop were damaged. The fire…
    NHTSA complaint #11627799 · source
  4. Filed Oct 24, 2024152,000 miFLBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a fee would be charged for additional repairs. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11621679 · source
  5. Filed Jul 5, 2024WABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet…
    NHTSA complaint #11599317 · source
  6. Filed Jun 21, 2024OHBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
    NHTSA complaint #11595750 · source
  7. Filed Jun 20, 2024CABrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
    NHTSA complaint #11595531 · source
  8. Filed Jun 5, 2024MNBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet…
    NHTSA complaint #11592665 · source
  9. Filed May 22, 2024FLBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11590161 · source
  10. Filed May 21, 2024128,000 miPRBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact observed that there was a leak of oil due to spotting on the driveway. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the leak was from the ABS system. The independent mechanic stated that the failure was related to a recall and informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and referred the contact to the dealer. The contact contacted a dealer, and the contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11589840 · source
  11. Filed May 20, 2024COBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Peak Kia (5077 S Wadsworth Wy, Denver, CO 80123). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11589654 · source
  12. Filed May 14, 2024FLBrakes
    The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11588731 · source

Other 2011 Kia Soul problem areas

  • Electrical System (16)
  • Engine (14)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Lighting (5)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (2)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2011 Kia Soul problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology