2010 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 12%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Kia Soul, 12% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The brakes are not braking the way they should make a grinding noise and then stalled to stop I was on I-285 going home to jasper ga also I've noticed that the gear shifter can go into another gear w out brake on”
NHTSA complaint #11269830, filed 2019-10, 158,000 miles“I exported my Kia SOUL 2010 to germany due to military movement order. As the car is now registered in germany; I did not get any notifications from Kia us about the recall sc098am regarding a problem with the brake light switch, rated as a safety issue. My german car dealer is trying to help me get the brake light switch changed, but is unable to get the necessary information from Kia. Is there a possibility to assist me in getting the necessary work from a safety recall done in germany? Thank you for your help”
NHTSA complaint #11342468, filed 2020-07, 27,000 miles“I am the owner of a 2010 SOUL. The car rolled down a hill in 1st gear with the emergency brake on twice, the 2nd time into a river. Now every time it is damp or cold the emergency brake sticks [stays on when the lever is disengaged] and I end up driving with the brake on. The entire car shakes until the brake lets go. I have had the car looked at by my local dealer twice and they have done nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #10369845, filed 2010-12, 21,300 miles“I was notified by another driver that none of my brake lights were lighting up when I braked. I immediately took my Kia SOUL to the dealership and they found a faulty brake switch. This was the same faulty brake switch that was subject to a recall in 2013. This means that the replaced new brake switch is also faulty after less than 2 years of driving. It is a worry to me that Kia could be replacing a faulty recalled part with another faulty part, especially one that has major safety implications. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749690, filed 2015-08, 77,000 miles“On two separate occasions, I have experienced unintended acceleration, once when the cruise was on and once when it wasn't. The Kia SOUL would not respond to braking or slow down to less than 20 MPH. Luckily I was on the interstate or four lane both times and had time to get over on the berm and put car in neutral and then park and then turn off immediately. I tried to restart and the engine revved up to 7,000 in park. I let car sit for about 15 minutes...first time when I tried to restart it seemed to be okay. I drove it for about a month before second occurrence. …”
NHTSA complaint #11102167, filed 2018-06, 149,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Soul 2010–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 17% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 8 | 15% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 10 | 4% |
| 2020 | 11 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 6% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 14 | 5% |
| 2016 | 20 | 2% |
| 2015 | 32 | 4% |
| 2014 | 35 | 4% |
| 2013 | 99 | 15% |
| 2012 | 46 | 9% |
| 2011 | 45 | 23% |
| 2010 | 16 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2010 Kia Soul
24 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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