2011 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 23%of 194 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Kia Soul, 23% of the 194 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Pulled into parking space, car accelerated and brakes went to floor went over the parking curb on to walkway, the corner of the store stopped me no damage to the wall, damage to the my car. Kia SOUL, 2011”
NHTSA complaint #10432736, filed 2011-10, 1,700 miles“Brake light will not illuminate when depressed. Break light switch not functioning properly. Esc/stability control light stays on continuous while car is in motion or stopped. Tail lights burn out every 6-12 month, as well as head lamps burning out often.”
NHTSA complaint #11351882, filed 2020-08, 118,000 miles“Driving about 45 MPH on straight road when vehicle suddenly pulled out in front of me. Had to brake very hard. Brakes worked but made a horrible grinding-like vibration under the vehicle. The only analogy that comes close to describing it is it sounded as if there were hard rocks/gravel on top of the brake pads. Has happened every time since when engaging brakes for an emergency-like stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10505535, filed 2013-04, 1,000 miles“When driving at any speed & need to suddenly stop, the vehicle brakes lock up & do not stop the vehicle in time. Basically, the tires lock up & the car continues to skid & screech. This is especially aggravated when the vehicle drives over a pothole or other defect in the roadway while braking or in constant stop-&-go traffic. The vehicle has narrowly missed crashing into other vehicles or structures numerous times. I noticed the problems within a couple of weeks of purchasing the new 2011 car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460669, filed 2012-06, 300 miles“Second incident of brake (dealer says emergency brake) causing vehicle vibration. This exiting parking lot. On hard surface at highway speeds experience vibration which ramps up in frequency then ramps down. Have replaced emergency brake shoe. Dealer says brake pad was delaminating and piece of shoe was probably causing vibration by involving other parts during wheel revolution. Notice parking brake lever seems to exceed top range and slip slightly to left. After first repair noticed loud knocking/rattle from right rear quadrant, verified by passenger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496251, filed 2013-02, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Soul 2011–2013, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
- 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 2011 Kia Soul
30 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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