2013 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 15%of 668 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Kia Soul, 15% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 11 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.
“Starting in 2018, on 6 occasions and at least 3 times in 2019, when I try to brake the car actually accelerates. It has happened while driving on streets and in parking lots. I have taken it to 2 dealers and both have been unable to assist me, as they say they can't duplicate the problem. I have read that several different kias in different years have had this same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11185989, filed 2019-03, 55,000 miles“When I stop suddenly there is a terrible sound in my front right brake, and the pedal got stuck and hard, cannot stop the car completely. I feel mine and others life are on risk driving this specific car, something it's terrible wrong for the fist time that I start driving this Kia SOUL 2013, brand new. Please, I really need your help, I do not feel safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10700822, filed 2015-03, 300 miles“My car died while driving on highway going 75mph with 70k miles thats about when a vehicle should be breaking in not breaking down. My steering wheel is loose, gas play. The radio sometimes doesnt come on and my engine just sounds clogged”
NHTSA complaint #11361388, filed 2020-09, 67,000 miles“When in motion the car would sputter and struggle to reach speeds over 30 MPH. Multiple times the check engine light would come on and read as a knock sensor. Replaced the knock sensor but the car continued to struggle to accelerate and would sputter. Took it to Kia and they discovered it was the hydraulic module. They fixed it costing me $1500. I discovered the other day that my car has a recall for another issue but saw the car has an investigation on going about this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11202670, filed 2019-04, 74,634 miles“I bought a Kia SOUL 2013 used with 12,400 miles on it saturday may 31, 2014. Wednesday june 4, 2014 I was tapping on my brakes to stop for a light when I heard a clicking sound not very loud but a click. The Kia SOUL did not stop. I pressed on the brakes a little harder my car did not stop for another foot or two. Thank god there was not another car in front of me or I would have hit the other car for certain. I am scared to drive my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596227, filed 2014-06, 12,500 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
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 2013 Kia Soul
286 complaintsSteering
154 complaintsElectrical system
71 complaintsOther or unknown
63 complaintsEngine cooling
45 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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