2011 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 53 brake complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, 27% of all 194 complaints filed for the year. Owners report brakes going to the floor, sudden lockup, grinding vibration, and electronic stability control (ESC) engaging unexpectedly, with a median failure mileage of 82,000. A related recall (23V652000) covers brake components on this model.
- Brakes complaints
- 53
- 27% of 194
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 82,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brake pedal drops to the floor with little or no stopping power, sometimes at low speed in parking situations.
- Sudden brake lockup or grinding/vibration under braking, often triggered when driving over a pothole or bump.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) light activates unexpectedly on dry roads and won't turn off, sometimes cutting engine power or slowing the car sharply.
- Emergency/parking brake vibration linked to delaminating brake pad material rubbing other parts.
- Brakes applying on their own with no driver input, causing the vehicle to slow or stall without warning.
When 2011 Kia Soul brake complaints were filed
First complaint May 24, 2011, latest Mar 5, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2011 Kia Soul
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 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.
Brakes complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2011 Kia Soul have?
- NHTSA lists 53 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Soul, which is 27% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Kia Soul?
- Yes. Recall campaign 23V652000, reported in 2023, covers brake components on the 2011 Soul among other Kia models; it advises parking outside away from structures until repaired.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2011 Kia Soul is 82,000 miles.
- What kind of brake failures do owners describe?
- Owners describe the pedal going to the floor, sudden lockup with grinding noise, unexpected ESC activation on dry roads, and vibration from delaminating brake pads.
- Have brake problems led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to these brake complaints for the 2011 Soul lists 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.