2012 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 53 brake complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul, 10% of all 514 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 110,500. A related recall (23V652000) covers brake components on multiple Kia models including the 2012 Soul, though it is not a do-not-drive order.
- Brakes complaints
- 53
- 10% of 514
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 110,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of braking power at low speed, in one case leading to a crash, airbag deployment, and a brake-related fire.
- Some drivers describe electronic stability control activating on its own and locking the steering wheel, requiring heavy force to turn.
- Brake, stability control, and anti-lock warning lights illuminate together, and dealers have been unable to resolve the issue after repeated visits.
- Several owners describe brakes as overly sensitive, grabbing hard with only light pedal pressure, making controlled stops difficult.
- One owner reported the brake system suddenly activating and stopping the vehicle at low speed, followed by smoke and fire from the front end.
- A brake light on the dash failed to illuminate without warning, and another owner noted a screeching sound from the driver side when braking.
When 2012 Kia Soul brake complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 6, 2012, latest Jul 24, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Kia Soul have?
- NHTSA lists 53 brake complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul, which is 10% of the 514 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Kia Soul?
- Yes. Recall 23V652000 covers brake components on several Kia models including the 2010-2013 Soul. It is not a do-not-drive recall, but owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- At what mileage do 2012 Kia Soul brake problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Kia Soul is 110,500 miles.
- Do 2012 Kia Soul brake problems cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data for this brake complaint category on the 2012 Soul shows 4 crashes and 3 fires, with no reported injuries.