2013 Kia Soul Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 102 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul, 15% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 74,634 miles. A related recall (23V652000) covers the hydraulic brake system and involves a park-outside warning due to fire risk.
- Brakes complaints
- 102
- 15% of 662
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 11
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 74,634 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report brakes skipping, jumping, or slipping during stops, sometimes worse in rain or snow.
- Some describe intermittent brake failure where the pedal does not respond as expected while driving on streets or in parking lots.
- Several complaints tie back to recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), including cases where the fix was delayed or parts were unavailable.
- Multiple owners linked the brake hydraulic recall to vehicle fires, including fires starting near the engine area while the car was parked and unoccupied.
- New-vehicle owners reported squeaking brakes shortly after purchase, with dealers describing the pads as glazed.
- ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated in some cases, later diagnosed by independent mechanics as a wiring issue.
When 2013 Kia Soul brake complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 6, 2013, latest Apr 24, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Kia Soul have?
- NHTSA lists 102 brake complaints for the 2013 Kia Soul, making up 15% of the 662 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Kia Soul?
- Yes. Recall 23V652000 covers the hydraulic service brake system and instructs owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is completed, due to fire risk.
- At what mileage do 2013 Kia Soul brake problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 74,634 miles at the time of failure for brake-related complaints.
- Have 2013 Kia Soul brake issues caused crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 11 fires associated with brake complaints for the 2013 Soul, though no injuries were reported.