Service Brakes Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at *,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at *,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the ftc review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I was driving my 2014 kia Soul on Friday 12/12 when without any warning the brakes went out. Thankfully I was able to get it to a parking lot without incident and requested a tow. After having it repaired, the mechanics stated the brake lines completely popped due to brake line corrosion. After researching this issue, I found that my kia Soul had a voluntary service campaign recall regarding the exact corrosion on the brake lines that would likely be responsible for this catastrophic failure. I was never notified of this possibility despite having my car routinely serviced in NJ and va. This is a huge oversight on kia’s behalf – other people with this make and model need to be notified that there could be unseen corrosion happening. Fortunately, I wasn’t on the highway when the brakes went out and thanks to my careful navigation I was able to avoid getting into an accident with others on the road at the time my brakes suddenly failed. Afterwards, I called kia and requested reimbursement as this was a recall that I was never notified for but they refused as my VIN was not listed under the vsc. Due to the catastrophic nature of the failure and the potential for damage to property, severe injury, or loss of life, I am notifying NHTSA in hopes of escalating this issue and to raise awareness for other kia Soul drivers. Prior to this incident, no lights, no audible warning, or other signs of impending failure occurred. Had I been notified of this issue through the inclusion in the vsc, I would have been able to take steps to preemptively address this issue and avoid the associated risk of operating such a potentially compromised vehicle.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the parts were ordered two months ago; however, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Upon backing the kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a voluntary service campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to automobiles driven in high road salt usage states. I live on the coast of alabama where the air is laden with salt. In fact our building codes here require the utilization of only stainless steel fastners due to this effect. In my opinion this recall should include the coast of alabama. I did speak with kia (case number 25706168) but they could offer no remedy as my car was not operated in a high road salt state.

The contact owned a 2019 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, another vehicle stopped in front of the contact’s vehicle and the brake pedal was depressed to attempt to avoid a crash; however, the vehicle skidded and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. During the crash the front end and the hood of the vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the seat belt malfunctioned and failed to secure the contact in the seat, causing the contact's chest and stomach to impact the steering wheel. The contact sustained a bruised chest and neck injury but had not yet sought medical treatment. The contact stated that an appointment was schedule to see her primary care physician. The contact was unaware of any injuries to the other driver. A police report was filed at the scene but was not available. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owned a 2013 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at night, the neighbor knocked on the door approximately 4:00 am in the morning to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire in the driveway. The contact went outside and saw that the front of the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the neighbor was already attempting to put out the fire with a gardening hose. The contact and the neighbor attempted to extinguish the fire; however, the flames spread throughout the vehicle and destroyed the vehicle. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was considered totaled due to the extensive damages on the outside and inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fire caused damages to the front of another vehicle that was parked nearby. A police report was filed but the report number was not provided to the contact. There were no injuries sustained, and no medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the driveway. The contact was notified by the insurance provider that there was possibly a recall listed on the vehicle for a similar failure and to report the failure to the NHTSA hotline. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The abs, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer for service campaign sc334 - brake line corrosion. The vehicle was repaired after 35 days, but the failure recurred. While driving approximately 40-45 mph, the brakes became inoperable. The driver began pumping the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. There was an exclamation symbol displayed on the instrument cluster, and the battery light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven through the parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My brakes went out completely while driving my 2015 kia Soul with my daughter in the car. It was traumatic and stressful for us both. I had just received a recall notice for break lines/ undercarriage spray. I called fairfield kia and I had my car towed to the dealership. They inspected my car and said they would replace the rear brake lines under the recall. A couple weeks went by and I was told they couldn't find the parts to fix it and they are going to cover the front break lines as well under the recall. I didn't receive a loaner car and transportation was a daily struggle. Altogether my car was at the dealership for around 35 days. I received an invoice through email and didn't get a call or any notification that my car was ready for pickup. I called the dealership 2 days later and the person said it was ready. I get to my car and it was dead and I had to jump my car in the parking lot. The cover for the under carriage was not on my car where is goes it was in my back seat and it was dirty. My gas light was on and I had a quarter of a tank when I paid to tow it to the dealership. My receipt said my car was fixed and in working order and they completed a check point inspection and besides the battery they said it was all good. I drove my car to my house and by the time I got to my house I noticed my breaks were going all the way to the floor. My car still has no breaks just as it did when I had it towed to the dealership. It feels like no work has been done. I've already been without my car for over a month to fix this problem under a recall. The dealership was rude and not professional and I notified kia America through email but because the christmas holiday I haven't heard back yet. I'm scared to drive it now and it has created a fear I can't shake. Im not sure what to do next but I'm going to call kia corporate in the morning.

I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place I take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the code so I need help.

On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the abs module.

I was driving in the carpool line to anaheim with my daughter, the car starts pulling and make a noise in the front part and start loosing speed, from 75 miles per hour to 40 miles per hours in 2 minutes. I drove to the safety zone but in high risk to a crash. All the sensor lights on in the front part. And the steering feels hard, no movement. We feel so stressed and unsafe. The police officer help us and the 511 towing help this was on October 16th. We pay $830 dlls to the aaa to bring the car to san diego.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.

While driving, the vehicle began accelerating (forced acceleration) without driver input. When driver attempted to stop or slow the vehicle down, the brakes were unresponsive due to the brake override system failure. Because the vehicle could not be stopped or slowed down, and to avoid hitting or harming others, driver veered off the road which caused the vehicle to flip multiple times and finally stop, landing on the roof. It was noted that the engine was still running at that time. The safety of the driver and others was in immediate risk, as the vehicle could not be controlled. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact's son owned a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for rvs converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed but the police report information was not available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v652(service brakes, hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The contact stated that the recall notice had not been received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The rims and the rotor have rusted together causing you to use excessive force to remove the lug nut holding on the tire and the nut snaps off.

2017,kia Soul plus brakes failed with no warning and we crashed into an intersection and hit a dump truck. I suffered severe broken bones including a compound femur fracture and broken arm. I was trapped in the car for over a hour. Both my arm and leg have rods and pins now. I also suffer from severe ptsd and nightmares. I hospitalized from 6/25-7/4, and in a nursing home until 7/4-8/1, learning to walk again. I received the voluntary recall letter on 7/11when I was in the nursing home. It was sent too little too late. I’m contacting an attorney and kia deserves to pay. Kozlowski towing took the care away. I do not know if they still have it.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

4 29 23 at 101091 miles the catalytic converter was replaced. The car sucks up oil before even the 3000 . Mark. . Kia performed. Then on7/8/25 wg baker replaced catalytic converter again. Also coding of abs brakes now and why would catalytic converter need replacing? because car is eating off oil. Yes my car stopped on the interstate and I had to pull over. I've already done two tune ups.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 mph and going up a slight hill, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son said multiple unknown warnings illuminated. The son depressed the brake pedal and felt that it was very hard to depress. The son was able to restart the vehicle and continued on to his destination. The contact stated that the engine stalling failure had occurred once, however the failure of the brakes had occurred several times. The contact's son stated that when he was slowing the vehicle, as he was in reverse (r) backing out of a parking spot, he was unable to stop the vehicle using the brake pedal and had to use the emergency brake to stop. The son stated that another brake failure occurred as he was slowing for traffic. The son stated that he depressed the brake pedal and it was stiff and the vehicle was not stopping. The front end of his vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front. The son said that when the brake failure occurred the check engine, oil check and the battery warning illuminated. The son stated that he used the emergency brake to stop. The police were called and wrote a report, both of the vehicles were drivable and there were no injuries. The son stated that there were minor dents and scratches on the front bumper and grill of his vehicle and dents and scratches on the rear bumper and trunk of the other vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that there was no mechanical issue with the brakes or the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The contact stated that in 2021 the vehicle had an engine failure and the engine had been replaced.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts that had to be replaced due to a re-call.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side tire was making a metal scraping sound. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal chemical odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stuck valve inside the abs module, causing the passenger’s side front brake caliper piston to not function as intended, and a brake fluid leak. The hydraulic unit, brake fluid, pad kit front disk b, and disk front wheel brake parts were replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Went to back out of driveway noticed puddle of water substance near right passenger door grd. Thought possibly from ac unit, I had been previously out and about. Few days later went to leave no brakes! had it towed, currently at dealership, so far report crack in brake line not sure yet why. Scary this could have been tragic.

Driving, slowing down for a stop light. Put the brakes on, they did not work. Push the all the way to the floor. Hit the vehicle in front of me. Luckily going slow between lights.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a class action lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact the class action lawsuit paperwork to fill out. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); the VIN was included, parts were not yet available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

I bought my 2022 kia Soul September 2021. In 2022, I brought my car to kia in clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. By doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. Kia said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back to kia again in October of 2024 because my car did the very same thing as it did in 2022. Once again, kia stated they couldn't find the issue. March 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, my car started shutting down on me every 10 minutes while in drive, my car would then start reversing while in drive and the breaks would become very stiff. In order for my car to stop, I had to put my car in park, turn it completely off and then on again for it to drive. My car is now at kia dealership in clifton NJ, once again, they keep telling me they don't know what's wrong with my car. I am afraid I may get on the highway with my car and get into a terrible accident and thats when they will find the issue. I am afraid for my daughter and my life at this point. I am now driving a rental that kia refuse to pay for until they figure out the issue. I was told, they would only pay for a rental if the issue is covered under my warranty. I have been complaining about this issue to kia since year 2022 and nothing has been resolved. I need help resoling this issue with kia, I called corporate and they were no help.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the esc warning light illuminated and turned off and on. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might catch on fire while parked or while driving. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit needed to be replaced. The part was ordered, but the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,806.

We have tried multiple times to obtain information on this recall. My husband was finally told we must travel over 240 miles for this procedure. This would include two separate trips to eugene. The first trip for the diagnosis and the second trip for the remedy "if it needs it". Every person at the dealership told my husband a different story and he finally gave up. We are older and we do not travel anymore. We do not have the internet. I am hoping you can help in some way. This is a huge inconvenience, not to mention the cost of gas. Any help would be appreciated.

Fm radio black screen black screen replacement kia Soul.

When I was at work and driving in the parking lot the brake pedal went to the floor. I realized that I didn't have any brakes so I used my emergency brakes to stop. I checked and looked to find the problem: the pressure brake line was leaking under the car before the gas tank. I got my vehicle towed home by aaa. The next day I called the local dealership for the part and they didn't have one and said they could not get one. I waited for the snow to clear here in nc and for the weather to warm up before attempting to replace the line, my next option was the vehicle recycling center (junk yard). When I went to look at same-year models and vehicles, they were all rusted in the same place. Please look into this problem before someone gets killed.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that the contact should schedule an appointment for the vehicle to be inspected then the contact had to schedule a second appointment when the parts were available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the dipstick had blown off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,449.

The contact owned a 2011 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked overnight on his driveway and that the vehicle had caught on fire and exploded in the early morning. The fire started from the engine bay. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. The fire originated from the front engine bay, and soon after engulfed the entire vehicle. The vehicle was totaled, the side of the house was damaged, a motorcycle destroyed and parts of the contacts shop were damaged. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. A police department report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No warning lights were illuminated prior. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000. The contact stated that they believe NHTSA campaign number 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) was responsible for the failure of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.