2015 Kia Soul Brakes Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11717476

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

Mileage

126,000 mi

My car was returned to me in a dangerous condition following a recall repair. I have a receipt that says that my break system was operating as it should be after recall work was completed but as I was driving it home from picking it up from dealership my break system comply went out for the second time while driving it. The dealership refuses to pay to have my car towed back to the service center to be checked out. My car is not drivable and the dealership had my car for 35 days when recall work was being done. I haven't been able to drive my car for months. I'm not getting any cooperation from kia corp either.

NHTSA ID

11713913

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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.

NHTSA ID

11707210

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

Car just started jerking and turning off while driving showing the engine light and oil light

NHTSA ID

11576753

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

Catastrophic failure of rear brake line. Rusted through. Started noticing changes to braking on my way home from the dealer after an oil change. There were no warning lights. Thankfully I was at home in the driveway when ALL of the brake fluid leaked out. I had to have the car towed to the dealer. Both rear brake lines were replaced. Had I been driving I would have lost brakes. Not only did no warning light come on, but the dealer also gave me a green on my brake inspection about 15 minutes prior to this happening. Total bill- just over $1000.

NHTSA ID

11560433

Incident

Nov 10, 2023

Abs and airbags not working!

NHTSA ID

11542514

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

This is a supplement to the earlier filed report. The brakes on this Kia Soul did not appear to be working, no matter how hard I pressed on it. Further, I flew forward in this accident, causing me to hit my head. It was like the seatbelt was not working at all. I had to be checked for a potential concussion at the local hospital.

NHTSA ID

11533050

Incident

Jul 7, 2023

This vehicle is currently at Lunsford's towing, and will be moved to another location. Potentially this could be my new residence at [XXX] , but I would like to have contact/see if this has any issues first. There were two components of this accident: 1) a multi-vehicle collision, and a single vehicle collision between the Kia and a tree. I do not believe that these potential issues had much to do with the first component. However, I kept going after this accident, and had a large mark on my head. I am unsure about what my head hit, but my seatbelt may have failed to restrain me. Further, there was little braking before the first component of this, but there seemed to be little significant slowdown after the first part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11533047

Incident

Jul 7, 2023

2015 KIA SOUL- Email and complaint forwarded from the division of consumer protection of the state of New York on behalf of consumer. Consumer states: "The brake lines rotted away and failed . Kia has already recalled a different model vehicle for the same problem. Dealer had another Kia Soul in the shop for the same problem. KIA SOUL has a severe brake line rot problem in upstate New York. We could have been killed because of this catastrophic brake failure. I asked KIA if they were going to recall this model for this problem and they failed to answer." Consumer is requesting recall on this model vehicle for defective brake lines and reimbursed for the repair expense.

NHTSA ID

11528923

Incident

Mar 8, 2023

I have TWO 2015 Kia Soul's with advanced corrosion on the rear brake lines. One vehicle has already been repaired after a line failed while driving the vehicle on the highway. Luckily I was able to get it to a shop without incident and get them repaired. There was a large pool of brake fluid left where it was parked for a short time and the brake pressure was almost zero when arriving at the shop. I did retain the old brake lines which can be available for inspection if necessary. The other vehicle has not been repaired yet but will need to be done soon. I would like to see some action taken against Kia on these vehicles. Other models have had service campaigns issued for similar issues but not the Soul.

NHTSA ID

11525021

Incident

May 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the off position, the engine was still running. Additionally, the contact stated that while inside her residence with the key, the vehicle erroneously started and move forward with no key in the ignition. The contact also stated that the brake pedal became stiff while depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11521160

Incident

Apr 21, 2022

Mileage

92,000 mi

Engine light stays on, it’s says on the instrument that I used that it’s the catalyst converter but when you take it to the shop they can’t find anything wrong. Also my car shakes when pressing on the brakes.

NHTSA ID

11506127

Incident

Feb 7, 2023

Last summer I began to experience issues with the Right Rear Caliper. I was told that it was the pin and the caliper needed replaced. I went through no less than 3 mechanics and was told it was a NON-STOCK item and they didn't know when it would be available. This is my only vehicle so they tried whatever they could to keep it drivable. A replacement still hasn't been found as I have been continuously told that the replacement has to made of steel, not aluminum and it is still a non-stocked item and the ones that are available are of aluminum and that they will not work on my vehicle. I was just told yesterday that the Kia is NON-REPAIRABLE just because of the right rear caliper and that my car is basically junk! How is this possible? Not one person can explain to me WHY the aluminum caliper will not work. My family's safety has been at risk since last summer by not having a complete braking system, We have lost time at work due to this issue. How can a repair be made if the necessary part is unavailable due to a manufacturing issue? I have called 3 Kia dealerships and still cannot get an answer as they want me to pay $500.00 for a caliper then "see if it fits". No. I honestly cannot afford ANY repair by a dealer, as they are ridiculous. This isn't right, to make a car and then not have the parts available.

NHTSA ID

11504892

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11504663

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Mileage

32,000 mi

Traveling at approximately 75 mph on interstate and check engine light began to flash, car lost power directly in front of tractor trailer, car was pulled over onto an exit ramp, car was rattling/knocking, brakes would not stop the car when applied. The car was moving slowly enough up the exit ramp that once it came to a stop it began to roll backwards. Unable to stop the car from rolling by applying the brakes, had to shift the car to park to stop it. Car was towed approximately 30 miles to the nearest dealership. Dealership diagnosed as needing a new engine.

NHTSA ID

11501165

Incident

Dec 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her spouse driver was driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal functionality was inoperative. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty; however, the vehicle was then towed to the dealer who determined that the failure was caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11467130

Incident

May 16, 2022

Mileage

160,000 mi

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the vehicle began to slow and white smoke began to issue from under the hood. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact heard a loud ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact was able to safely pull off of the highway, however as soon as she had exited the vehicle the contact heard a loud explosion. The contact stated that the vehicle lifted up a few inches off of the roadway and was engulfed in flames from the hood to the trunk. The fire department was called as well as the police. The fire department used water to extinguish the fire. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11462125

Incident

Apr 24, 2022

Mileage

84,000 mi

The vehicle was taken to highway and after an uphill ramp (from Stringfellow to I-66E), the vehicle lost power, started to smoke, brake system lost power (foot brake did not work, so side brake was used to stop the vehicle), then caught on fire at Mile Marker 56.6. Yes, it is available for an inspection. I had to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of interstate highway that did not have an emergency lane. 3 out of 4 lanes had been blocked, so, yes, it did put others at safety risk as well. Problem cannot be reproduced as the vehicle will be deemed total loss (pending insurance company's inspection). However, please note that the engine was replaced at the dealer, under the warranty, 2 weeks prior to the incident. Insurance company is inspecting the vehicle and the captain of the fire brigade has stated that he will be filing a report in Fairfax County, VA. Excessive smoke and smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer the next day after the vehicle was picked up 2 weeks ago due to loss of power, transmission shift lags, blinking engine light, excessive vibration, etc. At the time of the incident, the dashboard did not indicate any engine lights nor the thermostat indicated overheating.

NHTSA ID

11457742

Incident

Mar 19, 2022

The brake hosed per the dealer rusted out at the connection to the brakes and leaked all the brake fluid. Clearly in my mind this is a safety hazard as the car could not be safely driven. I am uncertain as to any other details

NHTSA ID

11447211

Incident

Jan 11, 2022

I HAVE A 2015 KIA SOUL THAT IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD WITH 83000. MILLS ON IT AND THE BREAKS LINES RUSTED OUT WITCH CAUSED A COMPLETE BREAK FRAILER . I WAS EXITING OFF A FREEWAY OFF RAMP AND WENT TO USE THE BREAKS ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY WENT COMPLETELY OUT . I WAS FORTINET THAT THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME OR IN THE INTERSECTION AS I WENT THRU IT. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA , CASE # 13860668 .I FEEL A CAR THAT IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM

NHTSA ID

11374183

Incident

Nov 5, 2020

Mileage

830,000 mi

ON THE EVENING OF JULY 22,2019 I WAS LEAVING TARGETS PARKING LOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WHEN I PUT IN DRIVE MY 2015 KIA SOUL TOOK OFF. THE RPMS WERE THE HIGHEST IT COULD GO GOING 40 MILES P HOUR IN A BUSY LOT ALL I COULD WAS HONK MY HORN. I TRIED THE BREAKS PUTTING IN PARK AND TURNING THE KEY OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE IN SHOCK. WE HIT THE CURB FLY ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC THE MEDIAN AND HIT TWO CARS. MY WIFE WAS PINNED THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE GOT HER OUT FIRE DEPT CAME. MY WIFE WAS TRANSPORTED TO UCI TRAMA AND I WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY TO CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE RATHER THAN MYSELF. WIFE HAD 8 BROKEN RIBS SEPARATED AND A BROKEN BACK MYSELF 7 BROKEN RIBS AND BLEEDING OF THE BRAIN. ONE HOUR PRIOR APPROX TO THIS ACCIDENT WE WERE NEXT STORE EATING AND WHEN LEAVING TO GO TO TARGET THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE I TUNED IT OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINS TRIED AGAIN AND STILL THE SAME NOISE. THEN THE 3RD TIME IT WAS FINE PROCEEDED TO TARGET. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AND ON TIME PRIOR TO THIS TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. OUR LIVES HAVE CHANGE DRAMATICALLY

NHTSA ID

11282007

Incident

Jul 22, 2019

Mileage

40,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING SPEEDOMETER DROPS FROM. 65 TO 20 WAS TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS CLOGGED NEEDS REPLACED ONLY HAS 66,000 THE YEAR IS 2015

NHTSA ID

11270085

Incident

Sep 27, 2019

Mileage

30 mi

DROVE UP A HILL FOR A DELIVERY. CAR STALLED HALF WAY UP THE HILL. TRIED TO RESTART CAR, WHEN DOING SO & PUT THE GEARS INTO DRIVE THE CAR ROLLED BACK SOME. WITH THIS, THE ENGINE & BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR THREE OR FOUR MORE TIMES. ON THE LAST ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. PUT THE CAR IN PARK & TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BUT THE CAR WASN'T STOPPING. IN PANIC MODE, DIDN'T TRY TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. ENDED UP HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. ON TOP OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE & THE OTHER PERSON'S, THE TWO PASSENGER TIRES OF MY VEHICLE BLEW OUT.

NHTSA ID

11217866

Incident

Jun 3, 2019

Mileage

90,250 mi

A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO THE CAR SAID WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM KIA HAD CHECK IT OUT AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT IT KEEPS GOING ON IT HAS A GAS SMELL LOW PUSH TO DO 70 ON HIGHWAY WON'T LET ME PUT ON CRUISE CONTROL FOR LONG I CAN FEEL CAR READY TO SHAKE AND STOP NEEDS OIL ALL THE TIME WHEN I DRIVE FOR 1 HR TO WORK CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AT A RED LIGHT AFTER I'M ALMOST AT WORK I CHANGED BATTERY ON 3/10/19 I ALSO CHANGED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALSO BRAKES ALWAYS HAVE TO CHANGE BEFORE THERE DO ON 3/15/19 HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO CHANGE THE FLEX ON THE CAR ALSO BECAUSE THE OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE ENGINE IT NEEDED A SEAL AND THE TOP PART I FORGOT WHAT IT'S CALLED REPLACED THAT'S ALL I NOW FOR NOW

NHTSA ID

11186405

Incident

Aug 3, 2018

ATTEMPTING TO PARK: VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY, BRAKE FAILED TO STOP OR DO ANYTHING. VEHICLE JUMPED OVER TIRE STOP THEN 8" MALL WALKWAY HITTING BUILDING AND STORE WINDOW.

NHTSA ID

11129450

Incident

Sep 13, 2018

Mileage

21,000 mi