TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BRAKE AIR BLEEDING PROCEDURE FOR ESC HONKING NOISE AND SOFT/SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the brake air bleeding procedure for 2020MY~ Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module which may exhibit a "honk" noise when using Idle Stop and Go (ISG) and/or Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Kia Soul brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Kia Soul have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Soul | 6 |
| 2019 Soul | 7 |
| 2020 Soul | 5 |
| 2021 Soul (this page) | 6 |
5crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BRAKE AIR BLEEDING PROCEDURE FOR ESC HONKING NOISE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the brake air bleeding procedure for 2020MY~ Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module which may exhibit a "honk" noise when using Idle Stop and Go (ISG) and/or Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BRAKE AIR BLEEDING PROCEDURE FOR ESC HONKING NOISE - This bulletin provides information regarding the brake air bleeding procedure for 2020MY~ Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) module which may exhibit a "honk" noise when using Idle Stop and Go (ISG) and/or Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2021 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.