2018 KIA Soul Electric · ST68 SYC

Recurring brake component issues characterize the mechanical history of this vehicle, specifically regarding the rear braking system. While the most recent test on 30 January 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects, the preceding two years showed a persistent pattern of advisories involving binding service brakes and pitted or scored brake discs on both the nearside and offside rear. This trend of rear brake wear and binding appears to have stabilized or been addressed by the 2025 and 2026 inspections, moving from a period of documented wear in 2023 and 2024 to a clean record in the most recent assessments. The vehicle has covered 52,131 miles over its eight-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 6,516 miles. This usage pattern is consistent with typical low-to-moderate annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of usage suggests that while major drivetrain components may not have faced high-intensity mileage stress, the vehicle has likely undergone enough cycles of heating and cooling to manifest the observed issues with brake caliper movement and disc surface degradation. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the rear braking performance during a test drive to ensure the previous binding issues have been fully resolved. Listen for any scraping or grinding noises from the rear wheels and feel for any unevenness or pulsation through the brake pedal when applying pressure. If the binding was caused by sticking caliper pistons or worn slider pins, it may manifest as a noticeable pull to one side or an unusual heat build-up from the rear wheels after a period of driving. Additionally, although the 2023 advisory regarding a perishing nearside rear tyre is not mentioned in subsequent tests, the history of disc pitting suggests that the rear braking hardware has been subject to environmental wear. During the inspection, check the condition of the rear brake discs for any signs of heavy corrosion or uneven wear patterns that might indicate the previous issues were only partially rectified. A thorough check of the rear brake pads and the smoothness of the caliper operation is advised to confirm the stability of the current clean MOT status.