2012 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 514 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 25 involved a crash and 23 involved a fire. 25 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineFeb 22, 2019
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsDec 29, 2014
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
Campaign 14V822000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
514 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road for 20 minutes. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred a week later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal clicking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel drifted from one side to the next out of the hand of the contact. The steering wheel turned partially in one direction and aggressively before returning to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2023
In our 2012 Kia soul, the steering wheel is giving out and sticking resulting in the wheel, not being able to be controlled by the driver as it’s being yanked out of their hands. This is especially dangerous on the highway where there was almost an accident when my daughter was driving, the car and the car wheel stuck, and then abruptly yanked out of her hand. The Kia souls 2014 through 2016 have recalls on their steering wheel and the same issue is happening with our 2012 Kia soul. When we contacted Kia dealership and Kia customer service they told us that they would not help us, because it was not recalled and there was no current warranty for it past 98,000 miles but online it says 100,000 miles. Even though we are the third owner of the car we have received the car from her grandparents and have fold all recall information and then keeping tabs on keeping the car up-to-date to make sure that is mechanically sound, and always in good condition. We are scared for the dangerous situation that the steering wheel is putting us in to the point where we are not comfortable driving the vehicle. The Kia dealerships reached out to you about the safety concerns not only told us that they would charge us an obscene amount of money to bring it in for a diagnostic, but that they would not cover the cost to repair it, even if they found that it was related to the recall of the 2014 2016. The 2012s have the same steering an engine as the 2014 and 2016. We fear for the safety of our family, and Kia will not even look at it without charging us, and said that even if it was related to the same problem that they would not allowed to be covered under warranty, because there is not a specific warranty on the 2012 Kia soul model. I am reaching out to report that the same problem is happening with the 2012 version of the Kia soul in terms of the steering problems from recall on the 2014 and 2016 Kia souls. This is extremely dangerous and could weren’t a lawsuit if an accident happens
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
Steering column lock. I took the vehicle back complaining about the steering wheel having a rough spot in it they act like they could not find nothing while under warranty. Over the years it's progressively getting worse now the steering wheel will not lock when you pull the key out. While driving the car you can notice a click in the wheel in both directions where the key lock is trying to lock back in the position while driving. I called Kia and complained they said the vehicle was out of warranty how many other people has had this problem. When driving down the road I can feel in the wheel every time I move it right or left. My problem is what do you do if a steering wheel locks up running 60 70 mph down the road is other Kia owners having this problem has anybody been killed or because KEA is ignoring the problem with steering columns. The lock hasn't worked in two or three years now it is getting to the point that it has a real noticeable click and kink in the steering wheel. I think the government should check in on a KEA and make sure it's not an ongoing problem with other KEA's.
Steering, Jul 27, 2023
Clicking and knocking when turning or just parked turning the steering wheel. I hear it’s a steering coupler issue with lots of Kias and Hyundai’s that can be dangerous. Did I miss a recall, how do I get this taken care of?
Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Jun 23, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. Smoke was then seen coming from under the front end of the vehicle. After the contact exited the vehicle flames and smoke began to engulf the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The extent of the damage to the vehicle and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Steering, Jun 19, 2023
My 2012 Kia Soul has a problem with steering wheel make a clunking sound when move left to right and also when driving at speeds around 65mph steering wheel vibration we need a full recall on steering coupler.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
Engine seizure, stalling, engine turns off without any warning. When taken to dealership or mechanic there is no error code for the issue.
Steering, Jun 14, 2023
There is a loud knocking noise coming from the steering motor/mechanism underneath the dash. The steering feels unstable when I am driving and when the vehicle is not in motion, there is a loud thud noise and feel, when I turn the steering wheel.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2023
My car stalls and the engine light frequently stays on, my car is driving sluggish every since I got the recall adjustment my car has declined in performance and the engine light started coming on more frequently up until now, it's loud at and experiencing a great lost of power ,the computer is giving the code PO420 reading as bank 1 oxygen sensor , I had intended changing out both sensors, but wasn't sure if it's a damaged engine effecting the Cadillac converter from the 2019 recall, # 19V120000 giving a false reading.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 6, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started making abnormal sounds before stalling. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner and a friend pushed the vehicle a short distance to the friend's residence. The contact stated an independent mechanic arrived at the location of the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact spoke to the manufacturer and made them aware of the failure and was informed that the VIN was included in the recall. The contact towed the vehicle first to the residence and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that due to the failure mileage; the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 222,114.
Engine, Jun 5, 2023, fire
While driving down the freeway, the engine began to smoke and caught fire. My husband and kids were in the car but were fortunately able to pull over without physical injuries. Our insurance company held the car and a third party company (hired by Kia) concluded “ the origin of the fire is in the engine compartment at the exhaust manifold. The cause of the fire is internal engine failure resulting in a hole in the block allowing oil to escape and ignite on contact with heated exhaust components”. There were no warnings, check engine light, etc. Kia pointed us towards a class action lawsuit but when you search our VIN # on Kia’s website, there’s are no recalls or issues reported, which is clearly false. Our family escaped serious injury/death but it could have easily been a different story. I will not stay silent and let this happen to other families. I am going to continue to advocate for my family until Kia listens.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle continued losing motive power. The contact stated that the engine did not rev while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle however, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the mechanic acknowledged the open recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, May 27, 2023
My steering column, when slightly turning it left and right is clicking hard. This is causing an issue while driving to and from work. As I commute one hour each way 5 days a week. If I hit a bump it jerks the wheel. If I try to drive a little past 65mph it clicks hard and fast. It is getting worse. I have not taken this in to a dealership yet, but I will be soon.
Engine, May 23, 2023, fire
i was driving, all of a sudden my car started losing speed so i got onto the shoulder. then i saw smoke and a fire from under the hood. the door stuck and i hit it with my shoulder to get out. 30 seconds after i got out the engine bay exploded.
Steering, May 23, 2023
The steering wheel developed a looseness whether the car was on or off, and a clicking noise became apparent when turning the steering. When driving over 60mph the steering wheel began to shake uncontrollably. The problem has been confirmed by my mechanic to be the steering flexible coupler. According to online sources, i should have received an extended warranty on this part but did not. Though, it would not have helped due to the fact that the part failed 2 months after the extended warranty expired.
Engine, May 18, 2023
My car got hot and just stopped on me crazy and I just had work done on my rotates and brakes.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood latched inadvertently released and the hood raised up and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. There was no warning light prior to the failure. The hood and upper frame were dented. There were no reported injuries. The driver slammed the hood closed and continued to drive. The contact's husband noticed that the hood latch was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact after reviewing the photos which were sent, that the latch was damaged due to the latch being pushed to the side by the owner. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,573.
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, May 2, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash no air bags deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury which did not require medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. In a second incident, the vehicle crashed down an embankment, and again no airbags had deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury that did not require medical treatment. Recently while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and the engine was burning excessive oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 17, 2023
2012 Kia Soul 4dr wagon engine fail no warning lights sudden strange noise driving on highway with grandbabies. Heard a strange noise under hood then the vehicle lost acceleration and right before shutting down and dying the oil light came on and car went dead. No warning to any problem. Had the oil changed and double checked new oil was replaced. When I opened the hood and checked the oil their was no oil in vehicle it was as if it was drained out yet have no oil leaks to show it leaked out. If the oil disappears and no warning lights show no oil and car just dies on highway that is engine failure and burning up engine leading to fires and danger to drivers and passengers. 2012 Kia Soul 75,262 miles well maintained should not just be driving along engine malfunction and die and oil has disappeared. Let alone possibility needing new engine. Very scary and not safe to drive as the vehicle immediately dies on busy highway so by given no warning till last second the drivers behind me had no warning and luckily no accident was caused but possible it could be a serious problem. Apparently other people are having same engine issue reading online forum that several incidents missing oil and engine failure with little or no warning but hearing strange noise and engine shutting down and oil missing.
Steering, Apr 14, 2023
STEERING WHEEL JERKS AND MOVES SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING
Steering, Apr 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering coupler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact noticed that after retrieving the vehicle that the noise had become louder and more pronounced when turning the steering wheel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2023
The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was strongly secured. 3. Alignment performed in February 2022. Approximately 2 weeks after the alignment, my car started stuttering, if you will, prior to shifting into third gear. Then, again, prior to each shift into the higher gears. It stalled a few times in response to this action. While accelerating, the car begins to jerk severely, as if the brakes are being pumped. It doesn't do this immediately, but only begins once it's warmed up. Several sensors have been replaced. Fuel filter replaced. It's a standard, but the transmission was replaced after I purchased it in 2018. After hooking up to the code scanner at the parts store, the Steering Tilt Sensor is the code shown. My theory is this: When the steering coupler was replaced leaving my steering wheel in the turned position, and then aligning it with it in the wrong position, that threw the tilt code. Maybe it's jerking because it thinks I'm turning when I'm not, and it could possibly be engaging the abs to slow me down while it thinks I'm turning. Would I be wrong in assuming that if I get the steering wheel straightened, get another alignment, and clear the steering tilt sensor, my car will act normal again? I am uncertain what system or part failed, but it is definitely available to be inspected. I could have died when the u-joint fell off if I hadn't been almost to a stop sign every time. The problem continues, but has not been addressed or confirmed by a dealer.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) using a handheld diagnostic tool and drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact reported that he informed the dealer that DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) was related to the catalytic convertor. The dealer advised that they would replace the catalytic convertor if he paid for the spark plug replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,951. The contact changed out the spark plugs but was still getting check engine lights for the catalytic converter. The manufacturer denied the contact's request for a rental car. No other assistance has been provided yet.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph a loud popping sound originated from the undercarriage on the driver's side. The contact witnessed smoke coming from the engine compartment and veered to the vehicle side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact was then notified by pedestrians, that a fire was originating from the engine compartment, and the contact exited the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department and a report was available. Additionally, the contact stated that the Engine Oil Level and the check engine safety light had been illuminated for three days prior to the failure, and approximately three quarts of oil were added four to five days before the fire. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.