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.
Steering, Sep 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made clicking sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and steering column needed to be replaced. The contact declined the rack and pinion and steering column replacements. The vehicle was then taken to Turnersville Kia (2900 NJ-42, Sicklerville, NJ 08081) where it was diagnosed that the steering flexible coupling needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that he heard a knocking sound in the engine but overlooked the sound. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Coolant) and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V101000 (Engine). Additionally, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that the dealer declined to perform the recall repair because the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer offered to perform the repair once the engine was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the decision was left to the dealer to determine what repair was needed. In addition, the contact stated that the manufacturer offered an option to cover half the cost for a trade-in, but the contact declined. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering, Sep 9, 2022
2012-2013 MY SOUL MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING - I just had to have this replaced and it cost me money to get this part replaced - its a safety issue and I didnt even know this was a issue until my car started having the problem... I really this is crappy that a safety issue that is a known issue is not replaced for free.
Steering, Sep 7, 2022
My mechanic found a small gear located in the power steering wheel called the steering coupler. It has worn down and broke into pieces, making the steering wheel rattle and shake while driving. This is an issue that can turn dangerous as my car moves back and forth on the road due to this problem. The part is also made of PLASTIC! This is a poor cheap design that needs to be recalled. Many other consumers have the same problem with this on their 2012 Kia Soul.
Structure, Aug 19, 2022
The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requires a "starting system which, whenever the key is removed from the starting system prevents.. the normal activation of the vehicles engine or motor". This affects all Kia / Hyundai vehicles with a normal keyed ignition and without a vehicle immobilizer produced from approximately 2009-2022. Since the technology required to comply with the regulation (i.e. a vehicle immobilizer) is readily available and available on other cars from this maker, the vehicle manufacturer knowingly violated this regulation. I request a NHTSA inquiry into this clear safety defect.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2022, crash
On July 14, 2022 at approximately 7:41 pm in Jacksonville, FL. The car hydroplaned and flip 3 times which ended up with the vehicle have significant damage to the front end and roof of the car. The driver side airbag did not deploy during this accident. Which makes me real concern, thank goodness my son-in law was able to walk away from the crash. However he is now experiencing problems from the impact and faulty air bags not deploying. I noticed that a recall was for 2014 but did not include the 2012 model. This is something of concern and needs to be investigated. The car has since been donated to DAV, if this information is needed please let me know as well as pictures of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2022
The electrical system on this vehicle is severely malfunctioning. Once the engine is started it will not allow me to take it out of gear. All of the indicator lights are on and flash. It is unsafe because the Kia dealership service center doesn't know how to fix it. I don't think it's safe to drive because what if I put it in drive & it would not stop or shift to neutral.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 2, 2022
Any time I apply the brakes while simultaneously hitting a bump, speed bump, etc, the brakes seems to loose power and the brakes seem to go to the floor. It's frightening! I have mentioned it to the KIA Dealer but they've not been able to identify the issue.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2022
Popping in steering when turning back and forth. Cruise and radio quit working.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that she smelled a strong fuel odor. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The contact drove to her father's residence and parked the vehicle. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) which she associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,150.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at unknown speed, the check engine warning light appeared illuminated. Shortly after the light illuminated, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who discovered that the vehicle was low on oil; however, there was no evidence of an oil leak. Oil was added, however, the vehicle failed to restart. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they confirmed the engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure was still present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,378.
Engine, Jun 20, 2022
A loud thumping noise accompanied by a large amount of smoke in exhaust along with sudden loss of engine power while traveling at highway speeds. Oil was spewing from a hole that was blown through engine block.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an unknown repair; however, the vehicle later lost motive power. The vehicle was then taken to Community Kia of Bloomington (2200 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401) where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure, which punctured the engine block. Community Kia of Bloomington informed the contact's daughter that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, May 13, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, she saw smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and after exiting the vehicle, she saw a fire that started under the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was unaware if a fire report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her sister's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Air bags, May 3, 2022
On April 25, 2022 the airbag light illuminated on the 2012 Kia soul. It was taken to the shop a Kia dealer on May 3, 2022. We were told by the mechanic that a contact assembly clock spring malfunctioned and if not repaired would be dangerous to drive the car because the airbag may not deploy. We inquired whether this issue was covered on the Kia airbag recall number SC229. Because this recall only covered Kia souls July 21, 2013-June 20, 2014.
Steering, May 1, 2022
Steering coupler. I have paid for replacement 2 different times and has broke yet again. Worried with wife driving car that she will lose control
Steering, Apr 22, 2022
The steering coupling is going out. it makes a clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel either direction constantly.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 21, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, upon a VIN search, she discovered that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made a clicking noise. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2022
On 4/7/2022 I was advised by Mike at Auffenberg Kia Group in O'Fallon, IL (618)624-2277 that the problem with my car stalling and starting is the catalytic converter. I had my car towed to the Kia Dealership and the diagnostic code that the car was giving is P0335. After replacing the crankshaft sensor, the car continued to stall and struggle to startup. The service repairmen advised me that they spend 9.5 hours of diagnostic time with Kia troubleshooting the problem because everything was testing good. The service repair and kia decided that the issue is the catalytic converter. The kia service repairmen also advised me that they opened a case with kia, case number 14741430 to try to get the repair covered under the recall but Kia's district manager declined the repair. My engine is 2.0L and the recall is for engines 1.6L. I ask that Kia does the right thing and repair my vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2022
I've had recalls on antiknock sensor and catalytic problems with vehicle I've had them repaired at kia dealerships to no avail I've had catalytic converter replaced with my own money because the solutions did not fix problems..still having severe issues.vehicles engine light blinks three times and goes into limp mode which prevents engine from accelerating past 45 mph
Engine, Mar 18, 2022
Took it in to the shop. Had have problems with vehicle start up, stalling, and smell of gas. It has 107000 miles on it. Was told engine will need to be replaced. It is a Hazzard while driving.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2022
The fuel tank is made in two parts a top and a bottom and assembled together along with mounting brackets. The joining seam leaks fuel when the fuel level is greater than half fuel. The fuel leakage is very close to the exhaust system creating a potentially dangerous Fire and Safety hazard. The design is flawed because the mounting brackets continually stress the joint which separates to cause fuel leakage.