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, Feb 20, 2022
Steering wheel couplen is going out and every kia soul 2011 2013 are recall some 2012 why isn't mine thats a sad situation kias are having major recalls kia needs to fix my steering
Steering, Feb 6, 2022
My 2012 Kia Soul+ is having the same steering wheel "clunking" issue as other years/models which have been issued a recall notice but my year/model/VIN is not included in the recall and I would like for it to be included so I can get the safety issue fixed. https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2012-kia-soul-steering-recalls-your-questions-answered - below are statements from other owners with same issue: "I have a 2012 Kia Soul and the steering coupler is messed up. Premature Wear of the Flex Steering Coupler, it states that previous years and later years have this problem. But the 2012 does not have a recall although it has the same coupler." "Why is the 2012 Kia Sould not recalled for steering coupler? All other years prior and after were." "I have a 2012 Kia soul and the steering wheel coupler is messed up all other Kia have recall but my year model does not but yet same issue same part "
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
Steering coupler failing. Steering wheel currently clicks and feels loose when turning. Afraid it will break at any moment and needs immediate repair... Recall has been offered for other years of Kia Souls for this part but not 2012. This should be a recall for 2012 too!
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact was advised by the dealer that her vehicle could not be repaired at the moment. The contact stated that she had been waiting to receive an appointment date to have the vehicle repaired for over a year. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2022, crash, fire
Loss of power to brakes while braking at low speed resulting in a crash, air bag deployment and blowout of driver airbag. Driver sustained chemical burns, and abdomen bruising. The fire department extinguished a small fire . The KIA is a almost total loss .
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
KIA did a "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN" as a work around for a recall on the Kia Soul. they were in the middle of this when our engine did the problem that they are "Improving," Dealership won't do the improvement saying we have no open recalls, but we keep getting the letter telling us to do the product improvement campaign. Engine is failing due to this issue, but dealership just wants us to replace engine. KIA won't replace since we didn't do the PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN that the dealership said we aren't eligible for. PLEASE HELP. I have all letters from KIA.
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, however, declined the authorize the repair. The manufacturer provided no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
2012 Kia Soul there is a recall sc176 but my car is not on the recall? Around September 2021 my Motor running hot engine light is on and is flashing acts like it has low compression won’t go when I give it gas sometimes . Engine light came on again in november2021 and did not go off My car bogged down I was going 60mph 0mw to work traffic behind me and all sudden car went down to 40 then 20 mph then came To complete stop in highway I was almost rear ended. I would give it gas but it wouldn’t go . Big puff of gray smoke came Out of tail pipe then smoke started coming out from under hood I raised hood and hot water was bubbling and splashing out of motor. Now there is no air or exhaust coming from my tail pipe car will crank but will not go smelt like wires burning . I don’t understand how the same year make and model have recalls but mine doesn’t , I’m having the same problem as the recall I’m without transportation now please help me with this matter I have a appointment on Jan 31 2022 at Kia dealership but my vin doesn’t show recall idk what to do I had someone look at it they told me it was the Catalic converter malfunctioning this is very dangerous it could have caused a wreck or caught on fire leaving me Stranded on side of road is very unsafe for a woman ant time especially at night .
Steering, Dec 23, 2021
Vibration of tires while driving and clicking noise when turning steering wheel
Engine, Dec 14, 2021
While attempting to accelerate on the interstate (around 70 mph),car would not accelerate engine began to knock. No warning lights were illuminated. Took the vehicle to a local automotive repair and was informed that it had completely burned through the oil and the engine would need to be replaced. This would be the 2nd Engine I replaced Engine 2 years ago.
Engine, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic convertor replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light illuminated for a second time. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the high-pressure sensor and the fuel pump to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light was illuminated for a third time. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,299.
Steering, Nov 23, 2021
popping sound in steering column when turning. it is available for inspection. problem identified by Firestone technician.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2021
Steering clicks and feels loose when turning. Inspected by a repair shop and they said it was the steering coupler. It's my understanding this is a issue with most kia souls. This should be a recall item but 2012 year was not included. Very unsafe as steering can fail. Make this a recall.
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2021
Still the original owner or our 2012 Kia Soul and experiencing issues with the flex coupler in the steering column. As with other 2012 owners why is there no recall for this year unlike the other Kia and Hyundais make and models??
Engine, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the engine repaired. The contact stated that she experienced the failure for the second time in August 2021. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Oct 30, 2021
Sound coming from the engine check engine light on , I took the car to the Kia dealership and they refuse to fix it even with that recall SC176 , thank you
Engine, Oct 28, 2021
Approximately six months ago, my check engine light came on and I took my car to a local mechanic. He said that I needed an oil change and my oil level seemed a bit low even though it wasn’t at the 5000 mile mark yet, so I should keep an eye on oil consumption. Around 3500 miles after this oil change, my check engine light came on again. I took my car back to the mechanic at Midas and he informed me that my car was consuming oil due to faulty seals around the pistons, and I would need to make a warranty claim to KIA. The dealership immediately knew what the issue was and agreed to make an appointment to replace the engine, but called back and informed me I needed to do an oil consumption test and would have to pay for an additional oil change from the dealership. I agreed and after driving 1000 miles I brought my car back. The dealership confirms it is burning over a quart of oil every 1000 miles, but now they claim the engine will not be covered unless it seizes up while I am driving. Their suggestion is I replace the engine on my own dime or put more oil in every few thousand miles until it seizes and causes a potentially fatal accident. As I have been researching online, I have found several people with similar issues, and many who’s cars HAVE seized while they were driving highway speeds. It seems as though KIA’s plan to keep costs low is to hope anyone with an engine claim dies in the crash when it inevitably seizes up. Burning over a quart of oil every 1000 miles and suggesting I pump more oil in to get burned up is hardly environmentally friendly or healthy for the air we breathe. There should be a recall for Kia engines because this is obviously a widespread and well known issue, but for some reason KIA was allowed to get away with recalling a fraction of the cars they should and letting the rest of us risk our lives waiting for our engine to seize up going 75MPH!
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
While attempting to accelerate on the interstate (around 70 mph), the engine began to knock. No warning lights were illuminated. Took the vehicle to a local automotive repair and was informed that it had completely burned through the oil and the engine would need to be replaced. The technician advised that there is a technical service bulletin out for the issue in question as it relates to excessive oil consumption for affected vehicles. The engine could have failed at any point and we were advised it was unsafe to drive. As stated earlier, there were no warning lights and no reason to believe anything was wrong with the car prior to this incident as it has had routine oil changes and maintenance. The problem was detected at a Tires Plus location but the car is being towed to the dealer to confirm the issue this week. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else.
Engine, Oct 12, 2021, fire
The rod punctured the engine block and caused a fire around the fuel pump area. Signs on the positive battery terminal of jumping backwards. Kia believes the cause of the fire was the engine falling apart. I had been travelling free of worry when I heard a high whirring sound then a bang coming from the engine. I pulled over immediately and upon opening the hood discovered a fire. Good samaritans pulled over and put the fire out, there were 3 females in my car who could've burned alive had the others not stopped. The car needed a new engine at the cost of $7,404.08 I sold this car to Carvana and am waiting for Kia to get their act together and refund the cost of potentially killing 3 people. I have all paperwork from Kia regarding the incident.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph when the engine began to knock. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing engine replaced but was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that their vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000
Steering, Oct 12, 2021
kia used a cheap plastic part as the central junction of the entire steering system. This causes a "clunk" noise when the plastic starts breaking down, and can eventually lead to complete steering failure. This should be a MFG recall, but instead it is a $500 repair.
Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2021
engine piston fails, while drive metal from the piston where internal parts out and vehicle breaks down. no warning lamps illuminated
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 25-55 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light and the oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rod knock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the recall repair was not completed as the dealer refused to replace the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer on the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ESC sensors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine started knocking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a nearby gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) since the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2021
Steering has clunking sound and loose feeling while turning the steering wheel. Research would suggest steering coupler faulty. This same part has been recalled in other Kia models but not in the particular model I own.