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 26, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, a abnormal noise and odor appeared from the rear both driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off, wait for about 15 minutes, attempted to turn the vehicle back on when the noise became louder and the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle then was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the command rod fractured and went through the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. In addition, a visible leak was noticed by the technician. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no recalls were under the VIN. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V12000 ( Engine, engine coolant ) as a possible solution to the failure however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximate 90,600.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic cleared the warning light. There was no code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired however, the recall was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2021
Steering wheel vibrate uncontrollable when driving
Engine, Jul 24, 2021
Our catalytic converter on our 2012 Kia Soul Base is not functioning properly. We cannot get the car inspected and it is not listed as a recall. The VIN is [XXX]. It is the same problem that other Souls are being recalled for. Why not ours? PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2021
ESC LIGHT PROBLEM
Steering, Jul 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-65 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and made a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 12, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside of the vehicle. Additionally, the brake lights were inoperable prior to replacing the rear taillight housings. After replacing the brake lamp housings, the contact became aware that the brake lamps remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the abs module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was warned that the vehicle was at risk of catching on fire. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was smoking, and the wires were melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered by recall or warranty. The approximate failure mileage 109,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2021
Engine failure on 2012 Kia Soul GDI engine on June 21, 2021. Crankshaft had been replaced last year by a Kia dealership under TSB PO335, for which I was charged $427.29. I had never been advised of any potential problems with this vehicle's engine nor advised of any alternative measures to prevent the loss. Engine failed in heavy traffic. Triple AAA mechanic gave a diagnosis of engine failure and suggested engine replacement. No one has inspected the vehicle other than the AAA mechanic in Asheville, NC. No warning lamps came on to indicate a problem.
Steering, Jun 2, 2021
Knocking in the steering column lead to steering coupling being damaged. Steering failed when driving over speeds of 65. Almost died. No warning. Auto body shop explained noise
Steering, May 25, 2021
Steering column is loose.
Engine, May 19, 2021
I purchased the 2012 Kia Soul on 12-18-20 and I had vehicle less than a week and it was losing power so I parked it until I could get it looked at on approx 02-03-21 the engine was disassembled by mechanic and found catalytic converter stopped up and piston failure after that time I found out about recall we contacted Kia about issue and was told they would not look at it because it is not driveable to take to Kia and they would not honor recall because cop ecu was not updated well engine already failed so we couldn't drive it there and recall said they would inspect vehicle and repair up to changing engine if necessary but they wouldn't even look at this one because engine had already failed and my vin number is under recall. I don't think this is right.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 17, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS EXCESSIVELY CONSUMING ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER AND STALL WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD PLACE A REQUEST WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO PERFORM A FREE OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER DECLINED TO HONOR THE REQUEST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, May 11, 2021
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER THAT WAS DATED ON APRIL 6,2021 FROM KIA THAT MY CAR NEEDED TO COME IN FOR UPDATE TO THE ENGINE TO PROTECT FROM EXCESSIVE ROD BEARING DAMAGE. UPON GETTING THE CAR FROM THE COLLEGE CAMPUS AND ON THE WAY TO BRING IT BACK INTO THE AREA TO GET THE WORK DONE, IT BLEW THE ENGINE. KIA IS NOW STATING THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE CAR THERE TO HAVE THE WORK DONE BEFORE THE DAMAGE HAPPENED. THE ENGINE BLEW ON MAY 1,2021 LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THEIR LETTER WAS DRAFTED. THIS IS A CAR THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEPT UP ON ITS REPAIRS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T EVEN LOOK INTO THE HISTORY OF THE CAR AND JUST SAID THAT IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT MAKING IT IN TO THE SHOP, EVEN THROUGH THAT'S WHERE I WAS GETTING IT TO. THEY IN THEIR LETTER STATE THAT HAD I BEEN ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN IT WOULD HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 150,000 MILES, THE CAR ONLY HAS 107,000 ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. EVEN THROUGH THEY SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THEY SOLD ME A CAR WITH FAULTY PARTS NOW THEY WON'T COVER THE DAMAGE. DAMAGE THAT LUCKILY DIDN'T END IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT BUT DID TOTAL MY CAR. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ROD BROKE OFF AND WENT THRU THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE.
Engine, May 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WITHOUT WARNING. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Engine, May 3, 2021
THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.
Engine, Apr 28, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE AND LOSE FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 40 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SOUTHWEST KIA - DALLAS (39650 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75237, (972) 283-9797) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CONNECTING ROD FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2021
VECHICLE STALLED AT A STOP LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING WAS HAPPENING. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT GO BY GIVING IT SOME GAS BUT IT WAS STILL SUPER SCARY.
Engine, Apr 7, 2021
MY VEHICLE'S MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER OFF AND ON GOING DOWN THE TURNPIKE. SINCE THEN, IT SOMETIMES WON'T START EVEN THOUGH IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO. IT CONTINUES TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WAS HOOKED UP TO IT, IT BROUGHT UP THE FOLLOWING CODES: P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD), P0336 (CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR "A" CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE RELATED TO RECALL #19V120000.
Engine, Mar 30, 2021
TRAVELING AT 55 MPH ON LEVEL HIGHWAY ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING STARTED TO SLOW DOWN LOUD BANG FOLLOWED BY SPARKS COMING OUT FROM UNDER VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER AND GOT PULLED OVER BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND I THINK THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO OIL AND SPARKS UNDER ENGINE COMPARTMENT KIA SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT ISSUE BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT
Engine, Mar 19, 2021
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET, THE CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. ANOTHER MOTORIST HELPED PUSH CAR TO SAFETY. THE CAR WOULD NOT START WITHOUT A JUMP, AND WHEN IT WAS RUNNING, THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND BLINKING. THERE WAS A SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST.
Steering, Mar 18, 2021
STEERING WHEEL INITIALLY STARTING STICKING WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE LANES OR TURN. NOW THE WHEEL CLICKS WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION
Engine, Mar 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WERNER KIA (2755 W TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304, (850) 632-4044) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.*DT*JB
Engine, Mar 10, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AS AN UNKNOWN COLOR SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE. AS THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD, FLAMES BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE AS TWO FELLOW MOTORISTS ASSISTED HER WITH THROWING A BLANKET OVER THE FLAMES TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND THE AUTHORITIES WERE NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO TOM DOLAN'S RENO KIA(9455 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511) WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THAT AN ENGINE ROD HAD BLOWN THREW AN ENGINE BLOCK. THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,402.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2021
MY CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF GAS STATION WON'T CRANK BACK UP
Engine, Feb 24, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. DESPITE THE NOISE, HIS DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL DRIVING AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN HEARING THE KNOCKING NOISE FOR HIMSELF AND IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED KIA OF GREER (14345 E WADE HAMPTON BLVD, GREER, SC 29651) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT NO REPAIRS COULD BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE MANUFACTURER APPROVED OF THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.