Vehicle safety record

2012 Kia Soul Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 516 complaints about the 2012 Kia Soul with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (221) and the steering (167). Those complaints describe 25 crashes, 23 fires, 25 injuries and 2 deaths. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in September 2023 for the control unit / module. For comparison, the 2011 has 194 and the 2013 has 672.

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NHTSA data checked 2 days ago

26/100Safety Index

DMore problems than a typical Soul year, for its age

#27 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints: 516
Recalls: 3
Crashes: 25
Fires: 23
Injuries: 25
Deaths: 2

Most common 2012 Kia Soul problems

Share of all 516 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Kia Soul recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Service brakes: control unit / module

23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehicles affected

Park outside

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Engine

19V120000Feb 23, 2019378,967 vehicles affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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.

Structure: roof and pillars

14V822000Dec 29, 201495,314 vehicles affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.

What owners say

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516 complaints about the 2012 Kia Soul

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 21.

Steering

I own a 2012 Kia Soul with approximately 99,000 miles. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident. During a recent inspection at an authorized Kia dealership, the technician discovered that the welds securing the steering-column mounting support to the cross-car structural support appear to have failed. The technician confirmed that the steering-column mounting bolts were properly tightened, yet the assembly exhibited significant movement. The dealership considers this a safety concern and recommends...

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replacement of the entire structural support assembly at an estimated cost of $3,374.54. I am concerned that a structural component supporting the steering column has apparently failed in a vehicle with no collision history.

Engine & cooling

2012 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI (VIN: [[redacted]]). Case #[[redacted]]. Safety Hazard Description: The vehicle experienced a sudden engine stalling event at highway speeds and repeatedly dropped into a restricted "Limp Mode" due to a recurring P1326 diagnostic code. This code is explicitly tied to Kia's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) monitoring structural connecting rod bearing failure. The sudden loss of engine RPMs and throttle response created a severe traffic hazard, leaving me without power steering or...

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predictable acceleration in active traffic. Dealer Information & System Non-Compliance: The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to drive. Southlake Kia (Merrillville, IN) verified that the vehicle's engine sensor and circuit are operating perfectly with an end-to-end wiring test reading at a flawless 0.2 OHMS (Repair Order #[[redacted]]). This mathematically confirms that the sensor is picking up real, severe internal mechanical vibrations from a failing engine block rather than an electrical short circuit. Official internal dealer records (R/O #[[redacted]]) prove that this severe engine defect initially manifested and was documented at 149,715 miles - strictly under the 150,000-mile extended federal class-action settlement threshold. Despite this clear history, the franchise dealership is actively refusing to open a factory Techline case or submit a Prior Work Authorization (PWA) to repair this safety defect, citing the vehicle's current odometer reading (152,142 miles). Kia Corporate has failed to override the dealer franchise or provide alternative transportation. The manufacturer is actively leaving an inherently dangerous, unserviceable vehicle on the road by refusing to honor a pre-existing condition documented within warranty limits. A formal dispute has been initiated with the BBB AUTO LINE (Case #[[redacted]]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brakes

I purchased Dorman part #74015 Brake Pedal Stopper from AutoZone Altamonte after an employee recommended it for my 2012 Kia Soul without checking system compatibility. I installed it that night. On, while driving on a busy road in Orlando, FL, my brake pedal locked completely solid and could not be depressed. I had complete loss of braking and could not shift out of park. I was stranded in live traffic with cars swerving around me. I discovered the Dorman part is ∼10mm thick. The correct OEM Kia part...

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32876-2H000 is 8.0mm. The 2mm extra thickness caused my brake light switch to jam, which physically blocked the brake pedal arm. I had to pry the part out on the roadside to regain pedal movement. This created an extremely dangerous situation. I am now anxious to drive due to fear of brake failure. The part is sold as compatible with 2010-2016 Kia Souls but is too thick and disables the braking system. Vehicle repaired with correct OEM 8.0mm part. Issue has not recurred. I have photos of the failed part and installation.

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning light was off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair failure code was...

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not illuminated. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 156,310.

Brakes

The brake lines on my car failed. I had to use the parking brake to get the car to stop. Typically, a brake failure leaves you with partial braking power, however, I had no brakes whatsoever. Upon inspection, it appears that all the brake lines failed in the same area, where the brakes are over the gas tank. For them all to fail at the same time in an area that is not accessible seems like the this must be prone to corrosion. Note that I regularly wash the car with undercarriage wash in the winters, as they salt...

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extensively around here. I was going to sell the car, and the brakes failed on the test-drive. They had been working immediately before the test drive, as i had driven it around to make sure everything was in working order.

SteeringLights

When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to accelerate with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the contact's spouse had added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart, and additional oil had to be delivered to the contact to refill the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 84,213.

BrakesEngine & coolingBody, doors & structure

See attached document for complaint.

Engine & cooling

Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed spark plugs 3 times since Jan 2025 and coils twice. Code for engine misfire in cylinder 3. Also have to add oil every 2 weeks.

Steering

I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.

Engine & cooling

On Oct. 14, 2025, this vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving approx. 70 mph on a highway. While in the passing lane, the vehicle began to lose power, shake, and wouldn't accelerate. The check engine light came on just moments before a loud explosive noise came from the engine, and a burning smell came through the vents - the engine completely shut down. This failure occurred with other vehicles on the roadway, creating a serious safety risk. I was forced to quickly maneuver the...

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disabled vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the right shoulder, where I called for roadside assistance. The vehicle was inoperable from that point forward, it would not turn on, and was towed from the scene. There were no warning signs prior to this event. The vehicle had been operating normally before the incident - I had recently checked the oil levels, there were no warning lights, no drivability issues, and no known mechanical problems before the sudden failure. This led me to find the vehicle was subject to an open safety recall addressing engine damage consistent with this failure; NHTSA Recall 19V120000. On Oct. 27th, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership in Prescott Valley, AZ for recall inspection. The dealership advised the connecting rods failed and blew 3 holes through the engine block, confirming catastrophic internal engine damage. The manufacturer required a recall-related software update be performed before reviewing the engine failure under the recall. The software update was completed in Nov., but the manufacturer later declined to repair or replace the engine. Kia Corp. refuses to address the safety recall entirely, and instead repeatedly mischaracterizes the issue as a warranty matter - they are unwilling to provide a written explanation of how the failure falls outside the scope of the safety recall 19V120000, despite the failure matching the recall's described defect & consequences.

Steering

I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known and widely reported defect, Kia has not adequately addressed the issue for all affected vehicles. Instead, owners are...

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being charged significant out-of-pocket costs to replace a part that is defective by design and poses a safety hazard. I believe Kia should be required to fully acknowledge this defect and provide repairs or replacement of the steering coupler at no cost to consumers. Charging customers to correct a known safety-related defect is inappropriate and places an unfair financial burden on vehicle owners while leaving a critical safety issue unresolved.

Engine & coolingFuel system

On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 KIA Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would not turn over. Battery was fine checked it. Let it set a moment and tried it again would not start. Called a wrecker and towed it in. The service guy tried and couldn't get it to start either. He ran a diagnostic on it, there were not type of codes, no check engine light nothing. He had it for until 1/5/2026 and when they went to check it it started right up. They drove it for 20 miles to check to see if it would...

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cut off while driving, it didn't. It starts now but for how long. Here's the strange thing, I drove it 20 minutes away and I noticed that the counter for when You fill up with gas states how many miles you have left to go before fill up was counting UP not DOWN. So I think it could be the computer or electrical, I thought it was the fuel pump at first. Still no warning signals nothing.

Steering

Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.

Brakes

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the parts were ordered two months ago; however, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Acceleration & cruise controlBrakesEngine & cooling

I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place i take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the code so I need help

Engine & cooling

P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.

SteeringWheels & tires

Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.

Steering

I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wheel..it started 3 days ago and is getting worse. I feel as though I will lose complete control of my vehicle at any time. I am scared to death to drive my car. I will contact my dealership in the morning for a professional diagnosis. Praying this is covered by extended warranty as I have no money for an expensive repair. My dealership is 25 miles away and I'm terrified to drive it that far..if the steering fails, it will be a complete catastrophe.

BrakesElectrical system

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

SteeringElectrical system

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated...

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that the keys needed to be reprogrammed. The keys were reprogrammed. Later, while at the dealer the steering wheel failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.

BrakesElectrical systemFire

The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs...

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converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed but the police report information was not available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The contact stated that the recall notice had not been received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe...

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someone is trying to slander me as a person with dementia to stop me from driving disrupting my life. No pictures of the harassment I have received but I have tried to take notes of certain events. My previous vehicle was Kia Soul also, a newer model but it was totaled by a Nigerian attorney's son when the whole family was in the car. The police officer who wrote the crash report , the prosecuting attorney and my attorney and judge I believe were all paid off so that the son could walk free without penalties for hurting me and totaling my vehicle. I believe this harassment has gone too far and is actually threatening my life and others by being allowed to continue harassing me and cause damage to my vehicle. I need direction on how to take care of of this issue as why I have contacted NHTSA. I also believe this is age related discrimination issue with strong attempts to stop me from driving although I have an excellent record in three states with one traffic ticket. My recent oil change was an unpleasant event because the technician refused to do a battery replacement and allowed me to drive away in that condition although I explained earlier, I needed my car checked completely so safely to drive A trip out of town. I had to return to the repair shop and speak to the manager and get my car serviced again with a new battery. I hope you can direct me on how to resolve this issue to drive safely without harassment and personal property violations.

Body, doors & structure

I was driving on the highway when I heard a whistle. When I arrived at my destination, I was surprised to see that the front driver's side windshield trim panel was missing and flew off when I was driving. Earlier, I had a similar issue with the front passenger side trim panel. I reported these safety concerns to Kia on 9/2. I received a standard form letter on 9/4 (copied below). I was surprised by Kia's response because I think parts flying off during typical driving use is more than standard repair and is a...

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safety concern for all of us who travel on our roads. I'm reporting to you because I care about safety as both a driver and a passenger. I attached the photos I took and sent to Kia. -- Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We're sorry to hear about the concern with your Kia. The standard Limited Basic Warranty for your vehicle has expired (5 years/60,000 miles whichever comes first.). As such, any repairs recommended outside of warranty coverage, or not included in an applicable campaign, would be the responsibility of the vehicle's owner. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at 800-333-4542 (option 2, then 5) and provide your case number. Sincerely, Kia America

Steering

premature wear of the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupling. This wear causes a "knock" or "clunk" noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at a stop, and may be accompanied by a tight or loose steering feel.

Kia Soul: every year compared

2010 2011 5162012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2016	832	2	29	35	Engine & cooling	F
2015	909	4	36	84	Engine & cooling	F
2014	906	5	34	69	Engine & cooling	F
2013	672	3	23	47	Engine & cooling	F
2012	516	3	25	23	Engine & cooling	D
2011	194	3	27	5	Brakes	C
2010	135	3	23	15	Electrical system	B

All Soul years

2012 Kia Soul vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2012 Kia Soul	516	3	25	D
2012 Subaru Crosstrek	2	0	0	A	Compare
2012 Kia Optima	923	5	25	F	Compare
2012 Kia Sorento	880	5	21	F	Compare
2012 Kia Sportage	392	5	7	F	Compare
2012 Kia Forte Koup	307	4	20	D	Compare
2012 Kia Forte	293	4	20	D	Compare
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid	109	3	5	F	Compare
2012 Kia Sedona	108	5	5	C	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2012 Kia Soul

Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul: control unit / module (September 2023); engine (February 2019); roof and pillars (December 2014). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (221), steering (167), brakes (46).

How many complaints has the 2012 Kia Soul had?

516 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 27, 2011 and the latest on October 28, 2026. Of these, 25 describe a crash and 23 a fire, and together they report 25 injuries and 2 deaths.

Is the 2012 Kia Soul a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Kia Soul year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Soul years have the most complaints?

2015 (909), 2014 (906), 2016 (832). See every Kia Soul year compared.

What should I do if my 2012 Kia Soul has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked 2 days ago. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2012 Kia Soul Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2012 Kia Soul problems

2012 Kia Soul recalls 3

What owners say

516 complaints about the 2012 Kia Soul

Kia Soul: every year compared

2012 Kia Soul vs rivals

Own a 2012 Kia Soul? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2012 Kia Soul