Worst 2012 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE
STEERING
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Soul.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 207 | 1 | 17 | 119,260 mi | |
| STEERING | 162 | 3 | — | 69,448 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 39 | 2 | 2 | 102,737 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 37 | 2 | 2 | 105,500 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 34 | — | 1 | 107,746 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 24 | — | 3 | 142,382 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 21 | — | — | 85,420 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 21 | 3 | 1 | 60,741 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 17 | 15 | 1 | 51,006 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 15 | 4 | 1 | 59,497 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 10 | 3 | 2 | 72,667 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 9 | — | — | 125,171 mi | |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 7 | 1 | — | 239,536 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 7 | — | — | 28,468 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 6 | 2 | — | 26,175 mi | |
| WHEELS | 6 | 1 | — | 32,425 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 5 | 1 | — | 108,417 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH | 5 | — | — | 84,511 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 4 | 3 | — | 64,200 mi | |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 4 | — | — | 56,269 mi | |
| STEERING:COLUMN | 3 | — | — | 104,250 mi | |
| STRUCTURE | 3 | — | — | 117,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 2 | — | — | 50,350 mi | |
| TIRES | 2 | — | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | 1 | — | — | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | 126,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG | 1 | — | — | — | |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 | — | — | 17,000 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE | 1 | — | 1 | 109,000 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Soul
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,313,632 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Kia Soul Years
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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