Worst 2012 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
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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 Problems | 207 | 1 | 17 | 119,260 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 162 | 3 | — | 69,448 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | 2 | 2 | 105,500 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 34 | — | 1 | 107,746 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 24 | — | 3 | 142,382 mi | |
| Fuel System | 21 | — | — | 85,420 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | 3 | 1 | 60,741 mi | |
| Airbags | 17 | 15 | 1 | 51,006 mi | |
| Body Structure | 15 | 4 | 1 | 59,497 mi | |
| Brakes | 10 | 3 | 2 | 72,667 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | — | — | 125,171 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 7 | 1 | — | 239,536 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | 28,468 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 2 | — | 26,175 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 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 Belt Issues | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Column | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Sump/Tank:Drain Plug | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module | 1 | — | 1 | — |
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
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,204,473 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 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
2012 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Soul reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Soul?
How safe is the 2012 Kia Soul?
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Soul?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
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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