2012 Kia Soul
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 514
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 514 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
41% · 209 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2012 Kia Soul with less than 15,000 miles on it suddenly burst into flames and the car is a total loss .
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-04
Also filed under Electrical system and structure
Car had an oil change and was washed then came home. Car's front defroster was noted to be stuck on and white smoke started to billow out from under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Steering
32% · 166 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
I bought a brand new Kia Soul in nov of 2011. Within 200 miles of ownership, the electronic stability control malfunction and falsely activated. The ESC not only falsely activated but remained activated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-06
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Service brakes
9% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24
Electrical system
7% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-29
Also filed under Air bags and power train
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and drain plug.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle suffered sudden loss of performance, would only accelerate sluggish, RPM would not go beyond 2500 RPM, had to get vehicle towed to dealership, lost driveability.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-09-27
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2012Complaint volume 514 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2015-01-29Structure14V822000 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.
Remedy: 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.
-
I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
-
I
2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
-
R
2019-04-17Engine, engine and engine cooling19V120000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Remedy: 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.
-
I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
-
R
2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 209 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 166 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 46 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V822000 · Structure
- Recall 19V120000 · Engine, engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia Soul is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.