CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Soul has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 516 complaints with NHTSA, including 25 crashes, 23 fires, 25 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (210 reports).
2012 Kia Soul recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk
Certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with a 1.6L gasoline direct injection engine may have excessively high exhaust gas temperatures.
Most common 2012 Kia Soul problems
Problem areas named in the 516 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 210 |
| Steering | 167 |
| Unknown Or Other | 39 |
| Electrical System | 38 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 34 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 32 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 |
| Structure | 18 |
| Air Bags | 17 |
What owners report
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 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 faile
2012 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI (VIN: [XXX]). Case #[XXX]. 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 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
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 â¼10mm thick. The correct OEM Kia part 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 m
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 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 dea
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 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
2012 Kia Soul questions
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk; Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
Based on 516 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (210), Steering (167), Unknown Or Other (39).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia Soul has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.