2012 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul. This model year has 509 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Brake System
Considering a 2012 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 238 | 2 | 20 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 165 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 44 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 39 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 38 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 34 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 18 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 17 | 15 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
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.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 509 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
See attached document for complaint.
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.
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 covere…
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 explosi…
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 i…
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 …
Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.
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…
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 whi…
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.
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 w…
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 de…
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. Th…
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…
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 fr…
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…
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. …
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.
I had some work done on the drive train of my car by a local mechanic. When I picked up the car, the Brake light and the Low Tire light were on. I asked the mechanic to see about getting them turned off. He came to me a bit later, said they tried to replace a fuse connected to th…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving and turning, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from near the wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side wheel bearing, and axle had failed. T…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Kia Soul.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Soul
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2012 Kia Soul has 509 NHTSA owner complaints, 25 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (238 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (238 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (165 complaints). #3: Brake System (44 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Kia Soul?▾
The 2012 Kia Soul has 25 crash-related complaints and 23 fire reports out of 509 total NHTSA complaints. 25 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Kia Soul. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Soul?▾
The 2012 Kia Soul has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
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. Full report just $4.99.