2012 Kia Soul recalls and problems
The 2012 Kia Soul has 3 safety recalls and 516 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Soul vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Kia Soul recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall 19V-120: Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Recall 14V-822: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
2012 Kia Soul problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Service Brakes | 12 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 15
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 5
- Steering › Column — 3
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 87,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Kia Soul complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Soul years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 19V-120 (engine, engine and engine cooling), 14V-822 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Soul?
Owners report engine problems most often (210 reports), followed by steering (167). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 87,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.