Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Soul has 3 recalls, 509 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
3
Recalls
509
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
19V120000
ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust ga...
14V822000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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...
23V652000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Kia Soul SUV FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 14, 2026 | ENGINE | Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed... |
| Jan 22, 2026 | STEERING | I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making stra... |
| Dec 22, 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 KIA Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would... |
| Dec 3, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652... |
| Nov 28, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE | See attached document for complaint. |
| Nov 9, 2025 | ENGINE | P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compressi... |
| Nov 3, 2025 | STEERING,WHEELS | Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to ... |
| Nov 1, 2025 | STEERING | Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right. |
| Oct 26, 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which... |
| Oct 22, 2025 | STEERING | I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wh... |
| Oct 14, 2025 | ENGINE | On Oct. 14, 2025, this vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving approx... |
| Sep 15, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the... |
| Sep 1, 2025 | STRUCTURE | I was driving on the highway when I heard a whistle. When I arrived at my destination, I was surpris... |
| Aug 27, 2025 | STEERING,POWER TRAIN | In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto... |
| Aug 6, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I had some work done on the drive train of my car by a local mechanic. When I picked up the car, the... |
| Jul 14, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652... |
| Jul 1, 2025 | STEERING | I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 K... |
| Jun 18, 2025 | TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction ... |
| Jun 9, 2025 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving and turning, there was an ab... |
| Apr 29, 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA ID Nu... |