Kia · Soul · 2012
2012 Kia Soul
3
Recalls
509
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Kia Soul has 3 recalls and 509 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: steering (139 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Kia Soul page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is steering with 139 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2012 Kia Soul reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Kia Soul currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 509 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are steering (139), engine (131), service brakes, hydraulic (23).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Kia Soul
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 509
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V652000September 25, 2023
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 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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 19V120000February 22, 2019
ENGINE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 14V822000December 29, 2014
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 sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
509 totalENGINE
Mar 14, 2026
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.
STEERING
Jan 22, 2026
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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 22, 2025
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 ...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Dec 3, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
Nov 28, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
ENGINE
Nov 9, 2025
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,WHEELS
Nov 3, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
STEERING
Nov 1, 2025
Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Oct 26, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
STEERING
Oct 22, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 509 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Soul Years
2013 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r653c2011 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r193c2014 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.5r883c2010 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r134c2015 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.4r886c2016 Kia SoulCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.2r787c
More 2012 Kia Models
2012 Kia OptimaAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r908c2012 Kia SorentoAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r871c2012 Kia SportageAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r390c2012 Kia ForteAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r286c2012 Kia SedonaAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r105c2012 Kia RioAnother 2012 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r50c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
The 2012 Kia Soul has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Kia Soul?
NHTSA has received 509 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Kia Soul?
The 2012 Kia Soul received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Kia Soul are steering (139 reports), engine (131 reports), service brakes, hydraulic (23 reports).
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2012 Kia Soul. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.