2012 Kia Soul: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Kia Soul: 3 recalls, 514 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #14V822000 · 2014 · 95,314 vehicles
What's wrong: A headliner plate May detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Why it matters: A detached headliner plate May increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
The 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.
Engine, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #19V120000 · 2019 · 378,967 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 23 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (209): the most common themes are warning light on (88), noise or vibration (64), stalls / loses power (62).
- Steering (166): the most common themes are steering problems (156), noise or vibration (101).
- Other / unknown (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), stalls / loses power (11), fire / smoke (8).
- Electrical (38): the most common themes are electrical failure (11).
The 2012 Kia Soul has 514 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 16 Soul model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 347). Complaints peaked in 2019 (96 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 87,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (194 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (665 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Kia Soul.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Soul problems?
Owners have filed 514 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (209), steering (166), other / unknown (39).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Kia Soul repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.