2012 Kia Soul recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul and 514 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (209), steering (166), service brakes (46). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (376). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Kia Soul. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
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.
Engine
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.
Structure · body · roof and pillars
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I purchased Dorman part #74015 Brake Pedal Stopper from AutoZone Altamonte after an employee recommended it for my 2012 Kia Soul without checking system compatibility. I installed it that night. On, while driving on a busy road in Orlando, FL, my brake pedal locked completely solid and could not be depressed. I had complete loss of braking and could not shift out of park. I w…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and the che…
The brake lines on my car failed. I had to use the parking brake to get the car to stop. Typically, a brake failure leaves you with partial braking power, however, I had no brakes whatsoever. Upon inspection, it appears that all the brake lines failed in the same area, where the brakes are over the gas tank. For them all to fail at the same time in an area that is not accessibl…
Safety ratings
2012 Kia Soul SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Kia Soul.
Soul
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Soul Eco
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul Eco
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/25/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
Based on 514 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (209), steering (166), service brakes (46).
Is the 2012 Kia Soul safe?
The 2012 Kia Soul earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Kia Soul?
The 2012 ranks #10 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (376). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Kia Soul range from 25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Kia Soul in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SOUL, Soul.