CarModelProblems.com

2012 Kia Soul Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
513Complaints
3Recalls
25Crashes
23Fires
25Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (40.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine209 · 40.7%RecalledRecall 19V120000
Steering163 · 31.8%No official action
Electrical System37 · 7.2%Investigation closedPE19004 → recall 20V088000 · PE19004 → recall 20V100000 · PE19004 → recall 20V101000 · PE19004 → recall 20V518000 · PE19004 → recall 20V519000 · PE19004 → recall 20V750000 · PE19004 → recall 21V331000 · PE19004 → recall 21V844000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic34 · 6.6%RecalledRecall 23V652000
Engine And Engine Cooling25 · 4.9%RecalledRecall 19V120000
Power Train21 · 4.1%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE209 · 40.7%
STEERING163 · 31.8%
Unspecified / other39 · 7.6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING25 · 4.9%
POWER TRAIN21 · 4.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM21 · 4.1%
AIR BAGS17 · 3.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY15 · 2.9%

Percentages are the share of the 513 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Engine

NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 2019 · reported 02/22/2019

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 14V822000 · 2014 · reported 12/29/2014

A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“I FIRST NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE WHILE BACKING OUT FROM A PARKING SPACE. I THOUGHT PERHAPS A RECENT BRAKE JOB NEEDED SOME TWEAKING OR MAYBE…”NHTSA complaint 11112848 — filed 07/21/2018 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE CHECK ENGINE…”NHTSA complaint 11103798 — filed 06/25/2018 · ENGINE
“VEHICLE AT 155000 MILES. DRIVING UP HILL ON A A ROAD I DRIVE EVERY DAY TO WORK. 0510, GOING 60 MPH AT 4000 RPMS UP…”NHTSA complaint 11102797 — filed 06/20/2018 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

23201223122014229201628592018116552020606420228856202436152026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 209 of 513 NHTSA complaints (40.7%), followed by steering (163), unspecified/other issues (39), electrical system (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Kia Soul have?

513 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 25 involved a crash, 23 involved a fire, and 25 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V120000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Kia Soul's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.