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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Soul will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the Kia brand score.

    The 2012 Kia Soul has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Other paint & trim problem

    "I noted issue with the headlight covers in my previous comments."

    Anonymous, HI (2012 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The paint and clear coat first failed on the black trim several years ago. The silver paint is failing, especially by back tailgate and lights. I have had my car detailed semi-annually since I purchased it. Without the detailing,the Souls appearance would be much worse. The headlight lenses covers gave been an issue for several years. I have been using a polishing compound monthly for several years, but I believe my night headlights are less effective due to the scratches."

    Anonymous, HI (2012 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "Went through a car wash twice with roller brushes. Some time later saw that the area on the top of car (roof) where it meets the top of windshield was rusted. The brushes had peeled away paint and allowed for rusting."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "The rusted area was the result of damage a self service car wash with rolling brushes caused paint to crack and peel away from car body."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "clock window blank"

    Anonymous, (2012 Kia Soul)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Radio not working so speaker does not work when pairing phone. It will charge phone but cant use it to talk via speaker."

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "No longer working. Actually happened at 110,000 mi This affects phone pairing and ability to use radio."

    Anonymous, TN (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Blower (fan) motor

    "Blower motor for the A/C and heater stopped working. Dealer estimated $500.00 for the repair."

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Condenser

    "It seems to me to be a carry over of a previous issue. But not covered by a previous repair."

    Anonymous A., KY (2012 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "This car has been in for AC issues 3 times since ownership. The last time was for AC leaks. All total, we have spent over $4000 for AC repairs."

    Anonymous A., KY (2012 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Clunk in the steering wheel when turning the wheel, especially when at a stand still. Kia extended the warranty of this item for 10-years, but our issue was after that warranty period."

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Steering connector worn out"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Kia Soul Plus 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "Rack and pinion system worn and needs replacing."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "Told by mechanic (who is a good friend) clutch was starting to go and would need to be replaced. Chos3 to get it replaced before it got worse."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim Unsure)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Oil consumption has increased dramatically over the last year. There are no leaks under the vehicle. Oil consumption is a known problem with Kia vehicles."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Left front axle worn, leaking lube, boot torn, all needs replacing"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    10*
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    14*
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 25, 2023
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V652000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1730192
    ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Feb 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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V120000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 378967
    STRUCTURE
    Dec 29, 2014
    A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V822000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 95314
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