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The 2012 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
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.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Leaking fkuid"
Anonymous, QC (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"Broke down"
Anonymous, QC (2012 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)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.
"noise when turning, but not related to power steering. It was a mechanical issue"
Anonymous, IN (2012 Kia Soul Unsure 1.6-L 4 Cyl)"excess steering wheel play"
Anonymous A., MO (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)""Bearing making noise, had too much play""
Anonymous A., TN (2012 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)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.
"Window of right rear door jumped track. Got it closed and it stays closed but jumps track again if attempt to use it."
Anonymous A., WA (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)"Driver window controls do not work on passenger front or driver side rear"
Anonymous A., NH (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"Was told the engine is going and not repairable."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"Engine cylinder walls were scored. Local Kia dealer used an acid bath to repair the cylinder scoring. The engine burns about 1/2 quart of oil a month even though we drive about 7,000 miles a year.kia has had major problems with the 1.6 liter engine."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
""spare tire compartment was filling with water. Had to remove rear bumper and seal around the cabin vent. The vent installs by snapping in and there's no seal and the design of the body at the rear channels water directly on to the vent. After sealing, no more water is entering spare tire compartment.""
Anonymous A., WA (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"The electronic device no longer works so cannot pair device or listen to radio. The backup camera does work."
Anonymous A., TN (2012 Kia Soul Exclaim 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"My oil was low about six months ago, which has never happened before. I have since had it changed. Where the oil is being lost we dont know yet it is a very slow loss. I talked to another Kia Soul owner about a year and a half ago and he was the first person that alerted me to this problem with the Kia Soul."
Anonymous A., OR (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"All 4 fenders are starting to rust with visible gaps aft of tires."
Anonymous A., NH (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"sensor problem"
Anonymous A., MO (2012 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"the computer in the engine sometimes stops talking to the other computer in the engine."
Anonymous A., BC (2012 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
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.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
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.
"A/C stopped cooling. Fan was running ok."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)