Model year
2012 Kia Soul
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 514 complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). 1 recall marked park outside. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (209), STEERING (163), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39). NHTSA lists 5 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated the SUV FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400–$2,700, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2010 135 complaints
- 2011 194 complaints
- 2012 514 complaints
- 2013 667 complaints
- 2014 902 complaints
- 2015 902 complaints
- 2016 816 complaints
- 2017 272 complaints
- 2018 219 complaints
- 2019 137 complaints
- 2020 387 complaints
- 2021 238 complaints
- 2022 94 complaints
- 2023 54 complaints
- 2024 30 complaints
- 2025 12 complaints
Recalls
23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023
Park outsideSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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…
19V120000 · Feb 22, 2019
ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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…
14V822000 · Dec 29, 2014
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
Complaints
514 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 25, fire flag on 23, injury field 25, deaths field 2. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP18003 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Aug 21, 2018 | May 10, 2019 |
| PE19004 | Non-crash Vehicle Fires · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Mar 29, 2019 | Dec 22, 2021 |
| EA21003 | Engine Fires · ENGINE | Dec 22, 2021 | Feb 5, 2024 |
| DP22003 | Loss of Motive Power · ENGINE | Sep 12, 2022 | Dec 12, 2023 |
| AQ23002 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | Nov 17, 2023 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.151 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco · 1.6L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 31 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Soul · 1.6L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 30 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Soul · 1.6L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 30 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Soul Eco · 2L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 29 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Soul · 2L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 28 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Soul · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 29 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Kia Soul at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.