2012 KIA Soul

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2023· ENGINE

  I saw a puff of smoke then the engine started knocking while I was driving, I had the car brought home and I called Joey Griffen dealership and they told me it will be a four month wait that I would have to come out of pocket $7000 to have it fixed, that's when I found out about the recall I should not be coming out of pocket for something totally out of my control I saw metal parts on the ground, the car started knocking a few seconds after seeing smoke under my hood, it literally came out of no where

• 12/30/2023· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My car died while driving it down the highway. And I couldn't get it drive. I had to have it towed.

• 12/30/2022· ENGINE

  Recall 19V120 received 4-12-19 was addressed by Burlington Kia in May 2019. The COP ECU logic was upgraded. The car was not running well in 2022 - hesitating, misfiring, but it did not throw a code so no one could diagnose the issue. Spark plugs were changed but that did not solve the issue. The check engine light came on in Oct 2022 and the diagnosis was that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I called the Kia Consumer Assistance number, filed a claim with them, and waited for close to two months for a response. The basis of the claim is that they did not resolve the issue with the COP logic upgrade and the catalytic converter should be replaced, at no cost to us, per the recall notice. The claim was denied by Kia. We ended up replacing the catalytic converter at Burlington Kia, at a cost of $2201.88. We picked up the car, drove it for two days, and it began running rough again, hesitating and stalling. The check engine light came on again. We took it back to Burlington Kia who now diagnosed it as needing new spark plugs which will be another $300 expense. We are waiting for it to be repaired. Our concerns now is that when we pick it up again, it's not just going to be a spark plug issue and the catalytic converter fail, which was never corrected in the recall, will cause engine failure, or worse, an engine fire as there is a similar recall on other Kia models underway now. We are looking for reimbursement from Kia for the catalytic converter fail, per the recall notice and a guarantee that them not replacing the converter with the 2019 recall will not result in engine damage.

• 12/30/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, however, declined the authorize the repair. The manufacturer provided no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

• 12/30/2014· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD UNLATCHED AND OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,100.

• 12/29/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/29/2015· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT MISCALCULATED A TURN AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000....UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *TR

• 12/28/2021· ENGINE

  2012 Kia Soul there is a recall sc176 but my car is not on the recall? Around September 2021 my Motor running hot engine light is on and is flashing acts like it has low compression won’t go when I give it gas sometimes . Engine light came on again in november2021 and did not go off My car bogged down I was going 60mph 0mw to work traffic behind me and all sudden car went down to 40 then 20 mph then came To complete stop in highway I was almost rear ended. I would give it gas but it wouldn’t go . Big puff of gray smoke came Out of tail pipe then smoke started coming out from under hood I raised hood and hot water was bubbling and splashing out of motor. Now there is no air or exhaust coming from my tail pipe car will crank but will not go smelt like wires burning . I don’t understand how the same year make and model have recalls but mine doesn’t , I’m having the same problem as the recall I’m without transportation now please help me with this matter I have a appointment on Jan 31 2022 at Kia dealership but my vin doesn’t show recall idk what to do I had someone look at it they told me it was the Catalic converter malfunctioning this is very dangerous it could have caused a wreck or caught on fire leaving me Stranded on side of road is very unsafe for a woman ant time especially at night .

• 12/27/2023· ENGINE

  I have contacted KIA Corp. and advised them that my 2012 KIA Soul ! with 146,500 miles was consuming so much oil that the KIA dealership had to replace my engine for $5000 and that I had to pay it. Why won't KIA Corp reimburse me? It is under 150,000 miles. They advise me that they would pay a Good Will fee to me and never did !!! The KIA dealership always did my oil changes on time and have records of them. KIA Corp should reimburse me for a GOOD WILL FEE.

• 12/26/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/23/2021· STEERING

  Vibration of tires while driving and clicking noise when turning steering wheel

• 12/23/2015· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELSCrash

  BOUGHT WIFE BRAND NEW 2012 KIA SOUL IN 2012. GOT STANDARD TRANSMISSION. AT AROUND 20K I NOTICED A SQUEAL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY DISENGAGED, BY THAT I MEAN VEHICLE RUNNING FOOT COMPLETELY OFF CLUTCH. I PRESUMED IT WAS A THROW OUT BEARING. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE AGREED. SO I TOOK IT TO LOCAL KIA DEALER. BOUGHT VEHICLE IN DENTON TEXAS, BUT HAD MOVED 7 HOURS SOUTH TO CORPUS CHRISTI AREA. WHEN I TOOK IT TO KIA IN CORPUS I GOT THE RUN AROUND. YES OF COURSE THEY COULD HEAR IT BUT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING MECHANICALLY. SO I WAS BASICALLY TOLD TOO BAD. WIFE REALLY WANTED THE SOUL. AND NOW I HAVE TO TELL HER KIA DOESN'T CARE IF IT MAKES EMBARRASSING NOISES WHILE SHE'S DRIVING, JUST AS LONG AS I'M MAKING THE PAYMENTS. THROW OUT BEARINGS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO SQUEAK OR SQUEAL. THAT NOISE IS METAL ON METAL FRICTION, THE ENERGY IT TAKES TO MAKE THAT NOISE HAS TO BE MADE BY SOME SORT OF FUEL. IN THIS CASE IT'S METAL RUBBING ON METAL IN A FASHION THAT CAUSES AN UNBEARABLE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE UNTIL SOMETHING FINALLY GIVES PREMATURELY. WIFE DECIDED SHE WOULD DO HER BEST TO IGNORE IT. AND JUST ENJOY HER NEW CAR. HERE WE ARE 2015. HAS MADE THAT HORRIBLE NOISE ALL THESE YEARS. WE BOTH DESPISE THE VEHICLE AND KIA IN GENERAL FOR THE LACK OF ETHICS. LAST MONTH SHE WAS DRIVING BEHIND A WORK TRUCK AND THE WORK TRUCK HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BROKE OFF OF THE TRUCK AT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE ASSEMBLE FLEW BACK AND SMASHED INTO MY WIFE'S CAR. THE GUYS INSURANCE CLAIMED HIS RESPONSIBILITY. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE AT ALLEN SAMUELS FOR 5 WEEKS. PICKED IT UP LAST NIGHT. THROW OUT BEARING IS UNBEARABLY LOUD AND NEW SQUEAL AS WELL. BODY SHOP SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM. SHOULD HAVE REPLACED IT WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT. THEY REPLACED WHOLE FRONT RIGHT OF VEHICLE, BUT DIDN'T TOUCH LOUD NEW SQUEAL.

• 12/22/2023· STEERING

  This involves the MDPS steering wheel coupler. Spoke with Kia care center 12/20/23 Amy said notice was sent to owners in 2019 I NEVER RECIEVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE A VERY LOUND CLUNKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2016. Just purchased another vehicle in October 2023 because of the Kia problems. Kia is NOT going to fix the problem!! And i have another recall on the car so it is parked at my neighbors house for fear of it catching on fire!! I am paying for full coverage insurance on a vehicle i can't drive or sell!!

• 12/22/2018· STEERING

  THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND WHEN STATIONARY. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S MOVING ON IT'S OWN, I HAVE TO HOLD IT VERY STEADY TO KEEP CONTROL. I INQUIRED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING COUPLER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND IT WOULD COST $200. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THESE MODEL CARS BASED ON THE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I STARTED NOTICING IT AROUND 70K MILES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE.

• 12/21/2019· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  PLEASE NOTE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V120000 ORIGINALLY THIS WAS RESTRICTED TO THE 1.6L KIA SOUL 2012, BUT I HAVE NOTED THAT MY CAR HAS HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK AND GETS HOT, EVEN IF OPEN A FRONT WINDOW, GET A NICE WHIFF OF EXHAUST, WHEN THE ONLY CAR IN THE VICINITY. AND IS STATED AS : WHAT YOU SHOULD 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542. KIA'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS SC176. 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.

• 12/21/2018· STEERING

  STEERING COLUMN COUPLER TO MDPS IS OF POOR DESIGN AND FAILS PREMATURELY. KIA HAS RECALLED THE SAME PART IN THE OPTIMAS IN THE SAME YEARS AND FUTURE MODELS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL. IF NOT REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN CAN COMPLETELY DISCONNECT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS HAS NOT DIRECTLY HAPPENED IF THE PARTS ARE REPLACED DUE TO THE OTHER SYMPTOMS OF KNOCKING OR CLICKING BUT IS A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW FOR USING INFERIOR PLASTICS IN CRITICAL COMPONENT OF DRIVING CONTROL. REFERENCE TSB CHA 44-2014, CHA 74-2016

• 12/20/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. WHILE CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL, THE OWNER NOTICED THE OIL LEVELS WERE VERY LOW WEEKS AFTER REPLACING THE OIL, AND THE OIL APPEARED TO BE DARK. ALSO A VALVE NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART KIA (4255 S. HAMILTON RD, GROVE, OH), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13409487. NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

• 12/20/2017· STRUCTURE

  HOOD BLEW BACK BROKE MY WINDSHIELD AND BENT MY FENDERS BROKE MY THE SECONDARY LATCH IS BENT AND THE LOCK DID NOT HOLD

• 12/19/2025· STEERING

  Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.

• 12/19/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. WHILE CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL, THE OWNER NOTICED THE OIL LEVELS WERE VERY LOW WEEKS AFTER REPLACING THE OIL AND THE OIL APPEARED TO BE DARK. ALSO, A VALVE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICART KIA (4255 S. HAMILTON RD, GROVE, OH), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13409487. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

• 12/17/2022· ENGINE

  It started as a little tapping for about 5 days in the engine compartment when it was running then turned to giant clunking when the gas was pressed as well

• 12/17/2022· STEERING

  This is a widely known issue with this vehicle. The rubber steering coupler wears out way too prematurely causing the steering wheel to have excessive play in it. This is dangerous. Please require KIA to issue a recall for this issue. Thank you.

• 12/16/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PALMEN KIA OF KENOSHA (5301 75TH ST, KENOSHA, WI 53142, (262) 671-1877) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED ADDITIONAL REPAIRS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

• 12/15/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/14/2021· ENGINE

  While attempting to accelerate on the interstate (around 70 mph),car would not accelerate  engine began to knock. No warning lights were illuminated. Took the vehicle to a local automotive repair and was informed that it had completely burned through the oil and the engine would need to be replaced.  This would be the 2nd Engine I replaced Engine 2 years ago. 

• 12/13/2016· STEERING

  I HAVE 80000 MILES ON MY 2012 KIA SOUL AND THE STEERING COLUMN IS VERY NOISY AND SEEMS TO BE ON THE VERGE OF DISINTEGRATING AND LEAVING ME WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP ADMITTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT BUT REFUSE TO FIX IT SINCE IT OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

• 12/12/2020· ENGINE

  ON NOV 30TH 2020 MY 2012 KIA SOUL BROKE DOWN AT ABOUT 8:00 PM ON THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY HEADED SOUTH ON 16 TOWARDS TACOMA. I HAD TO HAVE AAA TOW IT TO MY EX HUSBAND'S HOUSE. IM NOT FAMILIAR WITH CARS BUT HAD JUST PUT OIL IN IT AND GET REGULAR CHECK UPS BUT TO ME IT SOUNDED LIKE MY ENGINE BLEW. I COULD BARELY GET OFF THE HIGHWAY ENOUGH SO I WASN'T HIT BY PASSING TRUCKS. I WASN'T TURNING BUT I WAS GOING 60 MPH WHICH WAS THE SPEED LIMIT. I HAVR DOCUMENTATION OF AAA PICKING IT UP BUT HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I'VE BEEN FINDING RIDES TO WORK SINCE THIS HAPPENED

• 12/12/2019· ENGINE

  BOUGHT A 2012 KIA SOUL FROM GRAHAM'S DEALERSHIP IN ONTARIO, OHIO IN 2016, I STARTED GETTING A KNOCKING SOUND FROM MY MOTOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO AND TOOK IT IN TO BE LOOKED AT FOR A RECALLAND SAID THERE WAS NO ISSUES AND GAVE ME A TIRE ROTATION AND OIL CHANGE WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT I ASKED. THE SYSTEMS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AS I WAS BUYING FOUR QUARTS A WEEK FOR A 1.7 LITER ENGINE SO I GOT IT IN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE MOTOR WAS BAD ENOUGH FOR THEM TO BELIEVE CONSIDERING IT IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE SOUNDING SO GRAHAM'S CALLS KIA AND THEY SAY THEY'D REPLACE IT WITH A NEW MOTOR (THIS WAS SAID ON 12/11/20). BRIAN AT GRAHAM'S AUTO MALL SAID HE WOULD CALL IN THE MORNING WITH THE DATE FOR IT TO BE REPLACED. I GET THE CALL THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID THAT THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT GOING TO DO THE RECALL EVEN THO I WAS TOLD IT WAS GOING TO BE DONE AND THAN CHANGED THE NEXT DAY. BRIAN SAID THEY'RE WAS BASICALLY NOTHING TO BE DONE WHICH I BELIEVE IS A COMPLETE LIE. I'VE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER PAYING OVER 16,000$ THROUGH THREE YEARS JUST FOR THEM TO NOT TAKE THE RECALL AND REPLACE MY MOTOR. I AM VERY UPSET OVER THIS AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT

• 12/12/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S PARENTS WERE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GOSSETT KIA (LOCATED AT 1900 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128, 901-255-6320) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL TOO QUICKLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT BECAUSE THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE SHOWN FOR THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE MENTIONED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13404459. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

• 12/12/2018· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A STRONG VIBRATION COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. A DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING; HOWEVER, THERE WERE SIX TSBS FOR THE STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THERE WAS A PERMANENT REMEDY FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED . THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

• 12/12/2017· STEERING

  ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR LETTING IT WARM UP AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS I HEARD A CLUNCKING SOUND IN THE STERERING COLUMN WHEN TURING LEFT AND RIGHT AND THE SOUND IS PRESENT CURRENTLY. I AM AFRAID THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP OR COME OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING!

• 12/11/2019· ENGINE

  VEHICLE CONSTANTLY MISFIRING OR ATTEMPTING TO STALL WITH A CHECK ENGINE LINE THAT DOESN'T STAY ILLUMINATED WHETHER RUNNING, DRIVING, OR AT A STAND STILL. POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS!! WHEN ABLE TO READ CODE IT STATES IT'S A CYLINDER 2 ISSUE, BUT ONLY PROVIDES GENERIC CODE. STILL HAS ISSUES DESPITE GETTING FIXED! THIS KIA SHOULD BE A PART OF THE ENGINE RECALL AS WELL!

• 12/10/2015· AIR BAGSCrash

  DRIVING A 2012 KIA SOUL, TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME, LIGHT WAS GREEN. MANAGED TO STOP AND GOT HIT IN THE REAR BY A JEEP, MY VEHICLE WAS PROPELLED INTO THE PICKUP IN FRONT OF ME. SUFFERED INJURIES TO NECK, SHOULDER, R/ARM R/ELBOW. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SET RESTRAINTS WE ALL THAT PREVENTED ME FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. INJURIES WERE FROM AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING PROPERLY. NONE DEPLOYED. DAMAGE TO FRONT ANSD REAR OF CAR, MIGHT BE TOTALED.

• 12/09/2020· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TROPHY KIA OF CARSON LOCATED AT 22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745, WHO RESET THE ENGINE SOFTWARE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE ENGINE LATER EXPERIENCED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

• 12/09/2013· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN HIP, HAND, FOREARM, ANKLE, LEG, ELBOW AND SEVERAL FRACTURED RIBS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

• 12/08/2018· ENGINE

  SPARK PLUGS ARE BURNING OUT FOR NO REASON. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TUNE UPS. BECAUSE THE SPARK PLUGS ARE DOING THIS. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM.?

• 12/08/2018· STEERING

  STEERING WHEEL HAS DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANT "PLAY" IN BEING ABLE TO MOVE 1-2 INCHES EITHER WAY WITH AN AUDIBLE CLUNK WHEN IT REACHES THE POINT OF ACTUALLY ENGAGING THE STEERING MECHANISM. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED INCIDENCES OF STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS ON THE 2012 KIA SOUL THAT HAVE USUALLY BEEN LINKED TO A FAULTY STEERING COUPLER (HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/KIAMOTOR/SOUL/STEERING-COLUMN-PROBLEMS.PHP). LATER YEAR MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS, BUT NOT THE 2012.

• 12/07/2023· STEERING

  Steering is very shakey when going over 55

• 12/07/2022· ENGINE

  1.Excessive Oil consumption - Yes available for inspection. 2. I'm afraid of where the oil could be going in my engine and what that might cause. 3.Went to Kia and showed proof of oil consumption, employee seemed familiar with the engine problem but I was told there is no recall on this and I should trade the car in. "just not here." he said. 4. Only after 1,500 miles my oil lamp flashed on.

• 12/06/2024· STEERING

  The attached MDPS Flexible Coupling warranty announcement identifies "noise when turning the steering wheel" and later "especially when stopped" as the concern for which KIA would authorize a repair within warranty. The same is in the attached Technical Service Bulletin posted to your Site. Identifying noise as the concern is deceptive, the noise arises from the fact that there is loss of synchony between the steering wheel and the steering. So, while while the car is in motion and the steering wheel is held steady, the wheels and steering turn somewhat in reaction to the road surface, at times alarmingly. I first became aware of this several weeks ago but am told by another driver(my child) that it's been happening for a while. My mechanic was aware of the issue and thought there was a related recall (which proved wrong), but still suggested I seek repair at KIAs responsibility as a safety concern. After having contacted KIA Customer Service, I scheduled recall service (unelated items) with a KIA dealer and added discussion of the steering to the visit (11.25.24) through Kia Customer Service. In the course of that visit, the dealer indicated that the MDPS would continue to deteriorate and could result in the steering locking up and offered to repair at my cost. At that same time, I was on the phone with KIA seeking their responsibility and I declined the dealer's offer. Today I received an unsolicited telephone call from Kia (Jen-Escalated Case Representative 520.274.1098.) The purpose was to inform me that because I declined the dealer's offer to repair at my cost, any harm that might come from the defect is my responsibililty. Presumably, owner assumption of responsibilty is behind warranty announcement's instructing the recipient to provide the notice to new owner(s) in the event of ownership transfer. Please review this MDPS defect for consideration for safety recall. Kia knows that noise is not the concern. I am glad to allow your inspection.

• 12/06/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact pulled off the roadway and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated she had not noticed any warning lights or audible alarms. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer denied the engine replacement request. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 144,481. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 12/06/2011· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 860.

• 12/05/2022· ENGINE

  Catalytic converter is clogged, car is stalling and engine is damaged which leads me to believe that like the other recalls on this model of vehicle may be also happening to this one, Almost got into an accident due to the stalling. 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. Kia recall number is SC176

• 12/05/2019· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE DUE TO THE FRONT HOOD UNLATCHING ON ITS OWN AND STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ASHEBORO NISSAN (LOCATED AT 1635 E DIXIE DR, ASHEBORO, NC 27203, (336) 625-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

• 12/04/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/04/2018· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash

  WAS GOING DOWN TEN, KIA CAN'T DETERMINE IF MY POWER STEERING WANT BOUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 55, AND THEN HITTING A DEER. THE BODY WORK HAS BEEN FIXED BUT MY VEHICLE HAS NO POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING IS NOT RESPONDING - MDPS WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH VEHICLE. FAILURE IN ELECTRONIC MDPS AT TOP OF STEERING COLUMN. THEY CHECKED ALL CONNECTORS, AND NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO COLUMN ITSELF. FOUND C1503 -ESC/ECS (ESP) ERROR AND C1687 - TIME OUT VSM2 (MDPS) FAILURE. DIAGNOSIS SAYS I NEED A POWER STEERING COLUMN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY. GEICO REFUSES TO COVER THIS SAYING IT'S A COMMON ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ISSUE WITH KIA'S. IF THESE ARE MESSING UP ELECTRONICALLY WHILE DRIVING THIS YEAR FOR 2012 SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT FEELS AS IF INSURANCE HAS FOUND A LOOPHOLE TO NOT COVER KIA SOULS WITH POWER STEERING. I ALSO SAW A CORROSION ISSUE RECALL AND MY CAR WAS FROM OHIO WHICH I LIVED THERE YEARS WITH IT BEFORE MOVING TO VIRGINIA. NO ONE AT THE NEWPORT NEWS VIRGINIA KIA EVEN MENTIONED THE RECALL FOR MY VIN #, I FOUND IT WHILE REGISTERING MY KIA ONLINE.

• 12/04/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  DRIVING DOWN LOCAL STREET WHEN A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING IT. KIA HAS A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY I CALLED THEM TO FIX THE WINDSHIELD AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. I THEN TOOK THE CAR AND HAD IT REPAIRED BY A GLASS COMPANY. THE REPAIR COST ME ONLY 37.50 BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN ANY CAR OR TRUCK I OWNED. THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST NEW CAR AND FOREIGN CAR THAT I BOUGHT. I KNOW THIS HAPPENS BUT! IF KIA IS OFFERING BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTIES THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR

• 12/03/2025· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the parts were ordered two months ago; however, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/03/2024· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the dipstick had blown off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,449.

• 12/03/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TRIED STARTING THE CAR ONE MORNING AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS BLACK. NO READINGS FOR ANY OF THE GAUGES AND SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. CAR WAS DRIVABLE AFTER RELEASING THE GEAR WITH THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE, BUT NOTHING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WORKING. COULDN'T SEE ODOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, HEAT GAUGE BECAUSE IT WASN'T MOVING OR LIT UP.