The Lemon Index2012 Kia Soul.
The 2012 Kia Soul is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 61 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 28 mpg combined. The best Kia Soul year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 514 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Soul year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 51K to 127K miles on the car (309 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 84K–147K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 40K–90K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 25K–114K miles
Recalls 3
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- engine 2019
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.
- body structure 2014
A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 132 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement ?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedNon-crash vehicle fires2019–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Before applying brake pedal upon several occasions was able to shift vehicle from park to drive just by depressing shifter. Several trips to dealer and they could not duplicate problem.
2012 Kia Soul owner · NHTSA complaint 10760849
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Kia Soul reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Soul year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Soul problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (16%), transmission & drivetrain (15%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Soul get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Kia Soul safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Soul problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 51,500 and 127,700 miles. The middle report was at 87,000 miles, from 309 complaints.
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Kia Soul cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Soul year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works