The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Soul · 2012

2012 Kia Soul. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index49100 = average car
Complaints61NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold115,778U.S. model year
Per 100K sold53complaints
Year rank#4 of 13#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD26 / 31 / 28Regular$2,200
1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD25 / 30 / 27Regular$2,300
2.0L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD24 / 29 / 26Regular$2,400
2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD24 / 29 / 26Regular$2,400

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 51,500 and 127,700 miles. Median 87,000, from 309 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine119,20084,100–147,900136
Steering68,50040,800–90,00092
Electrical68,00025,500–114,50021
Brakes122,70087,500–155,50013
Engine137,50099,900–157,20026

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Airbags16%
Transmission & drivetrain15%
Electrical13%
Steering11%
Body structure10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
514252314148

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 23V652000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy. 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

  • 19V120000 Feb 2019 Engine

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

    Remedy. 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 custom

  • 14V822000 Dec 2014 Structure / Body / Roof And Pillars

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023
ClosedEngine fires20212024
ClosedNon-crash vehicle fires20192021
ClosedNon-crash vehicle fires20182019

Manufacturer communications 132

Kia filed 132 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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 ?

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Soul SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20101047767,110Body structure
20115059102,267Visibility
20124961115,778Airbags
20134667118,079Brakes
201466105145,316Steering
20156695147,133Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data