2012 KIA SOUL

3 recalls, 670 complaints - 204 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

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, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

Consequence

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 ma... Read more

378,967 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

95,314 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

670 total complaints 44 crashes 24 fires 33 injuries 2 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	183
STEERING	129
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	53
POWER TRAIN	31
AIR BAGS	21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	19
SERVICE BRAKES	19
STRUCTURE:BODY	16

Incident date: May 27, 2026

The brake lines on my car failed. I had to use the parking brake to get the car to stop. Typically, a brake failure leaves you with partial braking power, however, I had no brakes whatsoever. Upon inspection, it appears that all the brake lines failed in the same area, where the brakes are over the ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the roa... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

Incident date: May 12, 2026

The steering rack failed about one week after I purchased the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack once, but the same problem happened again about six months later. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for about one year waiting for another replacement steering rack. The dealer infor... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

The vehicle is a 2026 Hyundai Palisade equipped with second- and third-row power seats subject to Recall #296. The power seat system may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object during operation, including folding and tilt functions. This creates a safety risk because the seat can continue... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

When I put the vehicle in reverse the backup camera is displaying a black screen. I looked up recalls and see there is a recall on RAV4’s for this very issue, but my VIN shows no recalls. I called service at Hubler Toyota in Greenwood IN and they confirmed my VIN is not included in the recall. I... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

The vacuum pump. This vehicle was inspected by Dunn Tire. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue that occurs is the loss of power assist to your brake system, and if not repaired, can impact the camshaft or the oiling system. (Please see attachment).

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

complete power steering failure upon starting the truck-truck is very difficult to steer warning lamp appeared in dash immediately cruise control doesnt always come on without smacking the backside of button on steering wheel

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 58 MPH, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the nearest exit and to the nearest gas station. The contact waite... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2025

2023 Escalade, the dealer did the oil change recall to put the thicker oil and oil filter in it a few months ago after the motor was ticking. They had to get recall approved by GM, due to it not showing up under my VIN for the recall. They approved it and on Friday 1/16 driving on a 55mph 3 lane hig... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

Vehicle was started for the second time that day on 1/5/26 and the engine light was on. I drove the vehicle to an auto parts store to have them check it with an OBD-II scanner. It had code P050F. I had no idea how serious this issue could be at the time. I made an appt with the GMC dealership and dr... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

Vehicle is showing symptoms similar to common reported problems from people who owned Ford F-150 with Eco-boost. Symptoms such as: Engine had difficulty starting Transmission shifting Rattling noises coming out from the engine compartment Oil leaks coming out the tail pipe Gauge is showing engine ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

When accelerating from a low speed (under 15mpg) there is significant throttle lag causing risk of accident

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

My panoramic sunroof shattered with no warning and no apparent impact. It exploded outward, while traveling at a high speed on the highway. It was late and there were no other vehicles on the road at the time. I was not near an overpass.

Incident date: Oct 26, 2025

Incident date: Nov 9, 2025

Earlier this spring, when we started our 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the language had changed itself to Italian, the units were metric, the ‘Forward Collision’ off icon was stuck on the dashboard. Also the paddle shifters did not work. In May, 2025, we paid $204.41 to Gary Mathews Motors in Clar... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2025

I suddenly received errors that my sensors weren’t working, and I can no longer use my cruise control. The car has less than 60,000 miles so it still has the full bumper to bumper warranty. I have never had a collision. So I took it in to the dealer and they said the camera was mis-aligned and is ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2025

All warning lights came on for Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance.Based on my research, it seems the forward facing camera has failed. The vehicle only has 37,000 miles on it and it is only 5 years old.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

Torque converter in my transmission we out, causing my gears to grind and lose power. Slight rumbling sound under the front passenger seat, First dealer (Palmen Motors, Kenosha WI) told me there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and no transmission error codes exist. Second dealer (Parks GMC, Gr... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and the instrument panel failed to display properly. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor in... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

While driving about 40 MPH on a two land road the sidewall blow out . Right before I got a low tire pressure warning from my vehicle.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

While driving about 40 MPH on a two land road the sidewall blow out . Right before I got a low tire pressure warning from my vehicle.

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

My 2016 Audi A3 Sportsback E-tron vehicle was parked at my house. When I went to start it the engine did nothing, no power. The message “Driver System Fault” and a red triangle with a red ! in the middle was displayed on the instrument panel. I was unable to start or operate the vehicle. I call... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

This is after the recall on 2018-19 Fit Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs under codes P0300-P0304) and after fuel injectors are replaced. Current problem is with combination of carbon deposits on intake valves. Failing fuel injector/s causing an incorrect air/fuel ratio with code under P0172.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2025

My srs airbag system is off for the drivers. It went off for no reason. I went to Subaru but they said it would be $3000 and an undetermined wait for the part to come in. But I’m supposed to keep driving my primary car with no guarantee my airbags will deploy if in an accident.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2025

It’s been a month since I did an oil change. However, while I was driving the car, I heard a noise like the engine had no oil in it. I stopped and after 15 minutes I checked the engine for oil when I discovered that the engine was empty. I then checked for a leak and there is no leak detected. I t... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Parking break engages when car comes to a stop engine light is on them goes off

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

The car horn malfunctioned. I was not able to warn other drivers I was approaching and they were about to hit me. The component was inspected and replaced over a year ago in May 2024 under the vehicle warranty. No warning lights appeared when it happened.

Incident date: Aug 6, 2025

Unknown

Incident date: Jun 9, 2025

Headlight housing mechanism for high beam and low beam lights do not allow headlights to stay on high beam. Will not pass Massachusetts motor vehicle safety inspection.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

my car isnt listed for a current recall but should considering the software update does not match. Recall Reference: P4A30, P4A31 should have included my call as i dont have that update. Update 283C36PA5E is before the one shown in the recall.

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

I was stopped at a traffic light and was informed by another driver that my right tail lamp was not working. There were no warning lights indicating that there was a problem. When I arrived home, it began working after I tapped on it. A few days later, the left tail lamp stopped working. I began to ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

On [XXX] my 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS unexpectedly surged forward while I was stationary in a drive-through lane, immediately after pressing the "P" (Park) button. There was no audible or visual collision warning, and no automatic braking intervention occurred. My wife was in the front passenger seat ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

These Continental ExtremeContact Sport 205/50ZR15 tire sidewalls failed instantly with FULL tread separation with NO warning at 70mph in dense traffic on Rt. 95 while driving an unmodified, open-top NA Miata with 105hp. In 35 years and 1,000,000+ miles of driving, I have never experienced a tire fai... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2025

The rearview camera goes out at times. It just has a black screen. Other times the camera view is upside down or there are lines through the camera image. Other times it works just fine. There are intermittent issues with the camera throughout the day. This seems to have been the same issue as the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2025

When driving for at least 15 minutes, with the radio powered off or on, noise starts to come from the car speakers and builds to a crescendo which surpasses 95 decibels (measured with phone app). The noise is so loud it hurts my ears and I need to pull over to get out of the car. The problem has bee... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2012

My manual key…it wasn’t program. I just found out when my battery died and we won’t able to open the door manually. And when I told the dealer where I bought it, they were charging me to program it. And it cost a lot, so, I didn’t had it done. Then, just two days ago, my car won’t start ag... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2025

the issue is with excessive oil consumption, unknown, suv was taken to the dealership and that's when I was told what the issue was, just inspected by the dealership, warning was the truck was shaking abnormally

Incident date: Mar 24, 2025

Incident date: Feb 15, 2025

On January 28, 2025, I filed an online complaint #11639036 with you regarding Jaguar Land Rover of North America's (JLRNA) failure to comply with mandated Recall #23V637 concerning my 2019 Jaguar I-Pace (VIN [XXX] ------). During a follow-up call with your office on February 5, I emphasized the urge... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

The vehicles emergency brake engages itself while the vehicle is in drive. I’ve reported this to my dealership, they say they’ve never heard of this issue. I’ve reported the issue twice. This is an obvious safety issue because the vehicle is randomly braking and coming to a complete stop whil... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2025

Good afternoon, I am filing another complaint per Jayson Winick's recommendation. Fisker had a number of recalls. When I tried to contact Fisker upon first receiving the notices, the company's e-mail and phone numbers became disconnected. Now, the company is bankrupt and there is no one at Fisker ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2025

Technician detected a leak on the power steering cable on my Sprinter [XXX] that a previous recall for the same model year as mine but the VIN is not currently associated with the recall. The defect is apparently the same, however, I am required to pay the maintenance to fix it for $657 How can I ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in operation, the rooftop failed to remain sealed opened or closed as intended, causing the alarm system to be disarmed. The contact stated that the vehicle would not move forward or backward while shifted into gear. T... Read more

Showing 50 of 670 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA SOUL

2012 Kia Soul SUV FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	15.1%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA SOUL

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	30.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	30.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	28.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	29.0	26.0	Regular	$2,400

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Small Station Wagons)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA SOUL

204 manufacturer communications from 116 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	28
350000 EQUIPMENT	25
010000 STEERING	21
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	21
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	18
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	10
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	9
100000 POWER TRAIN	7

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

160000 STRUCTURE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160000 STRUCTURE

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

010000 STEERING

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160000 STRUCTURE

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

350000 EQUIPMENT

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION - This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engin

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed.

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - 1.6L GDI KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2002A) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin a

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in January 2021 (PI2002A and PI2002B, August 2020) tit

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the notification to the owners of all 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engines to protect the engine from excessive connectin

350000 EQUIPMENT

061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the notification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them of the updated warranty coverage for the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A. The coverage has been

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the notification to dealer principals of the updated warranty coverage for the product improvement (PI2002A). Upon completion of this Product Improvement Campaign, Kia w

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the product improvement (PI2002A). The warranty coverage information has been update

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the notification to dealer Parts and Service Managers of the updated warranty coverage for the product improvement (PI2002A). Upon completion of this Pro

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bul

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA ENGINES - This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2012-2019MY Soul (AM/PS) vehicles (refer to table below for applicable engine), which may exhi

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Communication to Kia Owners - IMPORTANT REMINDER OF ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINE LONGEVITY - Kia Motors America, Inc. is sending this notice to remind you in detail of the oil and oil filter maintenance requirements provided i

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI2002A) - IMPORTANT NOTICE to customers - On February 21, 2020, Kia Motors America, Inc. notified you that it was conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to protect the engine fr

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (PI2002A) - This document is the owner notification letter advising of an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2002) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection Sys

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (PI2002A) - This document contains questions and answers regarding the Product Improvement Campaign.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE (PI2002A) - This document is the notification letter to the Dealer Principals advising them of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Uni

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE (PI2002A) - This document is the notification to the Dealer Service Manager advising of a new a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

OWNER LETTER: Dear Kia Soul Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles. In order to maintain these standards, Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all ow

010000 STEERING

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM 2012-2013 MY Soul Vehicles Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling Warranty Extension Program (WTY013) - If you have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, you may

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

Q & A: 2012-2013 MY SOUL AND 2014 MY CADENZA VEHICLES MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM

010000 STEERING

Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of vehicles listed below for the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling from 5-years/6

010000 STEERING

Attention: All Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners of vehicles listed below for the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling from 5-years/60,000-miles

016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin is issued to provide information about the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some vehicles which might experience a ??A?A?knock??A?A? noise originating from the

010000 STEERING

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L & 3.8L Lambda engines for 2007-2008MY Sorento (BL), * 2.0L Nu e

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised and is no longer a Service Action. bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic tr

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.

130000 VISIBILITY

TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the spe

Showing 100 of 204 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SOUL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2010

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of a single complaint on the subject vehicles that alleges the hand wheel became mechanically de-coupled from the road wheels when the intermediate steering shaft universal joint separated from the upper steering column.It appears that the intermedi... Read more

KIA SOUL - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SOUL across all model years (2010, 2023).

34 Total Recalls

7,448 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

429 Reported Crashes

367 Reported Fires

7 Reported Deaths

KIA SOUL - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	18	View
2024	0	40	View
2023	4	86	View
2022	1	131	View
2021	2	299	View
2020	1	484	View
2019	1	191	View
2018	1	287	View
2017	1	351	View
2016	2	1,135	View
2015	4	1,216	View
2014	5	1,215	View
2013	3	862	View
2012 (current)	3	670
2011	3	270	View
2010	3	193	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 KIA SOUL

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA SOUL

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA SOUL

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA SOUL

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SOUL

KIA SOUL - All Years Overview

KIA SOUL - Year by Year

Other KIA Models