2012 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 43% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2012 Kia Soul
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2012 Kia Soul recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Soul. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- BrakesPark outsideFire risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Details 23V652000
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.
Fix: 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 for this recall is SC284.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 19V120000
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.
Fix: 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
- Body structure
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Details 14V822000
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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Kia Soul safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Hyundai and kia abs module fires since Nov 2023
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2012 Kia Soul safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
514 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2012 Kia Soul is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $3,975 |
| 160,000 mi | $2,725 |
From new to now
What each Kia Soul model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Kia Soul years
2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator