Recalls ·2012 Kia Soul

2012 Kia Soul recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — control unit/module. Owners filed 514 complaints, most often about engine. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 16 model years of this model in the database, 2012 ranks #6 for number of recalls.

Recalls3
Complaints514
Do-not-drive / park-outside1
Fires reported1in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (3)

Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 23V652000 · 25 Sep 2023

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: 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 for this recall is SC284.

EngineCampaign 19V120000 · 22 Feb 2019

Problem: 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

Structure — Roof and pillarsCampaign 14V822000 · 29 Dec 2014

Problem: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine15 · 38%
Steering12 · 30%
Service brakes12 · 30%
Hydraulic9 · 22%
Electrical system6 · 15%
Structure4 · 10%
Engine and engine cooling3 · 8%
Unknown or other3 · 8%

When complaints were filed

20247
202522
202611

From owner complaints

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…

Steering · Jun 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

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,…

Service brakes · Mar 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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…

Service brakes · Mar 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic…

Vehicle speed control · Jan 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Related pages

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.