2012 Kia Soul
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Soul is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 415 on record.
2012 Kia Soul at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2012 Kia Soul recalls 3
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 m…
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.
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, …
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2012 Kia Soul common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2012 Kia Soul safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Kia Soul SUV FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2012 Kia Soul MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2012 Kia Soul worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia Soul costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2012 Kia Soul trims & engines on record
2012 Kia Soul vehicles on record
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A57C7432856
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A57C7389362
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A5XC7430888
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A54C7745606
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A51C7389485
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A65C7415949
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A68C7369341
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A62C7410207
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A57C7396974
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A57C7420559
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A58C7407142
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A68C7359635
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A54C7353371
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A54C7743127
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A68C7388357
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A54C7437836
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A59C7447696
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A64C7401525
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A60C7371262
2012 Kia Soul BaseKNDJT2A54C7449937
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A60C7418578
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A64C7392258
2012 Kia Soul +KNDJT2A66C7455425
Other Kia Soul model years
2012 Kia Soul — frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Soul?
Based on 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, steering, service brakes.
What is the 2012 Kia Soul safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2012 Kia Soul an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Soul get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Soul at about 26 mpg combined (24 city / 29 highway).
How much is a 2012 Kia Soul worth?
Comparable 2012 Kia Soul listings run roughly $6,900–$12,000, typically around $9,596 (from 409 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.