2012 Kia Soul engine problems
241 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2012 Kia Soul, which is 36% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 241 36% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 123,000 miles 161 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 20
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 13 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 12 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 22 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 26 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 26 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 28 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 13 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 8 |
| 200k+ miles | 7 |
What the data shows
Of the 161 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 123,000 miles, and 12% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 20 fires, 5 injuries.
What owners wrote
I was on the freeway, and all the lights lining the freeway were out. It was pitch black, and a cow had made its way into the middle of the freeway. It was struck by another vehicle and sent into the air, and flew right into my car. It is my understanding that one of adot's fences were down that was containing cattle. I was in a severe accident because of this, along with multiple other vehicles. I filed a police report and have that case number as well. I have photo and video evidence proof.
In march 2019, vehicle began making noise and was brought in to kia dealership service department . Was told that oil was unexpectedly low despite last oil change in november 2018 and mileage/use of vehicle was much lower than normal during this time period. In october 2019, vehicle began making same noise and before it could be taken in, vehicle stopped functioning mid-traffic during left hand turn on to a side road from a 45 MPH state highway. Brought again to same kia dealership service department.
Other problems reported for the 2012 Kia Soul
- Steering 166 complaints
- Brakes 46 complaints
- Electrical system 38 complaints
- Fuel system 23 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 21 complaints
- Body & structure 18 complaints
- Air bags 17 complaints