2012 KIA Soul Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
502
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
STEERING
136 complaints
I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wheel..it started 3 days ago and is getting worse. I feel as though I will lose complete control of my vehicle at any time. I am scared to death to drive my car. I will contact my dealership in the morning for a professional diagnosis. Praying this is covered by extended warranty as I have no money for an expensive repair. My dealership is 25 miles away and I'm terrified to drive it that far..if the steering fails, it will be a complete catastrophe.
Oct 26, 2025
premature wear of the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupling. This wear causes a "knock" or "clunk" noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at a stop, and may be accompanied by a tight or loose steering feel.
Sep 05, 2025
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 concern is deceptive, the noise arises from the fact that there is loss of synchony between the steering wheel and the steering. So, while while the car is in motion and the steering wheel is held steady, the wheels and steering turn somewhat in reaction to the road surface, at times alarmingly. I first became aware of this several weeks ago but am told by another driver(my child) that it's been happening for a while. My mechanic was aware of the issue and thought there was a related recall (which proved wrong), but still suggested I seek repair at KIAs responsibility as a safety concern. After having contacted KIA Customer Service, I scheduled recall service (unelated items) with a KIA dealer and added discussion of the steering to the visit (11.25.24) through Kia Customer Service. In the course of that visit, the dealer indicated that the MDPS would continue to deteriorate and could result in the steering locking up and offered to repair at my cost. At that same time, I was on the phone with KIA seeking their responsibility and I declined the dealer's offer. Today I received an unsolicited telephone call from Kia (Jen-Escalated Case Representative 520.274.1098.) The purpose was to inform me that because I declined the dealer's offer to repair at my cost, any harm that might come from the defect is my responsibililty. Presumably, owner assumption of responsibilty is behind warranty announcement's instructing the recipient to provide the notice to new owner(s) in the event of ownership transfer. Please review this MDPS defect for consideration for safety recall. Kia knows that noise is not the concern. I am glad to allow your inspection.
Dec 06, 2024
Steering wheel clunks and has "PLAY" when turning left and right. I consider this to be a problem if it gets worse, possible loss of steering completely. Have looked on internet and found this problem is talked about. There are no warning lights or lamps displayed.
Jul 22, 2024
No warning but the steering is shaking a going out on turns. It almost didn't turn properly in oncoming traffic with children in the car. Kia refused to fix the "star flexible coupling" from their recall: WTY013 or CHAO74Revision2 or the MDPS flex coupling replacement was not done by by Kia as the allowed owners get a free repair. We didn't get notice and now the Kia dealers refuse to fix this. Kia refuse to fix it or help. For the steering going out because the steering is shakey and is not stable, its unsafe, risky and my children are in the car. The repair notice was not received at the previous owner and we bought car and moved to FL. I want to complain that Kia will not honour its recall and fix this. I want to use Kia of Ft. Walton Beach, FL for the repair. Kia company has my case number [XXX] on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 22, 2024
+ 131 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
129 complaints
P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.
Nov 21, 2025
The engine has gunk in the motor. Can not clean it. Uses oil. Noise from the engine.
May 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to pull over, restart the vehicle, and drove back to her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer able to be started. The contact called a dealer who requested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Jul 25, 2024
Unknown
Mar 25, 2024
I took my car to a local place to get the oil changed. The person would not touch anything with my car until I had it looked at by someone at the local Kia location. There was a knocking sound, which seems to get worse when accelerating, or going up hill. I get it to the local Kia location, and they take a look at it, said it was out of warranty, the engine was about to go out, and there was nothing they could do. They also stated, they were surprised that the engine hadn't already gone yet.
Mar 14, 2024
+ 124 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
23 complaints
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, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Dec 03, 2025
We have tried multiple times to obtain information on this recall. My husband was finally told we must travel over 240 miles for this procedure. This would include two separate trips to Eugene. The first trip for the diagnosis and the second trip for the remedy "if it needs it". Every person at the dealership told my husband a different story and he finally gave up. We are older and we do not travel anymore. We do not have the internet. I am hoping you can help in some way. This is a huge inconvenience, not to mention the cost of gas. Any help would be appreciated.
Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, parts were not yet available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Mar 07, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that an appointment could not be scheduled until September 2024. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact called the manufacturer, but the call was forwarded to an automated system. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jul 03, 2024
+ 18 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 complaints
a few months after buying the car (the car was bought used), the "check engine" icon appeared on the instrument panel, I immediately went to the car workshop, the employee said after checking that he did not see any problems. the icon disappeared from the dashboard. after a while the icon reappeared on the instrument panel. after that, I received a recall letter from the car manufacturer Kia, which stated that the car had a defect that could cause the car to catch fire. after that I contacted the dealer with this letter, the dealer informed me on the day of the application that there were no spare parts, they needed to be ordered, I asked them to order spare parts for me and agreed to wait a month. after a month on the appointed day - I contacted the dealer, but they did not solve my problem, informing me that the Kia manufacturer did not send spare parts. After some time, I wrote a letter to the car manufacturer Kia, and received a reply. I was asked to describe the problem (I described the problem during the application, clearly indicated all the details, the time when I applied, the location of the dealership, the problems with which I applied). it has been more than three weeks since I sent the follow-up letter and I have not been contacted by any Kia representative. Currently, I do not have the opportunity to operate another car. Every time I use this car, I put myself and my passengers, as well as those around me, and other cars at risk. I believe that the car manufacturing company significantly exposes me to danger, it is under threat. please help to solve this problem with an unscrupulous car manufacturer.
Aug 01, 2024
I was driving on the highway and I went To pass someone and then all of the sudden my car did not switch gears when accelerating (which has always been an issue) and a big cloud of white smoke came out of my exhaust. My car has always had issues switching gears but this time was bad. I checked all of my fluids, they were fine and my car wasn’t over heated. Once I started My car again it was fine and no smoke came out but it is still struggling to switch gears. I just Took my car to get my tires changed and looked at for any issues last week and they changed my tires and said my car had no issues. I know 2012 Kia Soul 1.6 engines just got recalled for similar issues. I also Looked up to see if anyone else with the same car had this issues and a lot of people have had this happen to them.
Oct 01, 2022
The electrical system on this vehicle is severely malfunctioning. Once the engine is started it will not allow me to take it out of gear. All of the indicator lights are on and flash. It is unsafe because the Kia dealership service center doesn't know how to fix it. I don't think it's safe to drive because what if I put it in drive & it would not stop or shift to neutral.
Aug 03, 2022
KIA did a "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN" as a work around for a recall on the Kia Soul. they were in the middle of this when our engine did the problem that they are "Improving," Dealership won't do the improvement saying we have no open recalls, but we keep getting the letter telling us to do the product improvement campaign. Engine is failing due to this issue, but dealership just wants us to replace engine. KIA won't replace since we didn't do the PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN that the dealership said we aren't eligible for. PLEASE HELP. I have all letters from KIA.
Jan 11, 2022
Steering clicks and feels loose when turning. Inspected by a repair shop and they said it was the steering coupler. It's my understanding this is a issue with most kia souls. This should be a recall item but 2012 year was not included. Very unsafe as steering can fail. Make this a recall.
Nov 21, 2021
+ 15 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
19 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal chain rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the unrepaired recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the recall notification was never received. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine was misfiring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road for 20 minutes. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred a week later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Aug 08, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started making abnormal sounds before stalling. The vehicle was not drivable. The owner and a friend pushed the vehicle a short distance to the friend's residence. The contact stated an independent mechanic arrived at the location of the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact spoke to the manufacturer and made them aware of the failure and was informed that the VIN was included in the recall. The contact towed the vehicle first to the residence and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that due to the failure mileage; the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 222,114.
Jun 06, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle continued losing motive power. The contact stated that the engine did not rev while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle however, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the mechanic acknowledged the open recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer did not perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jun 01, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) using a handheld diagnostic tool and drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact reported that he informed the dealer that DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) was related to the catalytic convertor. The dealer advised that they would replace the catalytic convertor if he paid for the spark plug replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,951. The contact changed out the spark plugs but was still getting check engine lights for the catalytic converter. The manufacturer denied the contact's request for a rental car. No other assistance has been provided yet.
Apr 05, 2023
+ 14 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
11 complaints
On July 14, 2022 at approximately 7:41 pm in Jacksonville, FL. The car hydroplaned and flip 3 times which ended up with the vehicle have significant damage to the front end and roof of the car. The driver side airbag did not deploy during this accident. Which makes me real concern, thank goodness my son-in law was able to walk away from the crash. However he is now experiencing problems from the impact and faulty air bags not deploying. I noticed that a recall was for 2014 but did not include the 2012 model. This is something of concern and needs to be investigated. The car has since been donated to DAV, if this information is needed please let me know as well as pictures of the vehicle.
Aug 08, 2022
On April 25, 2022 the airbag light illuminated on the 2012 Kia soul. It was taken to the shop a Kia dealer on May 3, 2022. We were told by the mechanic that a contact assembly clock spring malfunctioned and if not repaired would be dangerous to drive the car because the airbag may not deploy. We inquired whether this issue was covered on the Kia airbag recall number SC229. Because this recall only covered Kia souls July 21, 2013-June 20, 2014.
May 03, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS GOING NORTH ON THE OUTSIDE LANE AT AN INTERSECTION WITH THE GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL, ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING SOUTH MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE DRIVERS VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH FORCE AS WELL AS FRAGMENTS AND A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE THAT DAMAGED THE CONTACTS LEFT HAND. THE DRIVER ALSO SUSTAINED BRUISING AND BURNS TO THE BUST AND CHEST. THE INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAGS REQUIRED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AND TO BE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED OVER A POTHOLE, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO THE BARRIER AND ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NEITHER THE DRIVER NOR THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 05/25/16*LJ *TR
Mar 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT MISCALCULATED A TURN AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000....UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Dec 29, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaints
Took car in for recall SC176 and was told by Taylor Kia in Lima, Oh that what was happ wasn't throwing a code. Said they fixed the knock sensor and that if it is that problem it would go off and they could check it again. My car ran worse than before getting it back. What is happening to my engine is exactly what is detailed in the recall. I drove home 35 minutes shacking and knocking the whole time and no engine light? You can hear the rod knocking in my engine. Exactly how it is explained in the recall. So, now I'm stuck with an engine that going to be ruined when the rod does flys out. Hopefully not harming me or anyone else. This is ludicrous and poor work done.
Nov 22, 2024
I got the recall SC284AM - HECU FUSE REPLACEMENT Done. As soon as I started the engine at the Kia dealer thick smoke started coming out of the exhaust pipe. When I showed it to the dealer they said it has nothing to do with the fuse replacement. The car was perfectly fine before the fuse was replaced. To check out the reason for this the dealer is asking $300. It’s definitely the result of the fuse replacement. Need help.
Jul 18, 2024
I was driving and my check engine code went on , I got it checked by autozone and it was for the catalytic converter. My car has since ran horribly, there feels like a lag in acceleration and it makes a hissing/air noise that comes from the catalytic converter it gets overheated and causes my car to go in limp mode and when I asked a mechanic friend they said it’s very clogged which has caused me to park my car and not drive it because I was recommended to not drive it being in this condition then I was send a recall in email. It has one owner and we have kept up with maintenance very well.
Apr 13, 2024
My car died while driving it down the highway. And I couldn't get it drive. I had to have it towed.
Dec 30, 2023
IN 2018 I KNOWN MY 2012 SOUL 1.6L CONSUME TOO MUCH ENGINE OIL ABOUT 1QT FOR 1,000 MILES. I TOLD IT THE KIA ENGINEER. BUT THE ENGINEER SAID, IT IS CAUSED BY MILEAGE OVER 140,000. I HAD ADDED ENGINE OIL PRETTY OFTEN. I VISITED THE KIA A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER FOR ENGINE STALLING AND AND EXTRA OIL CONSUMING. I ASKED FOR RECALL 19V120000. BUT THEY SAID IT IS NOT FOR MY CAR. THEY TOLD OTHER REPAIR ABOUT $ 400 INSTEAD.
Jan 30, 2021
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
8 complaints
I was driving on the highway when I heard a whistle. When I arrived at my destination, I was surprised to see that the front driver’s side windshield trim panel was missing and flew off when I was driving. Earlier, I had a similar issue with the front passenger side trim panel. I reported these safety concerns to Kia on 9/2. I received a standard form letter on 9/4 (copied below). I was surprised by Kia’s response because I think parts flying off during typical driving use is more than standard repair and is a safety concern for all of us who travel on our roads. I’m reporting to you because I care about safety as both a driver and a passenger. I attached the photos I took and sent to Kia. —- Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We’re sorry to hear about the concern with your Kia. The standard Limited Basic Warranty for your vehicle has expired (5 years/60,000 miles whichever comes first.). As such, any repairs recommended outside of warranty coverage, or not included in an applicable campaign, would be the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 800-333-4542 (option 2, then 5) and provide your case number. Sincerely, Kia America
Sep 15, 2025
The steering wheel ignition lock is easy bypassed by using only a small screwdriver or USB cord. This makes the car easily stolen and therefore violates the requirements of 571.114 which requires a "starting system which, whenever the key is removed from the starting system prevents.. the normal activation of the vehicles engine or motor". This affects all Kia / Hyundai vehicles with a normal keyed ignition and without a vehicle immobilizer produced from approximately 2009-2022. Since the technology required to comply with the regulation (i.e. a vehicle immobilizer) is readily available and available on other cars from this maker, the vehicle manufacturer knowingly violated this regulation. I request a NHTSA inquiry into this clear safety defect.
Aug 19, 2022
THE HOOD DISENGAGED WHILE MY 76 YEAR OLD MOTHER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SMASHED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES AND CHARGED HER $3,500 TO FIX IT. IT BROKE LOOSE TWICE AFTER THAT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING BUT DIDN'T FLY UP AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. SHE TOOK IT IN BOTH TIMES AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. I CALLED KIA CUSTOMERS SERVICE ON 9/12 AND THEY SAID THEY'D CALL ME BACK IN 48 HOURS BUT NEVER DID. I CALLED BACK ON 9/18 AND THEY SAID THEY'D CALL ME BACK IN 48 HOURS BUT NEVER DID. I CALLED BACK ON 10/3 AND THEY SAID THEY'D CALL BACK IN 48 HOURS AND THEN I FINALLY RECEIVED A VOICEMAIL ON 10/15 ASKING TO CALL THEM BACK. I CALLED BACK AND RECEIVED THE PERSON'S VOICEMAIL ON 10/16, 10/22, 10/24 AND 10/25. NO RESPONSE AT ALL. THEY ARE IGNORING ME. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HOODS DISENGAGING ON KIA SOULS. MY MOTHER IS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE HER CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD OBVIOUSLY KILL SOMEONE. YET KIA DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. I DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN.
Oct 25, 2018
HOOD BLEW BACK BROKE MY WINDSHIELD AND BENT MY FENDERS BROKE MY THE SECONDARY LATCH IS BENT AND THE LOCK DID NOT HOLD
Dec 20, 2017
5/6/2016 TRAVELING ON 2ND RD APPRX SPEED 35 MPH, HOOD FLEW UP HIT WINDSHIELD LACK OF TRAFFIC AVOIDED COLLISION. ALMOST 1 YEAR TO DAY LATER ON FREEWAY ENTRY RAMP I-65 NASHVILLE TN, 5PM TRAFFIC, APPRX 45MPH.. 1ST EPISODE HAD LEFT HOME AND ONLY ON ROAD FOR A FEW MINTUES SO ASSUMED WAS SOMETHING WE HAD DONE TO UNLATCH HOOD. 2ND EPISODE WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING FOR 3 HOURS ALREADY SO THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS.. WE TOOK TO LOCAL DEALER WHERE PURCHASED CAR WHEN WE RETURNED TO JACKSON TENNESSEE AND THEY EXAMINED AND SHOW IT IS A BROKEN LATCH (OBVIOUSLY) BUT THEY DID NOT FEEL WAS THEIR CONCERN. AS THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL ON THE SAME YEAR KIA SEDONA FOR HOOD LATCH DEFECTS, IT IS A MAJOR CONCERN TO ME THAT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO TO AVOID INJURY OR DEATH OF ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL
May 08, 2017
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
I had some work done on the drive train of my car by a local mechanic. When I picked up the car, the Brake light and the Low Tire light were on. I asked the mechanic to see about getting them turned off. He came to me a bit later, said they tried to replace a fuse connected to these sensors, and the fuse blew out a small flame when they tried to start the car. He looked it up and discovered there was a recall on this very fuse from Kia (I never received a notice), and he had the car towed to the local dealership. They are refusing to correct the issue because they said he messed it up, and therefore they are not liable. They are wanting to charge me several thousand dollars to fix the problem. This seems completely insane because were it not for their faulty equipment, none of this would have happened. They are also refusing to perform a recall on the ABS system, claiming that someone has previously worked on it. Unless they did it before I bought the car in 2017, no one has worked on the ABS system. Again, they are trying to charge me $2000+ to fix this issue on top of the other.
Aug 27, 2025
TRIED STARTING THE CAR ONE MORNING AND THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS BLACK. NO READINGS FOR ANY OF THE GAUGES AND SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. CAR WAS DRIVABLE AFTER RELEASING THE GEAR WITH THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE, BUT NOTHING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WORKING. COULDN'T SEE ODOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, HEAT GAUGE BECAUSE IT WASN'T MOVING OR LIT UP.
Dec 03, 2020
CAR IS IN P AS RK. CAR IS NOT MOVING. CAR IS NOT ALREADY STARTED. OFTEN THE CAR WON'T START. INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHEN KEY IS PLACED IN IGNITION, BUT WONT TURN OVER. YOU HAVE TO WIGGLE THE SHIFTER OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WILL EVENTUALLY START. CAR GURUS HAS OVER 150 IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS. IT APPEARS IT'S A COIL OF SOME TYPE. MULTIPLE VEHICLES VARIOUS YEARS. HE DEALERSHIPS OFTEN JUST RECOMMEND REPLACING STARTER OR BATTERY. BUT THE ISSUE REMAINS. IT'S A PRODUCT DEFECT. SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Feb 21, 2020
AFTER WORK ON 4/30/19, I WAS SPEAKING WITH THE PARKING DECK ATTENDANT. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, BUT I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT STARTED SHAKING AND SOUNDING ROUGH, AS IF IT WERE STRUGGLING TO STAY ON. I DROVE IT FOR A FEW MILES, BUT WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE MORE THAN 35 OR SO MPH. IT WAS SHAKING AND MAKING NOISE THE ENTIRE WAY. I ONLY DROVE ON THE INTERSTATE TO THE NEXT EXIT, SO THAT I COULD FIND AN OPEN PARKING LOT JUST IN CASE IT CUT OFF ON ME. I CALLED AAA AND GOT A TOW HOME DUE TO THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR. THE NEXT MORNING, AAA TOWED ME TO A AAA CAR CARE FACILITY AND I LET THEM DO REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD THAT IGNITION COIL # 4 WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO REPLACE ALL 4 COILS. I ONLY HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO REPLACE THE BAD ONE, PLUS THE SPARK PLUGS AND AIR & CABIN FILTERS THAT THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED. HE SAID THAT THE OTHER 3 COILS SHOULD BE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
May 20, 2019
NOV. 2013 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING, I WENT TO KIA AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER A PART FOR IT BUT IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT FROM KY TO INDIANAPOLIS IN WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING THEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING, I CALLED KIA DEALERSHIP IN ELIZABETHTOWN KY AND THEY SAID THEY HAD ORDERED THE ENTIRE CLUSTER BUT CAR WAS OKAY TO DRIVE, I WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY AND THE CAR STARTED BUT YOU COULD NOT ENGAGE THE GEAR SHIFT. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD CAR 3 WEEKS AND SAID IT IS FIXED. JANUARY 13TH 2014 STARTED ALL OVER WITH ODOMETER GOING OUT, TOOK IT BACK TO KIA AND THEY HAD TO ORDER YET ANOTHER CLUSTER (2ND IN 2 MONTHS) OKAY TO DRIVE CAR, I REFUSED AND REQUIRED THEM TO PROVIDE LOANER (WHICH IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE TAKEN OUT OF STATE). THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT GOES TO ELECTRICAL, THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BECAUSE THE LIGHT KEPT GOING ON AND OFF WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. THEY SAID A SENSOR HAD GONE OUT AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE THING NOT JUST A BULB. *TR
Jan 27, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR A ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INPUT SIGNAL HAD HIGH VOLTAGE FOR A PREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO SHIFT HARD AND BUCK. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACTS LIKE A MANUAL. YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS AND LET IT SHIFT. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WERE YOU ARE DRIVING. IT COULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS.
Jun 05, 2019
THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) WOULDN'T FIND ANY GEAR. THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL TURNED GREEN, I PLACED THE GEAR IN 1ST. IT DROVE ABOUT 200 FEET AND I HEARD A FAINT "POP". THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR DID NOT HAVE ANY FEELING IN IT, AND I COULDN'T GO INTO ANY GEAR. THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING, I STILL HAD A CLUTCH PEDDLE, JUST NO GEARS. I HAD IT TOWED TO A KIA DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE LINKAGE HAD FAILED AND IT WAS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT TO FIND A NEW ONE. APPARENTLY THE 2012 SOUL 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION IS A ONE YEAR ONLY? WHEN ASKED HOW LONG WOULD IT BE THE DEALERS RESPONSE WAS, "WE HAVE A LOT OF RECALLS IN HERE, AND YOUR PART IS ON BACK ORDER".
Mar 19, 2019
I STOPPED MY CAR AT TOP OF MY STEEP DRIVEWAY,PULLED UP EMERGENCY BRAKE,PUT CAR IN PARK BUT LEFT CAR RUNNING TO LISTEN TO SONG ON RADIO. I SAW A PROBLEM IN MY YARD,OPENE THE DOOR, TOOK CARE OF PROBLEM THEN GOT PARTIALLU BACK IN THE CAR TO CUT OFF ENGINE. AS SOON AS I SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS, STILL IN PARK WITH THE EMERGNCY BRAKE UP AND MY LEFT LEG DRAGGING THE GROUND AS IT ROLLED ACROSS THE STREET AND INTO MY NEIGHBORS BEDROOM. IT IS A VERY COSTLY ACCIDENT. ALL WAS FINE UNTIL I CUT OFF THE ENGINE SO I THINK THAT CUTTING OFF THE ENGINE CAUSE A GLITCH IN THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION TO CAUSE IT TO GO INTO NEUTRAL WHILE STILL SHOWING IN PARK.
Sep 03, 2017
BEFORE APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WAS ABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE JUST BY DEPRESSING SHIFTER. SEVERAL TRIPS TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.
Sep 01, 2015
VEHICLE WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS EXPERIENCING A VIOLENT SHIFT FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR UNDER GENTLE ACCELERATION AND A LAG IN THE SHIFT WHERE THE ENGINE RACES FROM 2ND TO 3RD AS IF IT WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN GEARS. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT MAINLY SEEMS TO OCCUR UNDER GENTLE ACCELERATION IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Aug 10, 2013
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact the Class Action Lawsuit paperwork to fill out. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Apr 07, 2025
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 the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the dipstick had blown off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,449.
Dec 03, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact a diagnostic test needed to be performed and the repairs would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The check engine, the electronic parking brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,746. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment and heard an abnormal grinding sound, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Jan 02, 2024
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed her that the spark plugs were flooded with oil. The independent mechanic replaced the spark plugs and the fuel cap gasket. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Mar 28, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an unknown repair; however, the vehicle later lost motive power. The vehicle was then taken to Community Kia of Bloomington (2200 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401) where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure, which punctured the engine block. Community Kia of Bloomington informed the contact's daughter that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Jun 08, 2022
On 4/7/2022 I was advised by Mike at Auffenberg Kia Group in O'Fallon, IL (618)624-2277 that the problem with my car stalling and starting is the catalytic converter. I had my car towed to the Kia Dealership and the diagnostic code that the car was giving is P0335. After replacing the crankshaft sensor, the car continued to stall and struggle to startup. The service repairmen advised me that they spend 9.5 hours of diagnostic time with Kia troubleshooting the problem because everything was testing good. The service repair and kia decided that the issue is the catalytic converter. The kia service repairmen also advised me that they opened a case with kia, case number 14741430 to try to get the repair covered under the recall but Kia's district manager declined the repair. My engine is 2.0L and the recall is for engines 1.6L. I ask that Kia does the right thing and repair my vehicle.
Apr 07, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 25-55 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light and the oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rod knock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the recall repair was not completed as the dealer refused to replace the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer on the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Oct 01, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,668
May 12, 2020
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside of the vehicle. Additionally, the brake lights were inoperable prior to replacing the rear taillight housings. After replacing the brake lamp housings, the contact became aware that the brake lamps remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the abs module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was warned that the vehicle was at risk of catching on fire. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was smoking, and the wires were melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered by recall or warranty. The approximate failure mileage 109,000.
Jul 12, 2021
REAR VIEW CAMERA IS INOPERATIVE AFTER SPRY WASH.
Apr 19, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER PENETRATED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SID HEADLIGHT AND CAUSED CONDENSATION, OBSTRUCTING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Mar 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, CONDENSATION WAS FOUND IN THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,300.
Aug 03, 2012
I POSTED A COMPLAINT EARLIER WITH THE BLINKER AND HEADLIGHT NOT WORKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3/17/12 IT WAS A LOOSE GROUND THEY FIXED IT AND I THANK GOD IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE. *TR
Mar 18, 2012
+ 2 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
5 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood latched inadvertently released and the hood raised up and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. There was no warning light prior to the failure. The hood and upper frame were dented. There were no reported injuries. The driver slammed the hood closed and continued to drive. The contact's husband noticed that the hood latch was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact after reviewing the photos which were sent, that the latch was damaged due to the latch being pushed to the side by the owner. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,573.
May 18, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE DUE TO THE FRONT HOOD UNLATCHING ON ITS OWN AND STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ASHEBORO NISSAN (LOCATED AT 1635 E DIXIE DR, ASHEBORO, NC 27203, (336) 625-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Dec 05, 2019
2012 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEIR HOOD DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AND SMASHED AGAINST WINDSHIELD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER ABOUT THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HOOD LATCH WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,370.
Oct 06, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HOOD UNLATCHED AND OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,100.
Dec 30, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated that the keys needed to be reprogrammed. The keys were reprogrammed. Later, while at the dealer the steering wheel failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
Oct 10, 2025
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD POPPING NOISE IT IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. THE LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN TURNED ON INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.
Aug 10, 2019
WAS GOING DOWN TEN, KIA CAN'T DETERMINE IF MY POWER STEERING WANT BOUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 55, AND THEN HITTING A DEER. THE BODY WORK HAS BEEN FIXED BUT MY VEHICLE HAS NO POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING IS NOT RESPONDING - MDPS WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH VEHICLE. FAILURE IN ELECTRONIC MDPS AT TOP OF STEERING COLUMN. THEY CHECKED ALL CONNECTORS, AND NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO COLUMN ITSELF. FOUND C1503 -ESC/ECS (ESP) ERROR AND C1687 - TIME OUT VSM2 (MDPS) FAILURE. DIAGNOSIS SAYS I NEED A POWER STEERING COLUMN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY. GEICO REFUSES TO COVER THIS SAYING IT'S A COMMON ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ISSUE WITH KIA'S. IF THESE ARE MESSING UP ELECTRONICALLY WHILE DRIVING THIS YEAR FOR 2012 SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT FEELS AS IF INSURANCE HAS FOUND A LOOPHOLE TO NOT COVER KIA SOULS WITH POWER STEERING. I ALSO SAW A CORROSION ISSUE RECALL AND MY CAR WAS FROM OHIO WHICH I LIVED THERE YEARS WITH IT BEFORE MOVING TO VIRGINIA. NO ONE AT THE NEWPORT NEWS VIRGINIA KIA EVEN MENTIONED THE RECALL FOR MY VIN #, I FOUND IT WHILE REGISTERING MY KIA ONLINE.
Dec 04, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO SHORTED OUT AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (904) 400-6650). ALSO, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT, MAKING ABNORMAL NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES, BUT THE RADIO FAILED AGAIN AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD PROVIDE A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO SOLUTION YET FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Sep 01, 2017
STEERING,ENGINE
4 complaints
THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.
May 03, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVE AND WHEN MAKING TURNS AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
Aug 03, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND THE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.
May 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEST PALM BEACH KIA (735 S MILITARY TRAIL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ATTRIBUTED TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS, AND DOCUMENTED THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,751. *TT
Jun 25, 2018
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, DROVE OFF THE ROAD, AND LANDED IN A DITCH. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT KNOB SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO SUSTAIN SCRATCHES TO THE LEFT LEG, ARMS, CHIN, AND CHEST. THE PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR AND FRONT BUMPER WERE DAMAGED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 9630 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Dec 02, 2019
HELLO.. I AM A LITTLE UPSET. I WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AT THE SPEED OF 40MPG. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK. I ENDED UP HITTING MY CHIN AND JAW ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR IS FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.
Oct 26, 2019
MY SON WAS SITTING IN THE RIGHT REAR SEAT OF A 2012 KIA SOUL WHEN IT WAS REAR ENDED BY A HONDA CRV GOING 35-40 MPH. THE IMPACT PUSHED THE KIA INTO THE SUBARU IN FRONT OF THEM SETTING OFF BOTH AIRBAGS IN THE FRONT. THE SEAT BELT MY SON WAS WEARING DID NOT LOCK OR RETRACT. HE HIT HIS HEAD ON THE BACK HEADREST WENT FORWARD INTO THE HEADREST ON THE FRONT SEAT AND THEN BACK INTO HIS HEADREST. THE SEAT BELT DID NOTHING TO RESTRAIN HIS MOVEMENT DURING THE ACCIDENT. THE KIA WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
Jan 09, 2013
I WAS TAKING MY AUNT TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE, SHE IS OLDER AND FORGOT TO ATTACH HER SEAT BELT. I HAPPENED TO LOOK OVER AND PULLED OVER SO SHE COULD ATTACH HER BELT. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR BUZZER TO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS NOT ATTACHED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY WERE AMAZED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING. AFTER CHECKING MY CAR AND ANOTHER KIA OF THE SAME YEAR, I WAS ADVISED THAT NONE OF THE KIA SOULS HAVE A WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IS THIS A MISTAKE BY KIA OR ARE THEY NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ALARM INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS NOT ENGAGED? THE DRIVER SEAT WARNING DOES WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Oct 17, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
4 complaints
VEHICLE CUT OFF WHILE AWAITING LIGHT CHANGE. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START VEHICLE, OVER COURSE OF AN HOUR, VEHICLE SPIT OUT CLOUD OF BLACK SMUT BEFORE CUTTING OFF AGAIN.VEHICE WAS TOLLED FOLLOWING DAY. THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED KIA WOULD NOT HONOR RECALL.
Jul 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HOWEVER THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE DETECTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHICH LED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER TOWED THE VEHICLE TO CASA KIA 1374 GEORGE DIETER DR, EL PASO, TX 79936 (915) 856-2982 WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RESULTS FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE RESULTS WAS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THE REPAIRS WERE DENIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 178,000.
May 13, 2019
THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AND I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO SPEED UP AND THE CAR HESITATED AFTER A FEW SECONDS I HAD POWER AGAIN. WHEN THE CAR DID ENGAGE A BIG THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE.THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN WAS ON 5/25/2014 MY WIFE WAS ON A RAMP TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 30-40MPH, THERE WAS A VEHICLE COMING SO SHE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL THAN WHEN THERE WAS AN OPENING SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO POWER. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS THE CAR FINALLY ENGAGED AND ACCELERATED CAUSING A BIG THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE COME OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. *TR
May 30, 2014
8-31-13 IS THE FIRST TIME I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN I WOULD FIRST START THE CAR UP IN THE GARAGE AND THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD JERK INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THEY RESET THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. 10-9-13, IS THE 2ND TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP WITH THE SIMILAR SITUATION, BUT THE CAR WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WHILE I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. THEY CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS LOW (THEY TOLD ME THIS IS NONSERVICEABLE AREA AND THEY HAD TO ACCESS THE COVER WHICH IS BOLTED). THEY FILLED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND SAID TO WATCH AND CHECK NEXT TIME I HAVE AN OIL CHANGE. 10-11-13, ON WAY TO WORK, CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN TO WORK (30-45 MPH, CITY DRIVING) WHEN IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS HOLDING ITS BREATH,,,SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED ON IT'S OWN. GOT TO OFFICE. WHEN LEAVING FOR THE DAY, CAR WAS JERKING AS IT WAS SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO 2ND AND SEEMED TO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY. HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 40 MPH. THEN NOTICED THE EQUIVALENT OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. CALLED DEALERSHIP BEFORE I GOT HOME AND ASKED IF I COULD COME IN FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. WILL BE TAKING TO DEALERSHIP IN MORNING. THIS IS SIMILAR SITUATION THAT SOMEONE ELSE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO THIS SITE ON 8-10-13 FOR KIA SOUL 2012. *TR
Oct 11, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
Was stalling, would loose power, now will not start. Found a recall ( engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic converter # 19v120000.) same problems. Towed to local kia, they say not under recall list. This recall is only for engine size 1.6. My engine is a 2.0. But they said catalytic converter needs replaced. Although car is aged only has about 55,000 miles. Catalytic converter should not be an issue. I believe the 2.0 engine needs to be added to the recall list.
Jan 28, 2025
ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO MY CAR DIED AT A STOPLIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME. ALL ALONG THERE IS NO INDICATOR LIGHTS. THEN DIED WHILE DRIVING 3 DAYS LATER AT 35 MPH. I WENT TO AN AUTO ZONE TO GET A CHECK ON ITS COMPUTER BUT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS. DROVE IT A FEW DAYS , IT DIED AGAIN AT THE STOPLIGHT. IT BEGAN TO DO THIS EVERY FEW DAYS .NO INDICATION WHEN IT WOULD SHUT OFF AND NO INDICATOR LIGHTS. I CALLED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND THERE WASN'T, I ALSO CHECKED ONLINE.WHEN IT DIED I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT JUST OFF THE ROAD OR AT BUSY INTERSECTIONS FOR A FEW MINUTES AND KEEP TRYING. THEN AFTER A FEW TIMES I STARTED NOTICING IT WOULD DIE AT THE INTERSECTION AND THEN MY RPM INDICATOR WOULD NOT WORK THEN THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ,I WOULD FIGHT WITH IT TO START OR IT WOULD START NORMALLY AND EVERYTHING WORKED FOR A WHILE AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER MADE AN APPOINTMENT, THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT ONE MECHANIC ASKED WHAT YEAR THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON OTHER VEHICLES..TODAY JUNE 5TH WHEN I WAS STUCK AT AN INTERSECTION I USED MY PHONE TO RECORD THAT IT STARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND THEN WHEN I DROVE IT I HAD TO FLOOR THE GAS AND THE RPM INDICATOR WASN'T WORKING AT ALL. THEN I WAS DRIVING FINALLY GOT IT TO SPEED AND IT DIED IN THE ROAD AT 55 WHILE DRIVING LUCKILY I COASTED OFF THE ROAD .AFTER A MINUTE I TAPED WHERE I WAS, HOW THE CAR WAS PULLED OFF CROOKED AND THEN IT STARTED NORMALLY, NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ,RPM WORKED AND I GOT HOME. THE CAR DEALER SAID HE PROBABLY KNEW WHAT IT WAS DUE TO THE OTHER RECALLS BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. I CANNOT AFFORD A REPAIR DON'T WANT TO DIE EITHER. IF OTHER CARS WERE RECALLED MINE NEEDS TO BE. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I AM IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY CAR JUST DIES WHENEVER IT WANTS TO. I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD OFF MY PHONE BUT WILL GLADLY HAVE SOMEONE DO IT SOON TO REPORT IT AGAIN. *TR
Jun 05, 2020
HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE
Jan 25, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a local dealer to have the vehicle checked due to recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact was contacted by the dealer and was advised that the check engine warning light was illuminated and that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed and that the vehicle needed a BGC Fuel Induction service. The contact picked up the vehicle and was advised by the dealer to drive the vehicle for 100 miles and then return the vehicle to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle, she was driving at approximately 30 MPH, when the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that her daughter called the dealer to check on the repair status of the vehicle and was advised that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Feb 14, 2024
UPON MY LAST SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME MY OIL WAS LOW. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME EVER HAVING TO ADD OIL. I CONTINUED TO MONITOR THE ISSUE. LAST WEEK WE DROVE THE CAR APPROX 50 MILES HOME. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE IS GONE. THE CAR HAS 97,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED MYSELF FOR THE LAST 6 YEARS USING SYNTHETIC OIL.
Jan 07, 2021
CAR IS JERKING/BUCKING AND MISFIRING WHILE IDLE AND WHEN DRIVING IT JERKS. CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY TURNS ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN.
Oct 06, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
My 2012 Kia soul base, had this SC176 recall which I took it into the dealer, at that time I really didn't know exactly what the recall consisted of, until months later after researching the performance of my car, my engine lights comes on and stays on for two weeks ,then go off a day and it's back on, my car drives sluggish and it's acceleration power is bad , where it won't get up to necessary speed, and it making a loud noises when I accelerate ,which the mechanic said it's my Cadillac converter which was under recall and most likely damaged , from high exhaust gas temperatures,I do believe it's all under the last recall, my engine was damaged and should of been replaced along with the catalytic converter, I believe the KIA dealership knew of the damages but didn't replace my catalytic converter or my engine, my cars performance has gone down tremendously , month by month because of this recall that didn't work , I loved my car but sometimes I don't feel excited about cranking it up and driving it away from my house, because I'm not sure if I'm going to make it back home safe or maybe have it towed, I'm depending on Kia to do the right thing and fix this recall ,because I could be a returning customer.
Sep 27, 2023
My car stalls and the engine light frequently stays on, my car is driving sluggish every since I got the recall adjustment my car has declined in performance and the engine light started coming on more frequently up until now, it's loud at and experiencing a great lost of power ,the computer is giving the code PO420 reading as bank 1 oxygen sensor , I had intended changing out both sensors, but wasn't sure if it's a damaged engine effecting the Cadillac converter from the 2019 recall, # 19V120000 giving a false reading.
Jun 09, 2023
MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT HENDERSON ,NEVADA CAUSE I FOUND OIL LEAKING BY OCV ( OIL CONTROL VALVE, SO THEY REPLACE TWO OCV AND STILL LEAK OIL, SO I REALIZED LOOKING DEEPLY THAT FIRST TWO INJECTORS ARE LEAKING GAS, MIXING WITH OIL. THEY ASKED IF OIL GOT ON THE GARAGE FLOOR AND WHEN I SAID : NO YET, SO THEY SAID CAN NOT DO ANY THING. SO, THE SERVICES MANAGER THERE JUST PUT ALL THIS INFORMATION TO SEE IF A PERSON FROM MANUFACTURE OR SOME ONE HIGHER THAN THEN CAN LOOK IT UP. I THINK WHEN THEY REPLACE TIMING TENSIONER THEY DID NOT PUT RIGHT THE LIQUID GASKET, CAUSE I SEE THE LEAKING FROM THAT PLACE. I HAVE THOSE PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGH THE CAR AND I WASTE MY TIME THREE TIMES 4 OR 5 DAYS EACH WITHOUT MY CAR, CAUSE THEY DON'T RENT CARS OR EVEN GIVE YOU ONE TO MOVE. *TR
Mar 09, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
2012 Kia Soul 4dr wagon engine fail no warning lights sudden strange noise driving on highway with grandbabies. Heard a strange noise under hood then the vehicle lost acceleration and right before shutting down and dying the oil light came on and car went dead. No warning to any problem. Had the oil changed and double checked new oil was replaced. When I opened the hood and checked the oil their was no oil in vehicle it was as if it was drained out yet have no oil leaks to show it leaked out. If the oil disappears and no warning lights show no oil and car just dies on highway that is engine failure and burning up engine leading to fires and danger to drivers and passengers. 2012 Kia Soul 75,262 miles well maintained should not just be driving along engine malfunction and die and oil has disappeared. Let alone possibility needing new engine. Very scary and not safe to drive as the vehicle immediately dies on busy highway so by given no warning till last second the drivers behind me had no warning and luckily no accident was caused but possible it could be a serious problem. Apparently other people are having same engine issue reading online forum that several incidents missing oil and engine failure with little or no warning but hearing strange noise and engine shutting down and oil missing.
Apr 17, 2023
WHILE DRIVING CAR IS RANDOMLY STALLING . VISITED SEVERAL SERVICE INCLUDE KIA SERVICE AS WELL NOBODY KNOWS WHATS WRONG. IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WHEN DURING DRIVING THE CAR JUST STALLS ALL OF THE SUDDEN.
Sep 17, 2020
THIS IS A STANDARD 6 SPEED VEHICLE. REVERSE IS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS 1ST GEAR. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT ONE MUST PULL ON A SLIDER CONTROL IN THE SHIFT HANDLE TO GET INTO FIRST. HISTORICALLY, REVERSE WAS ALWAYS THE GEAR FARTHEST AWAY FROM THE DRIVER. I HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THOUGHT I WAS IN FIRST BUT WAS ACCIDENTLY IN REVERSE. I CAUGHT THE MISTAKE BEFORE THERE WAS ANY ACCIDENT. AS A SUGGESTION, REVERSE SHOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR ALL CARS IN AMERICA. ACTUALLY, THE ENTIRE GEAR PATTERN SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR ALL STANDARD CARS IN AMERICA TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT.
Nov 23, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
I've had recalls on antiknock sensor and catalytic problems with vehicle I've had them repaired at kia dealerships to no avail I've had catalytic converter replaced with my own money because the solutions did not fix problems..still having severe issues.vehicles engine light blinks three times and goes into limp mode which prevents engine from accelerating past 45 mph
Apr 03, 2022
The fuel tank is made in two parts a top and a bottom and assembled together along with mounting brackets. The joining seam leaks fuel when the fuel level is greater than half fuel. The fuel leakage is very close to the exhaust system creating a potentially dangerous Fire and Safety hazard. The design is flawed because the mounting brackets continually stress the joint which separates to cause fuel leakage.
Feb 23, 2022
MY CAR IS STALLING A LOT I CHANGE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND IT KEEPS STALLING OUT.
Aug 01, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
MY CAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) HAS REPEATEDLY STARTED ROLLING WHEN PARKED IN 1ST CAR WITH THE E-BRAKE PULLED. TWO WEEKS AGO IT ALMOST RAN OVER MY SON. HE SCREAMED AND STRANGERS RAN AND STOPPED THE CAR FROM ROLLING ON MY SON. IT HAS STARTED ROLLING LIKE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN I WAS CERTAIN THE BRAKE WAS FULLY PULLED AND THE CAR WAS IN 1ST GEAR. I HAVE BEEN IN THE CAR WHEN IT HAS DONE THIS AND CAN CONFIRM FIRST HAND THIS PROBLEM.
Sep 11, 2019
THE SIDE BRAKES DO NOT ILLUMINATE SO THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS ARE AT RISK. WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS OF FAILURE. THIRD LIGHT WORKS FINE ON TOP.
Nov 24, 2017
THE BRAKES ON ALL FOUR WHEEL ARE "EXTREMELY" SENSITIVE. THIS IS NOT BRAKES GRABBING, IT IS THE THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BRINGS BRAKING SYSTEM ON "HARD". IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE LIGHT TOUCH TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT OVER BRAKING. THE DEAL SAID THIS IS NORMAL. I SAY BS, THIS ISN'T MY FIRST NEW CAR. IN A NUT SHELL, THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS TO SENSITIVE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL CORRECT STOPPING DISTANCE. *TR
Jan 09, 2013
WHEELS
3 complaints
ON APRIL 23, 2015, WE DROVE FROM OUR HOME IN MIAMI TO NORTH GEORGIA. THE FIRST TIRE FAILED ON THE WAY TO NORTH GEORGIA, NEAR GAINESVILLE, FL. THE SECOND TIRE FAILED ON THE RETURN TRIP NEAR LENNOX, GA. AS YOU CAN PLAINLY SEE FROM THE ATTACHED IMAGES, BOTH TIRES APPEAR TO HAVE FAILED IN THE EXACT SAME WAY. I STILL HAVE THE SECOND TIRE IN MY POSSESSION IF YOU FEEL AN INSPECTION IS CALLED FOR. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST 2 FAILURES, THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 26,500 MILES ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2015, A THIRD TIRE FAILED IN THE EXACT SAME MANNER AS THE PREVIOUS TWO. AT THIS POINT I REPLACED THE REMAINING 2 TIRES EVEN THOUGH THE FOURTH ONE HAD NOT YET FAILED. I STILL HAVE THESE TIRES IN MY POSSESSION AS WELL. AT THE TIME OF THIS FAILURE THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER 2011 AND SOLD AS NEW TO US IN MARCH 2012. FORTUNATELY NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I WERE INJURED DURING EITHER OF THE FAILURES AND WE MAKE NO CLAIM FOR ANY INJURY. ALSO, THE COST OF TOWING OUR VEHICLE WAS COVERED BY OUR CAR INSURANCE, AND WE MAKE NO CLAIM FOR THAT EITHER. WHAT WE BELIEVE WOULD BE APPROPRIATE WOULD BE A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TWO REPLACEMENT TIRES WE WERE FORCED TO PURCHASE DURING OUR TRIP. THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TIRE PURCHASED IN GAINESVILLE, FL COST $78.92. THE SECOND TIRE, PURCHASED IN ADEL, GA COST $101.58 FOR A TOTAL OF $180.50. ADDITIONALLY, BECAUSE OF THESES FAILURES, THE RELIABILITY OF THE TWO REMAINING TIRES IS QUESTIONABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE BOTH REMAINING TIRES REPLACED AT YOUR COMPANY'S EXPENSE.
Oct 29, 2015
PRIOR TO PREVIOUS SERVICE, I NOTICED LUG NUTS WERE BEGINNING TO RUST. SUMMIT PLACE KIA HAD ONE FOR THIS MODEL AND REPLACED THE WORST ONE AND WAS TO ORDER A NEW SET FOR ALL WHEELS AS A WARRANTY ITEM. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CALL ME WHEN THESE CAME IN. NEVER RECEIVED A PHONE CALL. I ASKED ABOUT THIS UPON NEXT SERVICING AND THEY FOUND THAT NOBODY HAD EVER ORDERED THE REMAINING LUG NUTS. I DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT THIS BETWEEN SERVICE APPTS. SINCE IT APPEARED TO ONLY BE SURFACE RUST AT THIS POINT...NO THREAT OF DANGER, YET. THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ORDERED THE PARTS WHILE I WAS STANDING THERE SO WE KNEW THEY'D GOTTEN ORDERED AND ARE TO BE REPLACED WITHIN THE WEEK. I'VE HAD 10-12 CARS IN MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER HAD A LUG NUT RUST ON A VEHICLE WHICH IS 2 MODEL YEARS OLD...ESPECIALLY ON A GARAGE-KEPT VEHICLE. HOPEFULLY THIS NEXT SET DOES NOT FOLLOW SUIT OR I'LL BE HEADED OVER TO THE PARTS STORE AND WILL REPLACE THEM MYSELF. *TR
Nov 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE TIRE FAILED. THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A REPAIR KIT INSTEAD OF A SPARE TIRE. THE REPAIR KIT WAS FIX-A-FLAT AND A DC AIR PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WERE AWARE THAT SOME VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE SPARE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7200.
May 14, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
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 informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Oct 14, 2025
The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed but the police report information was not available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The contact stated that the recall notice had not been received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Sep 25, 2025
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving and turning, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from near the wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side wheel bearing, and axle had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was a loud metal-to-metal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the mechanic was using a crowbar on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and was informed that the CV axle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jul 16, 2025
DRIVING SOUTH ON I65 BETWEEN GARDENDALE, AL AND BIRMINGHAM, AL. AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH - CLEAR DAY, SUNNY APPX 80 DEGREES AT 11:00 AM CST. CONCRETE ROADWAY WITH EXPANSION JOINTS. EXPERIENCED VIOLENT GYRATIONS - CAR LITERALLY BOUNCING OFF ROADWAY. SLOWED TO 50 MPH AND MOVED VEHICLE TO FAR LEFT LANE - ROADWAY WAS SMOOTHER AND CAR RETURNED TO A STABLE CONDITION. THE ORIGINAL LANE WAS ROUGHER. BUT THE CAR BECAME VERY UNSTABLE TO THE POINT OF FEARING THAT I WOULD LOSE CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL FREEWAY SPEEDS WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENTS. NO APPARENT DAMAGE BUT I WILL HAVE THE SUSPENSION CHECKED BY THE DEALER. *TR
Aug 27, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
While driving KIA 2012: It will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, ie: brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.
Jul 06, 2025
Despite being assured for years by KIA that my vehicle was not affected by this recall, I received a recall notice in DECEMBER 2023 for the HECU. Now it is April, and my vehicle still is not repaired because KIA STILL has not supplied the part required to fix this safety issue. Because of the high theft issue of my vehicle, I cannot park it outside and KIA is now telling me I cannot park the vehicle inside because of fire hazard. I have had to pay a higher insurance premium just to keep my car insured and have even been denied insurance by Farmers and Progressive. I am afraid to drive my car and how am I supposed to afford another car? Some dealers will not even consider the car as a trade in.
Apr 03, 2024
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
To Whom It May Concern, I need a Recall Letter send to me to get my 2012 Kia Soul repaired. My Catalytic Converter needs to be replace, and my engine is leaking oil and that will need to be replace, and the Pillars on the front of my car, on the right & left side, needs to be replace, they flew off my car while I was driving on [XXX]. I looked up the information on the computer, that the vehicle emission warranty extends beyond the manufacturer's. along with others emission control devices, Federal Law requires to replace a defective Catalytic Converter & Engine for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles, the miles on my car is 128, 684. I took my vehicle to get check by Brake World , on [XXX] they said I needed a CRankshaft Position Sensor & a new Catalytic Converter. I have the printed out receipt from Brake World. I did get my Crankshaft Position Sensor replace with a shop call ECONOMICAL AUTO CARE LLC. Do I get a refund for that, the price was 182.73, I got it done on [XXX}, I do have my receipt for that. I did take my vehicle to Kia Auto on 735 South Military Trial #C, West Palm Beach, Fl 33415, on [XXX]. I had a Recall Letter for the HECU, and the Dealer Al told me I needed my Catalytic Converter replace, but he did not put it on the receipt when I pick my car up & he did not let me know it was a recall on it, until I looked it up. My car was making a loud knocking noise & would cut off when I stopped at a red light and I had to keep on starting my car up every time and my vehicle would jerked and shake and the Engine Light comes on. So when I got the Catalytic Converter Sensor on it, the loud knocking noise stop, but the Engine Light stills comes on. But I still needs the Catalytic Converter replace on my car. So Please send me the Recall Letters for I can get my vehicle completed. Thank you & God Bless. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 22, 2024
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.
Nov 07, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Vehicle first started to have issue with the blower motor relay, unknowingly at the time, that was the issue I had brought it to numerous mechanics, told it’s my blower motor itself, then took it to Kia and was told it’s not and they put my old one back in and didn’t solve any issue, on my way home my check engine light came on, driving on the HWY at 70mph. I get off on my exit slow down to the speed of 40Mph stop at the red light and then my vehicle starts to stall, refused to go faster then 40mph and was fighting it, at 7rpms. Local shop said it was some sort of sensor, had another mechanic look at it and found that KIA hadn’t put my Cars Computer back on my vehicle, so it was just flapping around, once he reconnected it the issue disappeared. Following this I have had a ticking engine for 2/3 years. Local mechanic said it was my Engine lifters, so we replaced all 18. The noise never stopped. I brought it back and was told I need a replacement engine the long block specifically, I couldn’t afford to replace it, years later it’s still making this noise at start up, in idel and when driving and becomes louder when I accelerate. I have had a hard time getting my vehicle to accelerate to HWY speeds at an efficient and safe level, having to use hazard lights. My car has had a gas fuel leak, repaired. I had to get a rental car. The blower motor relay has to be replaced every 3/4 months since it failed the first time years ago in order for my AC/heat to work, I’m a single mother, who is disabled with a special needs child, and a very low fixed income, this is a major safety concern on top of the HECU recall, I have asked for a buy back or a refund or replacement vehicle and have been denied, or at least reimbursement for the costs associated. Kia is negligent and obviously doesn’t seem to care whatsoever about their customers or their safety. If I could afford it I would sue them. Fire hazard, engine fire, stalling, ect.
Jun 25, 2024
MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336 CODE THEN THE TACHOMETER DIED. ALTHOUGH THE TECHOMETER DIED, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO IDLE (AND RUN) WITHOUT FURTHER MISFIRES. UPON SEEING THIS, I FIGURED IT WAS THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS (AS THE SYMPTOMS ARE VERY SIMILIAR). I FOUND, AND REPLACED BOTH ENGINE MOUNTED CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS, BUT NO NEW SYMPTOMS UNTILL I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THE VEHICLE EMMITED 3 OBD CODES, AND DIDNT START MISFIRING UNTIL THE TACHOMETER WENT OVER 3500 RPM. BY THEN, I WAS DOING A HIGHWAY TEST ON I-80 OUTSIDE LINCOLN, NE, AND THE CAR JUST DIED AT AROUND 55-65 MPH. IT EMMITED CODE 0336 FOR A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, 0565 FOR CRUISE CONTROL ON SIGNAL MALFUNCTION (I HAVE THE BASE MODEL, SO THERE IS NO CRUISE CONTROL), AND 0517 FOR BATTERY TEMPERATURE CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. I MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE INTERSTATE, AND BACK HOME WHERE THE PROBLEM CHANGED AGAIN. NOW IT MISFIRES UNTILL THE TACHOMETER HITS 3500, THEN THE TACHOMETER DIES AND THE VEHICLE APPEAR TO RUN NORMAL (DISPITE THE REOCCURING ODB2 CODES 0366, 0517, AND 0565) IT APPEARS THE ENGINE HEATED UP ENOUGH TO BURN OUT A BRAND NEW CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY. (AND POSSIBLY THE ECU AS IT NOW REPORTS MY NON-EXISTANT CRUISE CONTROL IS MALFUNCTIONING)
Mar 15, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
The engines makes a weird chatter noise all the time
Nov 10, 2023
Unknown. Piston rings have blown, oil leaking into muffler.
Feb 16, 2023
VISIBILITY
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE SUN ROOF, THE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE SUN ROOF STOPPED HALFWAY OPENED. THE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED A SECOND TIME AND THE SUN ROOF OPENED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CASEY KIA (11999 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606, (757) 347-8247) HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.
Nov 05, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THE BLOWER, WHICH OPERATED THE AIR CONDITIONER AND DEFROSTER, MALFUNCTIONED. THE WINDOWS DID NOT DEFROST AND IMPAIRED THE FIELD OF VISION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UNDER WIRE CABLE AND THE BLOWER SYSTEM, BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 05/21/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVEN TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/23/12
Apr 20, 2012
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WHICH KIA CAN'T IDENTIFY OR TROUBLESHOOT. IT HAS BEEN IN THE KIA GARAGE HALF A DOZEN TIMES AND STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INITIALLY STARTED. THE STATUS LIGHTS IN THE DASH ALL LIGHT UP AND GO OUT ONE BY ONE WHEN SYSTEMS ARE CONFIRMED GOOD, EXCEPT THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST STEERING AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS STAY LIT. THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR AND DRIVEN FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET EVERYTHING AND THEN IT IS FINE. KIA WAS CALLED OUT TO A PARKING LOT AT ONE POINT WHILE THE SYSTEMS FAILED AND THEY HOOKED UP THEIR DIAGNOSTICS TO THE PORT AND WERE UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE VEHICLES COMPUTER SYSTEM IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO TRACK THIS ISSUE AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE UNTIL THE SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILS AND REFUSES TO RESET. DIAGNOSTICS DOES NOT PICKUP THE ERROR WHEN IT OCCURS AND THE VEHICLES INTERNAL COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER THE FAILURE EITHER. *TR
Mar 28, 2014
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND ATTEMPTED TO DO A LANE CHANGE. AGAIN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FALSELY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED ME TO COLLIDE WITH THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE ESC ACTIVATED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND CAUSED A SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE ACCIDENT. THESE ARE JUST 2 OF MANY INCIDENTS I HAVE EXPERIENCED. *TR
Mar 06, 2012
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN A RURAL ROAD IN KENTUCKY. A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF US. WE STRUCK THE DEER AT APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Jan 13, 2014
I WAS SLOWING APPROACHING PARKING SPOT. VEHICLE STARTED SPEEDING RAPIDLY, I COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK BUILDING. MY SON WAS YELLING TO STOP, I SAID I AM TRYING AND CANNOT. THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT, CAR WAS SMOKING, BADLY DENTED. WINDSHIELD BROKE. WE WERE BRUISED AND SCRATCHED. THERE WAS OVER $9500 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED AND SPED OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
Jul 16, 2013
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
DRIVING DOWN LOCAL STREET WHEN A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING IT. KIA HAS A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY I CALLED THEM TO FIX THE WINDSHIELD AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. I THEN TOOK THE CAR AND HAD IT REPAIRED BY A GLASS COMPANY. THE REPAIR COST ME ONLY 37.50 BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN ANY CAR OR TRUCK I OWNED. THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST NEW CAR AND FOREIGN CAR THAT I BOUGHT. I KNOW THIS HAPPENS BUT! IF KIA IS OFFERING BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTIES THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR
Dec 04, 2013
SAT. 8-24-13, AROUND 3:20 PM, I WENT OUT TO MY 2012 KIA SOUL PARKED ON THE STREET, IN PART-SHADE, IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA OF CENTERVILLE, OH. THE WINDOWS WERE CRACKED, AND THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS IN THE MID-80'S. I OPENED MY FRONT DOOR & PUT IN MY BEACH BAG. I THEN OPENED THE BACK DOOR, AND CLOSED THE FRONT DOOR, WHEN I HEARD A 'BOOM'. THE BACK GLASS ON THE HATCH BACK EXPLODED FROM THE MIDDLE & LACED EVERYWHERE ELSE, LEAVING A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE ABOUT 2 FEET WIDE. EVERYONE AT THE SCENE STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A WINDOW BREAK IN THAT WAY, FROM HEAT OR WHATEVER, AND IT WAS THEIR FEELING THAT IT HAD TO BE A 'DEFECT' IN THE GLASS. I WASN'T QUITE SURE WHAT TO DO, SO I CALLED 411 INFORMATION & ASKED FOR THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN CENTERVILLE. THEY GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO THE DEALERSHIP IN HUBER HEIGHTS. I SPOKE TO THE GM, WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE & I EXPLAINED THE SITUATION. KIA HAS A 60,000 MILE, BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, THAT IS BOASTED ABOUT AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY. I FIGURED WITH IT BEING A FLUKE, AND NOT LIKE BRAKES OR TIRES THAT HAD NORMAL WEAR & TEAR, THAT IT WOULD OF COURSE BE COVERED. THE GM PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT IT WASN'T, AND THAT THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BUT THAT I COULD BRING IT IN ON MONDAY, AS THE SERVICE CENTER WAS CLOSED AT THIS TIME. I ASKED IF HE COULD GIVE ME THE NUMBER TO THE CENTERVILLE DEALERSHIP, AS THEY GAVE ME THE WRONG NUMBER. HE STATED THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE THEIR NUMBER & THAT IT WASN'T CONVENIENT FOR HIM TO GET IT EITHER. I STATED THAT IT WAS LESS CONVENIENT FOR ME, AS I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE STILL REFUSED TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY GET THE NUMBER TO THE OTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE BACK WINDOW WILL COST ANYWHERE FROM $265 - $440 TO REPLACE. WOW !! *TR
Aug 26, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
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 converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place i take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the code so I need help
Dec 01, 2025
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.
Nov 04, 2025
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me as a person with dementia to stop me from driving disrupting my life. No pictures of the harassment I have received but I have tried to take notes of certain events. My previous vehicle was Kia Soul also, a newer model but it was totaled by a Nigerian attorney’s son when the whole family was in the car. The police officer who wrote the crash report , the prosecuting attorney and my attorney and judge I believe were all paid off so that the son could walk free without penalties for hurting me and totaling my vehicle. I believe this harassment has gone too far and is actually threatening my life and others by being allowed to continue harassing me and cause damage to my vehicle. I need direction on how to take care of of this issue as why I have contacted NHTSA. I also believe this is age related discrimination issue with strong attempts to stop me from driving although I have an excellent record in three states with one traffic ticket. My recent oil change was an unpleasant event because the technician refused to do a battery replacement and allowed me to drive away in that condition although I explained earlier, I needed my car checked completely so safely to drive A trip out of town. I had to return to the repair shop and speak to the manager and get my car serviced again with a new battery. I hope you can direct me on how to resolve this issue to drive safely without harassment and personal property violations.
Sep 21, 2025
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA ID Number: 10247553 (Steering, Structure, Electrical System), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or A/C was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Jul 03, 2025
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control warning light was continuously flashing on and off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 189,000.
Jun 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH before inadvertently decelerating to 20 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Apr 29, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
So I purchased a 2012 Kia Soul A few months ago and since I got it the car has been having issues with accelerating the car delays to respond and I have had many closed calls specifically when entering a freeway the car losses power and I have to really press on the pedal for the vehicle to respond then the check engine light started to come on showing Code P0420 Catalyst operating below minimum threshold. I looked up online and all Kia souls starting from 2012 have a recall regarding the Catalyst converter and because of the issue my vehicle is having a weird rattling or knocking sound on the engine I looked up online and this is what I found Kia Motors America (Kia) is voluntarily recalling 2012–2016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines due to high exhaust gas temperatures that may damage the catalytic converter. This could cause abnormal engine combustion, damage to pistons, and possibly failed piston connecting rod. Recall 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. So at this point I’m not felling safe driving this vehicle anymore and I need my vehicle because I need it for work and to move my family around and the worst thing is that all this is cutting back on my income because I purchased this car for Uber & Lyft rides but I can’t do it I wouldn’t want to put other peoples life in danger knowing that the vehicle isn’t responding like it’s supposed to so please I need assistance or guidance on what to do to get this situation resolved as soon as possible because I wasted all muy funds purchasing this vehicle and at this point I can’t afford to pay someone to make any repairs my own vehicle pls don’t disregard my situation I’m out of options at this point thank you and have a great day Date 04-11-24 Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 12, 2024
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to stop the acceleration and repeatedly depressed the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the contact hit a curb, a sidewalk post, and finally, a retaining wall which stopped the vehicle. The sidewalk post was damaged due to the crash. The contact was unaware if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy at any time during the failure. A woman was knocked over by the vehicle as a result of the failure. The woman sustained a cut to her right hand and suffered pain to the right side of her body. The woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, her whereabouts remain unknown. The contact was treated at the scene by paramedics but did not need further medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,700.
Nov 29, 2023
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65MPH AND MY CAR JUST BEGAN TO IDLE AND SLOWED DOWN TO REDUCING SPEED QUICKLY. I COULD NOT GIVE IT ENOUGH ACCELERATION TO PICK UP SPEED. I PULLED OVER TO SHUT MY ENGINE CAR OFF. TURNED CAR BACK ON AND MY RPMS TO SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR WERE LOW. I HAD TO SHIFT MY GEARS QUICKLY TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. SINCE THEN, MY ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND I CANNOT GO FASTER THAN 50MPH
Oct 02, 2023
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
The vehicles steering wheel makes a clunking sound and there is a lot of play in it. It makes noise from left to right and vibrates at higher speeds. I have to drive with both hands gripping the wheel to hold it steady. I drive on the freeway at least once a week to visit my son and grandkids and now to nervous to drive it as it’s an hour drive. I am a senior and cannot afford to pay out of pocket. I’ve had my 2012 Kia Soul since 2013. I bought it used with 22,000 miles on it. I now have reached the 100,000 mile mark. I paid $20,000 for this vehicle over time and now I need Kia to step up and pay for this defect. Since it’s happening in almost all their cars it must be their fault. I don’t understand why they are not fixing the 2012’s but all other years are covered. That is a mistake that will kill someone soon and then they will have a lot more problems than they are facing now. They recently offered me a steering wheel lock so that my car can’t be stolen, that’s funny cause I don’t think that it would be worth stealing cause the steering is already compromised. Please get them to step up and take care of all their customers as it’s their fault. The part is a little rubber star thing that costs $8.00 but labor is 400 dollars and up. Thank you for listening.
Aug 29, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. Smoke was then seen coming from under the front end of the vehicle. After the contact exited the vehicle flames and smoke began to engulf the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to the home. The extent of the damage to the vehicle and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Jun 23, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash no air bags deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury which did not require medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. In a second incident, the vehicle crashed down an embankment, and again no airbags had deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury that did not require medical treatment. Recently while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and the engine was burning excessive oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
May 02, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was strongly secured. 3. Alignment performed in February 2022. Approximately 2 weeks after the alignment, my car started stuttering, if you will, prior to shifting into third gear. Then, again, prior to each shift into the higher gears. It stalled a few times in response to this action. While accelerating, the car begins to jerk severely, as if the brakes are being pumped. It doesn't do this immediately, but only begins once it's warmed up. Several sensors have been replaced. Fuel filter replaced. It's a standard, but the transmission was replaced after I purchased it in 2018. After hooking up to the code scanner at the parts store, the Steering Tilt Sensor is the code shown. My theory is this: When the steering coupler was replaced leaving my steering wheel in the turned position, and then aligning it with it in the wrong position, that threw the tilt code. Maybe it's jerking because it thinks I'm turning when I'm not, and it could possibly be engaging the abs to slow me down while it thinks I'm turning. Would I be wrong in assuming that if I get the steering wheel straightened, get another alignment, and clear the steering tilt sensor, my car will act normal again? I am uncertain what system or part failed, but it is definitely available to be inspected. I could have died when the u-joint fell off if I hadn't been almost to a stop sign every time. The problem continues, but has not been addressed or confirmed by a dealer.
Apr 07, 2023
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
Oil plug loosened and fell out resulting in engine failure.
Nov 29, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I had my Kia in the shop for 2 months from August 22, 2022 until about the middle of October because it went into limp mode and they were waiting on Kia consumer to ok a new engine because the dealership heard a knock. I was originally told my Kia had a lifetime warranty on the motor but when it went into limp mode with 156.044 miles on it they then said 150,000 mile warranty so I had to pay out of pocket to have the part fixed. I’ve have my car back less than a month haven’t even put a 1,000 miles on it and it’s went right back into limp mode in the middle of a four lane. Almost got rear ended because the speed bogged down to below 45mph. It’s throwing the same code as it didn’t previously.
Nov 12, 2022
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
"play" and clicking noises in steering wheel have increasingly gotten much worse and noisier, clicking and clunking on turns. I feel like any moment my steering is going to go out and I am going to put everyone in my car and around me at risk. Called dealership and they said it is a common problem which I researched and found that the coupler in steering wheel fails. Kia used the same part in presvious years same model and even years afterward and those years were recalled but not my year. Makes no sense. The next issue was I was driving on the highway at 70 and all of a sudden lost power and car would not accelerate beyond a speed of 45 mph. Black smoke came out of my tail pipe and I limped home at 20 mph. Mo engine warning lights but I could smell something was hit like melted plastic. After letting the car sit a couple hours, I started it and it sounds like there is a hole in the exhaust all of a sudden. There lots of black ish grey soot under my car as if a balloon burst with soot in it from underneath the car somewhere. I called the dealer and described the issue and all they did was look up my vin and tell me there is no recall and that I must have gotten bad gas somewhere.
Oct 23, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Car started ticking, small repair shop told me it was engine lifters, I paid $2000 to replace them. After replacing the engine lifters the mechanic said it would be quite and stop making the ticking noise on idle and acceleration. However 5 months later it was still ticking, low power, brought it back in and they said I need to replace the engine lock block. This mechanical defect is a recall on my vehicles make model and year however it’s VIN is not under the recall. Car will stall, doesn’t want to accelerate quickly, will shake, and tap, or tick noise from the engine at start, and the entire time car is running, th ticking increases when I accelerate.
Oct 03, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Any time I apply the brakes while simultaneously hitting a bump, speed bump, etc, the brakes seems to loose power and the brakes seem to go to the floor. It's frightening! I have mentioned it to the KIA Dealer but they've not been able to identify the issue.
Aug 02, 2022
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
Popping in steering when turning back and forth. Cruise and radio quit working.
Aug 01, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Loss of power to brakes while braking at low speed resulting in a crash, air bag deployment and blowout of driver airbag. Driver sustained chemical burns, and abdomen bruising. The fire department extinguished a small fire . The KIA is a almost total loss .
Jan 12, 2022
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
MY 2012 KIA SOUL HAS STARTED TO MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. ON TOP OF THIS THE STEERING HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING THE WIND BLEW AT THE CAR AND THE STEERING BEING SO LOOSE CAUSED ME TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. LUCKY FOR ME THERE WASN'T ANOTHER CAR AROUND OR IT WOULD HAVE HIT ME HEAD ON. IT'S HARD TO CONTROL IT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON ALSO NOW. I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT IS HAPPENING. I HOPE IT WORKS IN CASE THIS STEERING ISSUE CAUSES ME TO WRECK. I NEED THE CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY DEALERSHIP TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HAS BECOME VERY NERVE-WRACKING DUE TO STEERING BEING SO LOOSE. I HAVE READ THAT EVERYO E WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES.
Feb 21, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR, IT STALLS WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, ETC., GEARED IN DRIVE AND LOW IDLE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN RESTARTED IT PROCEEDS AT A SLOW CRAWL AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE OR WILL ACCELERATE NORMALLY IN 15 TO 30 SECONDS. HAD OIL, OIL FILTER AND ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACED BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT STALLS. AFTER SIX TIMES OF DYING AND NOT ACCELERATING, IT IS NOW PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND FEAR IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN ONE WEEK WITH NO PRIOR OPERATION ISSUES. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE FROM OTHER KIA SOUL OWNERS BUT NO RESOLVES, JUST ASTRONOMICAL REPAIR BILLS WITH NO FIXES AND NO HELP FROM KIA, DEALERSHIPS OR THE GOVERNMENT.
Feb 04, 2021
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
MY 2012 KIA SOUL POWER STEERING IS ALMOST LOCK IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN
Nov 07, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I JUST BOUGHT MY CAR IN APRIL AND WITH REGISTRATION PAPERS I RECEIVED RECALL PAPERS STATING 2 RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS LEGAL TO SELL VEHICLE WITHOUT HAVING IT FIXED.?? NEXT I. TAKE MY VEHICLE TO KIA DEALER ON MONDAY AUGUST 3 TO FIX RECALLS THEY.SAID.NO CODES SHOW.. I DRIVE HOME 45 MINI AWAY. CAR DIES. INEXT MORNING.IT.DIES.AGAIN WONT START.. I LOOKS UNDER THE HOOD AND THERE.IS A.WIRE BURING THROUGH MY FUS BOX WHICH WAS NOT THERE BEFORE AND NOW I HAVE NO.POWER TO MY VEHICLE AND SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT I KNOW THAT WIRE WASN'T THERE BEFORE.
Aug 08, 2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO THE WARNING LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER DISPLAYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Jun 24, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON. AT RANDOM, ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER, BUT DOES NOT QUIT. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, CAR ONLY REACHES APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. OBSERVED TO HAPPEN AFTER TURNING IGNITION KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. HOWEVER, OCCURRENCE IS RANDOM, AND NO ENGINE WARNING CODE IS GIVEN. MECHANICS FIND NOTHING WRONG, DUE TO NO WARNING CODE.
Jul 03, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHERE DO I START, MY 2012 KIA SOUL HAS ABOUT 86,000 MILES AND HAS EXPERIENCE ISSUES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IT STARTED A FEW YEARS AGO WHERE I CHANGED MY LEFT BRAKE LIGHT AND DISCOVERED IT WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE WHERE BULB IS BURNT AND HAVE TO REPLACE ABOUT TWICE YEARLY. SECOND, SOMETIMES WHEN I GO TO CRANK MY CAR IT WOULD START FAINTLY THEN STALL OUT AND I WILL HAVE TO RETRY AGAIN UNTIL IT CRANKS CORRECTLY. THIS HAVING ALSO BEEN OCCURRING FOR A FEW YEARS. THIRD, WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR I'VE EXPERIENCED A/C CONTROL PROBLEMS. WHEN I GO TO TURN IT ON IT WONT DO ANYTHING,NO DEFROST/BLOWING/HOT/COLD NOTHING. THEN I WOULD PROCEED TO KEEP TRYING TO TURN OFF AND ON AND OUT OF NO WHERE IT JUST STARTS ON ITS OWN. SOMETIMES IT'S SCARY ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED TO DEFROST MY WINDOWS AND IT DECIDES NOT TO WORK. TOOK IT TO SUN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT AND SAID AND I QUOTE "IT HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE", WHATEVER THAT MEANS. FOURTH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL BUTTON. DONT KNOW IF IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THIS HAS ALSO STARTED WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR. FINALLY, ABOUT A FEW MONTHS AGO MY STEERING WHILE STARTED MAKING THIS ANNOYING CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT . THAT IS WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED OR STOPPED. IT JUST KEEPS CLICKING EVERY MOVEMENT, BUMPS AND TURNS. SUDDENLY I RECIEVED A LETTER ABOUT THIS GIVEN WARRANTY RECALLING MY VEHICLE TO GET FIXED. NOW I'M QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT IF MY OTHER PROBLEMS ARE COMMON IN OTHER VEHICLES AND IS ON THE ROLL TO RECALL
May 16, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KIA STATING TO HAVE MY STEERING CHECKED OUT . I AM HEARING A POPPING NOISE WHEN I TURN LEFT IN THE STEERING. IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING THE KIA DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. BUT THERE'S GOT TO BE SOMETHING GOING ON AND THEY KEEP TRYING TO TELL ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. ALSO THERE'S A SUSPENSION NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEN I GO OVER A GREAT OR ANYTING EVEN A SMALL LITTLE DENT IN THE ROAD IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE BACK END OF MY CAR IS GOING TO FALL APART ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES MY LIGHTS DIM ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE THEN WHEN I GO THE LIGHTS WILL GO BRIGHT AGAIN.
May 14, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR WAS GREAT UNTIL IT REACHED THE 100000 MILE MARK. THEN IT LOSES ALL POWER AND DIES WHILE GOING 65 TO 70 MPH ON FREEWAY! IT IS GOING TO GET ME KILLED! WHEN HAPPENS, THE RPM GAUGE QUICKLY PLUMMETS TO ZERO AND REMAINS THERE AT ZERO AFTER I GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER IT SITS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES IT STARTS FINE WITH THE RPM GAUGE GIVING AN ACTUAL READING. THIS IS HAPPENING ABOUT 3 TIMES IN A 25 MILE SPAN!
Mar 18, 2019
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ENGINE LEAKING AND CAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER DOESN'T SEAM RIGHT
Mar 05, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY BEHIND A SEMI. WHEN THE SEMI GOT OVER IN THE RIGHT LANE I ACCELERATED AND HERD A LOUD BANG AND DARK SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM MY ENGINE. IT SMELLED OFTEN AND IMPAIRED MY VISION. SEVERAL OF MY CAUSATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I WAS STUCK AT 60 MPH MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND STOPPED WORKING. I GOT OVER IN THE RIGHT LANE SAFELY AND COASTED FOR ABOUT A MILE AND A HALF TO THE NEAREST EXIT. SOMETHING TOLD ME DO NOT PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKES OR YOU WILL BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. AS I GOT OF THE EXIT I STARTED TO BRAKE AND MY CAR STOPPED AND DIED.OIL WAS LEAKING OUT AND NOTHING WAS WORKING. I HAD TO GET PEOPLE TO PUSH ME OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME I HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. SO MY ENGINE FAILED ME AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I DID RESEARCH AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY KIA'S WITH RECALL AND VERY SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS MINE BUT NOT WITH MY MODEL CAR. I AM SURE THIS IS A MANUFACTURES ERROR AND I PRAY KIA DOES A RECALL TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S LIVES. *JS *JS
May 17, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRE COVERS AND WIRES WERE DISINIGRATED. IT WAS TAKEN TO SHOP AND REPAIRED. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN AGAIN ON 5/10/18 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP AND MECHANIC HAD ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT DIFFERENT LOCATION, THIS TIME WAS WORSE AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ENDANGERING THE SAFETY TO MYSELF AND OTHER OCCUPANTS. WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT KIA USES A SOY BASED PEANUT OIL COATING FOR THE WIRES. HE INFORMED THAT THIS WOULD ATTRACT ANIMALS. I HAVE SPENT OVER $900 FOR THESE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT KIA IS AWARE OF THIS AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS AS FAR AS HE IS AWARE OF.
May 16, 2018
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I RECENTLY NOTICED WHEN STOPPED THAT THE STEERS NO WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN STEER NO LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK AGAIN AND HAS A LITTLE PLAY LIKE IT'S NOT CATCHING. ALSO I RECENTLY HAD BRAKE LIGHTS REPLACED AND IT QUICKLY BURNED OUT ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT.
May 04, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
12/28/17 PURCHASED CAR FROM KIA DEALERSHIP. 1/27/18 I WAS DRIVING APPROX 50 MPH DOWN A COUNTY ROAD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD PANELLING FLEW OFF. THE PASSENGER SIDE IS LOOSE AS WELL. I AM TOLD NO WAY TO SECURE PASSENGER SIDE IT JUST HAS TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. ALSO NOTICED A LOUD SCREECHING COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BRAKE. 2/3/18 NEIGHBOR WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME DOWN A CITY STREET AND CALLED TO TELL ME REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE APPEARED WOBBLY. 2/6/18 DEALERSHIP SAID BAD WHEEL BEARING AND REPLACED BUT STILL HAD NOT ORDERED PANELLING. ALSO SAID NOISE WAS FINE IT WAS JUST CAUSED BY METALLIC STRUCTURE OF BRAKES AND HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. 2/7/18 THE STEREO WILL TURN ON BUT EVERYTHING IS BACK TO FACTORY PRESETS AND NO SOUND COMES OUT OF SPEAKERS.
Feb 07, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
2012 KIA SOUL WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS .
Feb 04, 2018
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR WOULDN'T START. HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA OF BOWIE MD., WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPLACED ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COST ESTIMATED $200.00 DOLLARS INCLUDING DIAGNOSTIC. KIA OF BOWIE NEVER CALLED AND WHEN I FINALLY CONTACTED SOMEONE A WEEK LATER, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS OUT AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATE $2000.00 AND THAT'S THE PART. CAR HAS ONLY 70.000 MILES.
Nov 27, 2017
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
BOUGHT WIFE BRAND NEW 2012 KIA SOUL IN 2012. GOT STANDARD TRANSMISSION. AT AROUND 20K I NOTICED A SQUEAL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY DISENGAGED, BY THAT I MEAN VEHICLE RUNNING FOOT COMPLETELY OFF CLUTCH. I PRESUMED IT WAS A THROW OUT BEARING. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE AGREED. SO I TOOK IT TO LOCAL KIA DEALER. BOUGHT VEHICLE IN DENTON TEXAS, BUT HAD MOVED 7 HOURS SOUTH TO CORPUS CHRISTI AREA. WHEN I TOOK IT TO KIA IN CORPUS I GOT THE RUN AROUND. YES OF COURSE THEY COULD HEAR IT BUT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING MECHANICALLY. SO I WAS BASICALLY TOLD TOO BAD. WIFE REALLY WANTED THE SOUL. AND NOW I HAVE TO TELL HER KIA DOESN'T CARE IF IT MAKES EMBARRASSING NOISES WHILE SHE'S DRIVING, JUST AS LONG AS I'M MAKING THE PAYMENTS. THROW OUT BEARINGS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO SQUEAK OR SQUEAL. THAT NOISE IS METAL ON METAL FRICTION, THE ENERGY IT TAKES TO MAKE THAT NOISE HAS TO BE MADE BY SOME SORT OF FUEL. IN THIS CASE IT'S METAL RUBBING ON METAL IN A FASHION THAT CAUSES AN UNBEARABLE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE UNTIL SOMETHING FINALLY GIVES PREMATURELY. WIFE DECIDED SHE WOULD DO HER BEST TO IGNORE IT. AND JUST ENJOY HER NEW CAR. HERE WE ARE 2015. HAS MADE THAT HORRIBLE NOISE ALL THESE YEARS. WE BOTH DESPISE THE VEHICLE AND KIA IN GENERAL FOR THE LACK OF ETHICS. LAST MONTH SHE WAS DRIVING BEHIND A WORK TRUCK AND THE WORK TRUCK HAD A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BROKE OFF OF THE TRUCK AT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE ASSEMBLE FLEW BACK AND SMASHED INTO MY WIFE'S CAR. THE GUYS INSURANCE CLAIMED HIS RESPONSIBILITY. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE AT ALLEN SAMUELS FOR 5 WEEKS. PICKED IT UP LAST NIGHT. THROW OUT BEARING IS UNBEARABLY LOUD AND NEW SQUEAL AS WELL. BODY SHOP SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM. SHOULD HAVE REPLACED IT WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT. THEY REPLACED WHOLE FRONT RIGHT OF VEHICLE, BUT DIDN'T TOUCH LOUD NEW SQUEAL.
Dec 23, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY CAR'S HEATER ASSEMBLY CONTROL HAS FAILED AND IN DOING SO MY CAR'S HEATER DEFAULTED TO COLD AND FACE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. KIA WANTS AN ASTRONOMICAL FEE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND EVEN MORE FOR THE PART AND INSTALLATION.
Oct 22, 2015
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY CAR WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH WHEN IT REAR ENDED A STOPPED VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. THEN MY CAR WAS REAR ENDED SECONDS AFTERWARDS. MY CAR WAS SCRUNCHED (TOTALED), BOTH FRONT AND BACK, AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE INJURIES TO THE DRIVER WOULD'VE BEEN MUCH LESS SEVERE. I HAVE HUGE CONCERNS AND DOUBTS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS MODEL. I DON'T THINK THE AIRBAGS IN THIS MODEL PROPERTLY FUNCTION.
Jul 16, 2015
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER AND EVERY SO OFTEN THE GAUGES AND THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I HAD CONTACTED THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, I THEN TOOK IT TO THEIR REPAIR SHOP. THE GENTLEMAN (MECHANIC) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED ANOTHER VEHICLE, OF COURSE THEY REFUSED. IN A MATTER OF DAYS, THE DASH MATERIALS BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY, 20 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. NONE OF THE LIGHTS AND GAUGES IN THE DASH WORK, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO DRIVE. I AM SIMPLY UNHAPPY WITH THE MATTER, BECAUSE THEY ARE CHARGING ME NEARLY $20,000. FOR THE VEHICLE. *TR
Mar 25, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE RADIO HAD A SERVICE ADVISORY INSTEAD OF A RECALL, SO I WASN'T NOTIFIED BY MAIL. BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT IN ADDITION TO THE RADIO, IT AFFECTS THE BACKUP CAMERA AND EVENTUALLY THE DASHBOARD, MAKING BOTH OF THEM INOPERABLE. THE REPAIRMEN AT FORD KIA IN RICHMOND, CA TRIED TO PLAY THIS OFF LIKE IT'S NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM. BUT IF THE DASHBOARD CONTROLS ARE USELESS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AND YOU NEED TO TRY AND PULL OVER TO RESTART THE CAR, THAT IS A PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN. UPDATED 10/05/2017*JS
Apr 11, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. CAR WAS 3 WEEKS OLD.
Jul 28, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
MY CAR IS BELIEVED TO BE RECALLED, BECAUSE THE MPG (MILE PER GAS?) IS SUPPOSED TO BE BETWEEN 30 TO 34 MPG WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS BETWEEN 20 TO 25 MPG ALL THE TIMES AND NEVER EXCEED TO 34 MPG OR MORE. THE DETAIL OR GUIDE SHOWED THAT IT CAN EXCEED TO 34 MPG. I THINK MAYBE THEY LIED OR DIDN'T KNOW THAT IT IS RECALLED UNTIL THEY FOUND OUT, BUT HOWEVER THEY MAILED ME A FORM AND WITH THE URL OF THE ONLINE FORM TO FILL OUT FOR THE GIFT CARDS TO BE RECEIVED. I DID, BUT THEY ARE WAITING FOR ME TO PICK UP THE GIFT CARD (ABOUT $120) AND I DID NOT WANT IT. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT IS HOW THEY TREATED ME AS A DUMB CUSTOMER AND NOT HAVE THE MPG RECALL TO REPLACE OR REPAIR INSTEAD OF RECEIVING THE GIFT CARD. IT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE TRYING TO SAVE THE MONEY, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THE REPLACE OR REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE. IF THE AUTHORITIES READ THIS, THIS MUST ACT NOW AND HAVE IT REPAIR OR REPLACE. THE GAS CONSUMED A BIT FAST AND WASTED MY MONEY, BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Jul 05, 2013
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE OF ANY KIND. INSTEAD YOU ARE GIVEN A SMALL AIR COMPRESSOR AND A CAN OF TIRE SEALANT. THIS WILL NOT HELP IF YOU HAVE A COMPLETE TIRE BLOW OUT. IN THAT INSTANCE YOU WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER. IF YOU ARE IN A REMOTE AREA, WITH NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE YOU ARE STRANDED. (IN MY CASE, THE DEALER DID NOT TELL ME THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE. I DISCOVERED IT AFTER I'D HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 2 MONTHS.) *TR
Oct 15, 2012
TIRES
1 complaint
FLAT TIRE. KIA SERVICE CLAIMED A METAL SHARD. PROBLEM IS SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN 06/06/2012. FLAT TIRE. KIA SERVICE CLAIMED A METAL SHARD. THIS IS OCCURRING IN REGULAR TRAFFIC, NOT CONSTRUCTION ETC. CONCLUSION: TIRES AREN'T SAFE. *TR
Jul 05, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
OPERATIONAL WARNING LIGHTS FOR BRAKES-STABILITY CONTROL-ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. I HAVE RETURNED TO DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX. THIS CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN.I.E. DO THESE SYSTEMS FUNCTION AS REQUIRED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES. *TR
Apr 08, 2012
STRUCTURE,TIRES,EQUIPMENT,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE 2012 KIA SOUL DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE, INSTEAD IT COMES WITH A CAN OF FIX- A- FLAT AND A AIR PUMP. THERE IS NO JACK EITHER. THE FLAT MAY BE FIXED IF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE TREAD AND THE HOLE IS UNDER 1/4 INCH IN DIAMETER. IF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE SIDEWALL OR GREATER THAN 1/4 INCH, THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE TOWED. FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CELL PHONE OR ARE IN AN AREA THAT GETS NO RECEPTION THEY WILL BE STRANDED UNTIL ANOTHER MOTORIST COMES ALONG AND THESE DAYS MOST MOTORISTS DON'T STOP FOR OTHER DRIVERS. KIA OFFERS ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT IF YOU ARE TRAVELING IN A REMOTE AREA, IN THE SOUTHWEST (LIKE DEATH VALLEY FOR EXAMPLE) WHAT DO YOU DO WITHOUT A SPARE? IF YOUR CELL PHONE QUITS, YOU'RE DONE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE AAA, THEIR DRIVER WILL HAVE TO TOW THE VEHICLE AS HE WON'T HAVE A SPARE EITHER. I PURCHASED A SPARE,JACK, AND TOOLS FOR A 2011 KIA SOUL WHEN I REALIZED I HAD NO SPARE.KIA TOLD ME THAT ALL THE MANUFACTURES HAVE GONE TO THE FIX- A -FLAT AND PUMP VERSES THE DONUT SPARE AND JACK. THERE ARE GOING TO BE A LOT OF ANGRY PEOPLE WHEN THEY START REALIZING THEY DON'T HAVE A SPARE AND THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND CAN'T GET A CELL SIGNAL. MY CONCERN IS TRAVELING AT NIGHT IN REMOTE AREAS AND BECOMING PRAY TO OTHER MOTORIST WITH NOT SO GOOD INTENTIONS. I THINK THIS IS A POTENTIAL DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. MOST DRIVERS DON'T CHECK FOR A SPARE WHEN THEY BUY A NEW VEHICLE, THEY JUST ASSUME IT HAS ONE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS TREND. IF NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS AT LEAST LOOK INTO MAKING KIA PROVIDE A DISCLAIMER BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SOLD. I FOUND OUT AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 22, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT
Sep 27, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2012 KIA Soul have?
The 2012 KIA Soul currently has 502 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2012 KIA Soul?
The most common problems reported for the 2012 KIA Soul are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2012 KIA Soul problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2012 KIA Soul comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - KIA Soul
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
Other KIA Models
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models