2012 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 209 1 crash 17 fire 4 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11278738, 2019 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“While driving down the freeway, the engine began to smoke and caught fire. My husband and kids were in the car but were fortunately able to pull over without physical injuries. Our insurance company held the car and a third party company (hired by Kia) concluded “ the origin of the fire is in the engine compartment at the exhaust manifold. The cause of the fire is internal engine failure resulting in a hole in the block allowing oil to escape and ignite on contact with heated exhaust components”. There were no warnings, check engine light, etc. Kia pointed us towards a class action lawsuit bu…”
NHTSA complaint #11525369, 2023 · fire

“i was driving, all of a sudden my car started losing speed so i got onto the shoulder. then i saw smoke and a fire from under the hood. the door stuck and i hit it with my shoulder to get out. 30 seconds after i got out the engine bay exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #11523474, 2023 · fire

Steering 166 3 crash 6 injury 2 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A VEHICLE IN FRONT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER MERGED ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. THE DRIVER OF THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT WAS IMPACTED ALSO SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER IN THE FIRST VEHICLE SUSTAINED SHOCK TRAUMA AND THE CHILD SEATED IN THE REAR SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES IN THE SECOND VEHICLE. ALL INJURED OCCUPANTS REQUIRED MED…”
NHTSA complaint #10957924, 2017 · crash · 2 death(s)

“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 ELECT…”
NHTSA complaint #11155899, 2018 · crash

“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 PROBLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10450518, 2012 · crash

Service Brakes 46 3 crash 3 fire

“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11447270, 2021 · crash · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11689749, 2025 · fire

“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 fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11528499, 2023 · fire

Unknown Or Other 39 2 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11278738, 2019 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11447270, 2021 · crash · fire

“MY 2012 KIA SOUL CAUGHT FIRE JULY 13TH WITH MY SON DRIVING. THERE WAS A TICKING IN THE MOTOR, A LOUD NOISE, AND THEN FLAMES. WE HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT KIA SAYS IT'S AN INSURANCE ISSUE AND THEY CAN'T/WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. NOW, NOT ONLY ARE WE WITHOUT A CAR BUT WE'RE STUCK WITH PAYMENTS FOR THE NEXT 2-3 YEARS BECAUSE INSURANCE SAYS IT'S NOT WORTH HALF OR WHAT WE STILL OWE ON IT. THANK GOD MY SON WAS OKAY BUT KIA NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11112495, 2018 · fire

Electrical System 38 2 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11557416, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11689749, 2025 · fire

“2012 KIA SOUL WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS .”
NHTSA complaint #11066866, 2018 · fire

Engine And Engine Cooling 32 1 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“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 illuminat…”
NHTSA complaint #11519953, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11528499, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, a abnormal noise and odor appeared from the rear both driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off, wait for about 15 minutes, attempted to turn the vehicle back on when the noise became louder and the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle then was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the command rod fractured and went through the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. In additi…”
NHTSA complaint #11430641, 2021 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 21

“On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 KIA Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would not turn over. Battery was fine checked it. Let it set a moment and tried it again would not start. Called a wrecker and towed it in. The service guy tried and couldn't get it to start either. He ran a diagnostic on it, there were not type of codes, no check engine light nothing. He had it for until 1/5/2026 and when they went to check it it started right up. They drove it for 20 miles to check to see if it would cut off while driving, it didn't. It starts now but for how long. Here's the stra…”
NHTSA complaint #11709889, 2025

“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. Hop…”
NHTSA complaint #11626944, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11603216, 2024

Power Train 21 3 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11557416, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 ELEC…”
NHTSA complaint #11021248, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 THA…”
NHTSA complaint #11207248, 2019 · fire

Structure 18 4 crash 1 fire 5 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11278738, 2019 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10734540, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2012 KIA SOUL WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS .”
NHTSA complaint #11066866, 2018 · fire

Air Bags 17 15 crash 1 fire 13 injury

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11557416, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 T…”
NHTSA complaint #10855656, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DRIVING A 2012 KIA SOUL, TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME, LIGHT WAS GREEN. MANAGED TO STOP AND GOT HIT IN THE REAR BY A JEEP, MY VEHICLE WAS PROPELLED INTO THE PICKUP IN FRONT OF ME. SUFFERED INJURIES TO NECK, SHOULDER, R/ARM R/ELBOW. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SET RESTRAINTS WE ALL THAT PREVENTED ME FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. INJURIES WERE FROM AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING PROPERLY. NONE DEPLOYED. DAMAGE TO FRONT ANSD REAR OF CAR, MIGHT BE TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #10809593, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 10 1 fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11424409, 2021 · fire

“When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?”
NHTSA complaint #11744927, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11091967, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 10

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11702167, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11639106, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11585871, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 7 1 crash

“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 PROBLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10450518, 2012 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11344118, 2020

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11187504, 2018

Suspension 7 2 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10734540, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 REALL…”
NHTSA complaint #10811867, 2013 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11674032, 2025

Wheels 6 1 crash

“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 REALL…”
NHTSA complaint #10811867, 2013 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11697452, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10787095, 2015

Latches/Locks/Linkages 5

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11522706, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11287138, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11257014, 2018

Seat Belts 4 3 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11286493, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11271186, 2019 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10491939, 2013 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 4

“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/…”
NHTSA complaint #11207951, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10785246, 2015

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10554753, 2013

Tires 3

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10480136, 2012

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10464237, 2012

“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 R…”
NHTSA complaint #10432442, 2011

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11477169, 2022

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11487757, 2021

Fuel System 2

“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 1…”
NHTSA complaint #11330572, 2020

“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 TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10523312, 2012

Visibility 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11373129, 2012

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10455868, 2011

Equipment 1

“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 R…”
NHTSA complaint #10432442, 2011

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“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 R…”
NHTSA complaint #10432442, 2011

Lane Departure 1

“MY 2012 KIA SOUL POWER STEERING IS ALMOST LOCK IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN”
NHTSA complaint #11373603, 2020

Traction Control System 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11667624, 2025