2012 Kia Soul Kia Soul 2012

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2012 Kia Soul repairs by problem area

Engine (14%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (14%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (42%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (11%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 130 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul.

2012 Kia Soul repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (55%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 99 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Kia Soul 4dr Hatch

164-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Soul in Illinois, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2022
Sep 2017

53000 mi

US $47
Engine code said failed camshaft sensor bank B. Replaced sensor. 
Jul 2019

78000 mi
The transmission was diagnosed defective after a complaint of being hard to shift into gear. Transmission was replaced under warranty. 
Aug 2019

78000 mi

US $145
After the transmission replacement reported earlier the transmission was still hard to shift into gear. Further diagnosis led the tech to determine that the problem was the shift cable.(that was what I thought it was all along). Replacing the cable fixed the issue. The only cost was for the part as they said the car had been tied up enough. 
Jan 2021

81000 mi

US $350
Right rear brake locked up when wife driving home from work. Towed to dealer to and discovered that the right real parking brake had rusted to the point of failure. Brake repaired as needed. 
Kia Soul in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2022
Dec 2013

53000 mi
Backup camera failed. 
Sep 2017

128000 mi
Backup camera is failing. Replacement deferred due to cost. 
Oct 2017

128000 mi

US $50
Replaced both low beam headlight bulbs. Also replaced license plate bulbs. 
Jun 2022

192000 mi

US $75
Replaced low beam headlight bulbs 
Kia Soul in Kentucky, United States
Nov 2012 - Nov 2016
Mar 2015

13000 mi

US $130
Battery would no longer hold a charge 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2022
Sep 2017

96000 mi

US $500
Battery failed and once replaced, noticed the stereo system lost all audio. Removed and tested amplifier and head unit. Head unit has failed and new one estimated at $750. Replaced with aftermarket. 
Kia Soul in Ohio, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2014
Jun 2013

30000 mi
Reoccuring water leak from top of backlite 
Kia Soul in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2017 - Oct 2022
Jul 2017

85560 mi

C $5
Replaced rear driver side brake light bulb 
Aug 2017

91760 mi

C $60
Replaced serpentine belt. But intermittent battery warning light still flashes on during occasional hwy trips when give the car gas, same as prior to the repair indicating something else is part of the problem. 
Jan 2018

94240 mi

C $150
Parking brake seized and was stuck on which caused me to have to buy 2 new winter tires as it wore off all the tread on them just driving around the corner, not knowing what was wrong at that point in time 
Sep 2018

102920 mi

C $573
Alternator replaced 
Jun 2021

124620 mi

C $850
Brakes failed. Brake lines were rotted out and leaking. Replaced front brake lines. Replaced spark plugs and did oil change. 
Aug 2021

124000 mi

C $350
Replaced rear brake pads and rotors. Replaced seized rear left caliper. 
Nov 2021

126480 mi

C $2400
Brakes failed. Brake light came on. Rear brake lines rotted. Rear brake lines replaced. Front brake pads and rotors replaced. Front control arms starting to separate so replaced. Front left strut replaced due to broken spring/coil. 
Feb 2022

129580 mi

C $100
Front tie rod ends replaced due to vibration when driving 
Jul 2022

130200 mi

C $100
Front left caliper seized. Had to replace caliper and brake pad 
Sep 2022

130820 mi

C $50
Exhaust welded due to it leaking Front left caliper started to seize again 
Kia Soul in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Apr 2016
Jul 2012

6324 mi
The check engine light led the dealer to replace one of four ignition coils under warranty. For a few weeks, there was and odd noise for a few seconds at start up. This went away slowly after repair. 
Mar 2014

40300 mi
Glove box light would not go off. Dealer replaced the glove box under warranty. Parts had to be ordered, so a second trip was required. 
May 2014

42160 mi
Back up camera failed. New camera ordered under warranty. Second trip needed as parts needed to be ordered. 
Nov 2015

86800 mi

C $118
Radio failed to save selected stations, clock time was incorrect and finally no sound. Repair cost was for diagnostic work only. Kia are replacing the radio no charge, as a goodwill jesture. 
Dec 2015

89280 mi

C $365
Fuel filler door failed to open at gas station. Finally popped open but no repeat. This happened twice before but months ago. Visit to dealer, lube was no help. Replacement needed at $365 tax in. All labour, only $61 in parts. Now 142000 km. 
Jan 2016

89900 mi

C $2000
Routine service LOF, brake service, rattle in rear on bumps. The rattle seemed to be related to the muffler. It was investigated and some minor work was done. Some improvement was made. Now it is back, same as before. Call from dealer to advise me the Instrument cluster has failed! $1300 for replacement + $ 300 service. Total this trip $2000! End of the road for this vehicle. No more Kia for me. 
Mar 2016

96100 mi

C $600
Wobbling noise from front when going over small bumps. Recommended repair was to the replace the sway bar links. Also replaced a leaking PCV valve on the transmission. Handles like new and improved gas milage bonus. An OK repair at 155,000 km. 
Kia Soul in Georgia, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

8000 mi
Car would hesitate when you give it gas at a light, or turning also engine light came on. 1st time I took it in they couldn't find anything wrong. 2nd time the found a odd code in computer. It's still hesitates but not as bad 
Kia Soul in Michigan, United States
Sep 2013 - Jan 2022
Sep 2013

39000 mi
Steering wheel leather falling off 
Feb 2014

45800 mi

US $154
UVO radio no sound...Has display, clock keeps defaulting 
Apr 2015

63700 mi
Radio dead again...No output speakers! Called KIA to open a case, told to take it to the dealer. 
Jun 2015

66000 mi
Radio issue again...NTF now working? 
Nov 2015

69000 mi
Back-up camera (just grid) has no video! NTF working today...Camera cost $415 plus labor! This is a on going problem 
Dec 2015

70000 mi

US $125
Battery acting up, now will not start! Replaced Battery...No issues all is well! Still issues with back-up camera? 
Feb 2017

75000 mi

US $179
Open case with KIA for good will...No display back-up camera at times? Dealer and KIA refused any good will help...My serpentine belt replaced by Dealer, Oh they charge for replacing P.S. and A/C belts? Wow car only has one belt.. 
May 2017

76000 mi

US $200
Purchase a new camera...After trying to get some good will with KIA. Dealer was a joke over charged to replace (My belt) Serpentine! So now we have a back-up camera. 
Oct 2017

75000 mi

US $25
Back-up Camera working sometimes... 
Jun 2018

78000 mi

US $300
Air filter, Brakes all rusted...R & R all 
Kia Soul in Colorado, United States
Oct 2015 - Jan 2022
Aug 2016

54700 mi
Windshield washer stopped spraying (front and back). 
Kia Soul in Alabama, United States
Jan 2016 - Jun 2022
Feb 2016

39700 mi
Rack-and-pinion/steering gearbox replaced; coupler inside MDPS (motor-driven power steering system) found to be disintegrating and was replaced 
Mar 2016

41000 mi
Windshield wipers stopped working. Not a burned-out fuse. 
Apr 2019

58000 mi

US $360
Passenger side front axle replaced due to tear in seal, pre-emptive (could have waited a while). I do not consider this a car-specific issue, because Phoenix (low desert) summer heat over time affects rubber and other non-metal elements in all cars.. 
Kia Soul in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2015 - Jul 2022
Jun 2016

95480 mi

C $107
Checked for oil leak at compressor. Found leak. Discharged system 134a refrigerant 
Jun 2017

99200 mi

C $30
Had to recharge ac system as it stopped working. Oil seal leaking on compressor shaft. 
Dec 2017

102300 mi

C $386
Backup camera would not work. Replaced sensor behind catalytic converter. Code went away 
Mar 2018

105400 mi
Battery failed totally 15% charge when tested by garage 
Jun 2018

113460 mi

C $1087
AC compressor seal failure. Replaced compressor,recharge systemp 
Oct 2021

133920 mi

C $50
AC compressor drive end seal failure. System emptied itself. Out of warranty. Garage wants $2000.00 + for relais. Looking at other options. 
Kia Soul in Florida, United States
Aug 2015 - Jun 2018
Mar 2016

64000 mi

US $65
Left headlight out 
Mar 2017

81000 mi

US $210
pads replaced and rotors shaved. 
Kia Soul in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2013 - Jun 2021
Jun 2016

30380 mi
Replace glove box under warranty due to wiring for light 
Kia Soul in New York, United States
Oct 2012 - Oct 2013
Jul 2013

50000 mi
Tire pressure monitor, sporadic notifications 
Kia Soul in Texas, United States
Apr 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

42000 mi

US $100
Water leak into interior primarily in the rear passenger seat area floor. Service Tech unable to determine the location of the leak. No repair completed. Still leaks during rainfall. 
Kia Soul in Idaho, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2018
Mar 2017

120000 mi

US $100
Oil leak, pan gasket was resealed. Catalytic Converter was replaced due to the check engine light. 
Jan 2018

200000 mi

US $542
Timing cover was leaking oil 
Kia Soul in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2016 - Jun 2018
Dec 2017

61580 mi

US $16
Replace passenger side rear brake light bulb. 
Mar 2018

63000 mi

US $32
Tire rotation. Had a second blown rear brake light (left side this time). Replaced all bulbs in left and right rear lights. Took about 20 minutes per side. 
May 2018

70500 mi

US $250
Rear camera (aka back-up camera) stopped functioning due to moisture leakage. I will be ordering camera from S. Korea because of better pricing ($225.00 vs. 418.00). 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jan 2017
Dec 2016

94000 mi

US $250
Had to reset the "adaptive driving" setting as car was shifting hard. 
Kia Soul in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2012 - Jan 2015
Dec 2014

38000 mi
Instrument Cluster stopped working for all gauges. Dealership found cluster faulty, replaced with a new one, but found the odometer could not be programmed. Had to send out the new cluster to be programmed. Then the third trip fixed it. 
Kia Soul in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2011 - Jan 2022
Sep 2014

15000 mi
UVO upgrade 
Nov 2015

23000 mi
Backup camera failed. Dealer replaced camera. 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Nov 2011 - Apr 2014
May 2013

16000 mi

US $110
Right windshield garnish blew off during strong headwind on freeway 
Kia Soul in Illinois, United States
Oct 2011 - Apr 2022
Mar 2012

5000 mi
Popping sound when playing i-Pod through UVO ICE system. Dealer updated software. 
Dec 2014

35000 mi
Moisture in headlight. 
Kia Soul in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2015

100000 mi

US $89
Lost the right side windshield "A" pillar molding when getting an air blast from a tractor trailer. Got one online. Used black duct tape until part arrived to keep wind noise less noticeable. 
Apr 2018

168000 mi

US $1100
I purchased Kia struts and shocks on line approx $550. Indi shop installed for $559. This was before quick struts were available,e aftermarket. 
Kia Soul in Florida, United States
Mar 2012 - Sep 2016
Sep 2014

30000 mi
Drive side headlamp had moisture within glass. Dealer replaced under warranty. 
Kia Soul in Arizona, United States
Jan 2012 - Jan 2015
Dec 2012

3000 mi
Battery would not charge, car could not be jumped after being idle for two months. 
Kia Soul in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2012 - Oct 2016
Apr 2012 Right front door speaker blew one week after I purchased the car. Hasn't been listening to it higher than an 8 in volume. Took to the dealer to check and they had to replace the speaker. 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2022
Oct 2013

21300 mi
Dealer reflashed the computer to eliminate a potential HVAC issue with the firmware. Check engine light. Tech checked codes, confirmed a one-time misfire on one coil. Swapped coils between two cylinders to see if the problem recurred, and to tell if it was related to that coil pack, or the original cylinder with the error. 
Kia Soul in Ohio, United States
Aug 2011 - Feb 2022
Nov 2014

17900 mi
Parking brake handle was not engaging the brake solidly. 
Jul 2016

24000 mi
Failing backup camera was replaced after intermittently not operating. 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2018
Mar 2018

58000 mi
As part of routine maintenance, mechanic said was burning some oil & to watch oil level. He said there was blue smoke when it started up. No dropping oil levels & I drove to Oregon & back.  

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2012 Kia Soul 4dr Hatch

164-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Kia Soul in Quebec, Canada
May 2021 - Jun 2022
Oct 2021

68820 mi

C $1050
struts front both sides 
Kia Soul in New York, United States
Mar 2012 - Dec 2012
Aug 2012

9700 mi
Manual transmission. Hesitation, surging, poor throttle control. Dealer says there's nothing they can do since there's no code and that I just need to get used to the electronic throttle. I will be getting a different car. 
Dec 2012

14000 mi
Dealer could not fix issues with hesitation and surging, so got rid of the car. 
Kia Soul in Iowa, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2018
Apr 2012 Hill-start Assist Control is not functioning, took to dealer for diagnosis. Dealer awaiting repair instructions from mfr. Hill-start assist not working, further diagnosis found steering angle sensor needed to be reset back to zero. System now works great! 
Jul 2012

4000 mi
Replaced yaw sensor under warranty. Sensor was having random communication failures that became apparent when hill-start system stopped working. 
Mar 2014

19000 mi
Pin connector in flip key broke, metal key fell off key fob. 
Feb 2017

45000 mi
Bad bushing in sway bar link, replaced sway bar link. 

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2012 Kia Soul 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Soul in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022

117800 mi

C $200
Radio function stopped working, CD was fine. So used OEM radio replaced the original 
Kia Soul in Maryland, United States
Aug 2021 - Jul 2022
Jan 2022

131000 mi

US $5
Left rear turn signal bulb 
Jul 2022

144000 mi

US $45
Replaced Blower motor relay for the 3rd time. 
Kia Soul in Ohio, United States
Oct 2016 - Jun 2022
Jul 2017

59000 mi
Engine was making a loud clicking sound. They found metal shavings in the oil. Kia replaced the engine at no cost to me. 
Kia Soul in New York, United States
Mar 2015 - Jul 2024
Jun 2017

74000 mi

US $750
brake job all 4 wheels discs and rotors which were too worn/rusted to be machined 
Jul 2021

113000 mi

US $400
replaced rear pads and rotor 
Dec 2021

116000 mi

US $400
New pads/rotors rear brakes 
Jul 2024

138000 mi

US $180
Car was in for recall on the HECU system which caused engine light to come on. Mechanic found a number of issues, need for new wheel bearings and brakes as well as exhaust system and various pollution control items. Also said subframe badly rusted, he advised probably not worth fixing, will now seek new car 
Kia Soul in Queensland, Australia
Mar 2017 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

31000 mi

A $1
10th visit since oct 2016 for engine malfunction light appearing. replaced sensors, replaced engine management system, removed and cleaned fuel injectors. latest repair is to replace catalytic converter. part n/a waiting for part to be shipped in. 
Kia Soul in Alaska, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

6000 mi
Winter temps got to zero or minus, engine temp randomly drops to half or less of usual gauge reading, drops interior heater temp by 15 to 20 degrees.Dealer changed thermostat, but problem continues. Never happens in warmer weather. 
Kia Soul in Florida, United States
Nov 2011 - Sep 2019
Oct 2013

26000 mi
Fixed error in displaying MPG (went from ~4 high to within 1) 
Jun 2016

48000 mi
Exterior trim panels on A-pillar were pulling away from body. Dealer replaced. Cruise control switch was intermittantly not engaging. Dealer replaced. 
Sep 2017

59000 mi

US $150
Steering wheel was "clunking" when turning; dealer replaced star gear (called it the "clunk star" repair). 
Kia Soul in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Nov 2016
Jul 2016

49700 mi
switches to operate windows 
Kia Soul in Florida, United States
Mar 2013 - Dec 2017
Oct 2014

78300 mi

US $450
Starter went out. 
Dec 2017

124000 mi

US $200
Blower motor replaced. It was bad from first day. Dealer would not replace. We would smack the dash occasionally when it would go out. Last December a smack would not restart it 
Kia Soul in Washington, United States
May 2012 - Jun 2018
Jun 2015

35000 mi
Bluetooth did not work. Had to replace entire radio. 
Apr 2017

61000 mi
The remote control would not function on locking the doors. Sometimes it took 10 hits of the button to engage the locks and sometimes it just did not work. The problem was sporadic in nature and the dealership could not replicate the problem (hence the reason it was in the shop for 21 days). 
Kia Soul in Missouri, United States
Feb 2013 - Aug 2015
Mar 2013

17000 mi
Misfire related to GDI fuel system, replaced injectors and DI fuel rail. Removed head and cleaned carbon deposits off of valve stems because of build up from GDI poor design. 
Oct 2013

23500 mi
All but drivers power locks did not function. Tech greased all connectors and ran diagnostics and greasing the connectors fixed the problem. Drivers seat squeaks. Seat track ordered, not fixed at this time. All but drivers power locks did not function. Tech greased all connectors and ran diagnostics and greasing the connectors fixed the problem. Drivers seat squeaks. Seat track ordered, not fixed at this time. 
Mar 2014

26000 mi
Door locks didn't work. They replaced a fusebox which corrected the issue. Took 3 trips and many parts ordered to correct it. 
Jan 2015

30000 mi
Misfires. Fixed by running carbon cleaner through the motor. 
Apr 2015

32000 mi
Misfire 
Kia Soul in California, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

24000 mi
transmission leaking, TSB transmission replaced Dealer overfilled transmission causing it to leak again and causing the gas mileage to be less efficient and car slower. 

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2012 Kia Soul 4dr Hatch

138-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Kia Soul in Ohio, United States
Mar 2012 - Nov 2012
Apr 2012 Had a ding on hood when it was delivered. Dealer had PDR fix it the next week. 
Kia Soul in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - May 2014
Oct 2012

21500 mi
They had to replace the glove box. It rattled and would not close tightly. Replace glove box 
Kia Soul in Illinois, United States
Jun 2012 - Jan 2017
Oct 2012

3500 mi
total fiasco. took 3 mo car back to selling dealer for what i suspect is bad throwout bearing. ride with tech who agrees. 2nd visit leave car for diagnosis/drop clutch.SA call thenew clutch parts coming. then they say cars fine, no repair 
Kia Soul in Maryland, United States
Nov 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2014

33000 mi
Stuck Driver's window 
Dec 2014

42000 mi
Parking Brake didn't hold 
Kia Soul in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

167000 mi

US $250
Excessive oil consumption. Determined rings worn. No further work at this time. May replace engine. 
Jun 2018

182000 mi

US $150
Increased Oil consumption leading to power loss and Catalytic Converter faults. Engine lost power and quit on highway. Performed throttle body and intake cleaning, plug replacement, PCV replacement, engine oil treatment and gas treatment. Oil consumption still very high. 
Kia Soul in Michigan, United States
Sep 2012 - Jun 2017
Aug 2013

32300 mi
Radio died 
Apr 2017

105000 mi

US $800
Full break rebuild, pads calipers, drums and rotors. 

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2012 Kia Soul Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Kia Soul problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.