2012 Kia Soul engine and engine cooling problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2012 Kia Soul — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the…”
filed Jul 13, 2026
“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…”
filed Sep 19, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 Soul | 19 | 22% |
| 2021 Soul | 42 | 19% |
| 2020 Soul | 9 | 2% |
| 2019 Soul | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 Soul | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Soul | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 Soul | 104 | 13% |
| 2015 Soul | 58 | 6% |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 43 | 7% |
| 2011 Soul | 4 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.