What 512 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Soul

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 ODI 11667624

The engine has gunk in the motor. Can not clean it. Uses oil. Noise from the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11661640

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.

NHTSA ODI 11653250

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.

NHTSA ODI 11647818

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.

NHTSA ODI 11647024

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 ODI 11639106

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.

NHTSA ODI 11629326

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.

NHTSA ODI 11628644

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.

NHTSA ODI 11626944

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.

NHTSA ODI 11615417

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.

NHTSA ODI 11614504

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)

NHTSA ODI 11610164

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.

NHTSA ODI 11606003

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.

NHTSA ODI 11604542

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.

NHTSA ODI 11603816

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 ODI 11603216

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.

NHTSA ODI 11598673

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ODI 11597540

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.

NHTSA ODI 11596578

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.

NHTSA ODI 11593671

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 not contacted. 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11593081

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an audible alarm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently, and the interior lights were independently turning on. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service s 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 failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11588570

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 not contacted. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11587631

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 there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had become completely drained from not driving the vehicle due to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11587215

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 ODI 11585871