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2012 Kia Soul body problems

18 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 69,696. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
69,696
crashes
4
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Body
    15

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Soul body problems in other years

201020152022

Related recalls

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported December 29, 2014 · 95,314 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Risk
A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.

Recall number 14V822000 · Recall details

What 2012 Kia Soul owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Body, Brakes · NY

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Body · OH

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

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Body, Electrical · 117,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Body, Engine · FL

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)

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Body · OH

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 the federal safety agency inquiry into this clear safety defect.

Filed Nov 7, 2019 · Body, Engine · 92,000 miles · AZ · crash · 4 injuries

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2018 · Body · 69,696 miles · WI

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2018 · Body, Brakes · 66,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Feb 4, 2018 · Body, Electrical · 14,000 miles · AZ · fire

2012 kia soul with less than 15,000 miles on it suddenly burst into flames and the car is a total loss .

Filed Dec 20, 2017 · Body · 61,770 miles · NY

Hood blew back broke my windshield and bent my fenders broke my the secondary latch is bent and the lock did not hold

Questions about the 2012 Kia Soul body

Does the 2012 Kia Soul have body problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the body of the 2012 Kia Soul, 3% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Kia Soul body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 69,696 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Kia Soul body?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V822000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Soul have the most body problems?

The Kia Soul model years with the most body complaints are 2010 (21 complaints), 2016 (19 complaints) and 2012 (18 complaints).

Other 2012 Kia Soul problems

Engine 221Steering 167Brakes 46Electrical 38Fuel system 23Transmission 21Airbags 17Driver assistance 11Acceleration 10Lights 10Suspension 7Visibility 6Wheels 6Locks 5Seat belts 4Tires 3

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