10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,444 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Kia Soul:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #9

Jun 182023

Soul

  • 190,000 miles
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 failure mileage was 190,000.

- Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA

problem #8

Aug 022022

Soul

  • miles
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.

- New Carrollton, MD, USA

problem #7

Dec 302021

Soul

  • miles
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.

- North Port, FL, USA

problem #6

Sep 062019

Soul

  • miles
My car (manual transmission) has repeatedly started rolling when parked in 1st car with the E-brake pulled. Two weeks ago it almost ran over my son. He screamed and strangers ran and stopped the car from rolling on my son. It has started rolling like this multiple times when I was certain the brake was fully pulled and the car was in 1st gear. I have been in the car when it has done this and can confirm first hand this problem.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #5

Jan 262018

Soul

  • 66,000 miles
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.

- Goshen, IN, USA

problem #4

Nov 202017

Soul

  • 87,000 miles
The side brakes do not illuminate so the safety of yourself and others are at risk. Went out without any warning signs of failure. Third light works fine on top.

- Heath Springs, SC, USA

problem #3

Jan 112014

Soul 4-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
We were traveling down a rural road in Kentucky. A deer ran out in front of us. We struck the deer at approximately 57 mph. There was considerable damage to the front end of the vehicle and it was not drivable. Our airbags did not deploy.

- Olmstead, KY, USA

problem #2

Jul 092013

Soul

  • 19,000 miles
I was slowing approaching parking spot. Vehicle started speeding rapidly, I could not stop vehicle and crashed into a brick building. My son was yelling to stop, I said I am trying and cannot. The air bags came out, car was smoking, badly dented. Windshield broke. We were bruised and scratched. There was over $9500 worth of damage. The vehicle malfunctioned and sped out of control.

- Blaine, MN, USA

problem #1

Mar 202012

Soul 4-cyl

  • 0 miles
The brakes on all four wheel are "extremely" sensitive. This is not brakes grabbing, it is the the slightest pressure on the brake pedal brings braking system on "hard". in a panic stop situation it is very difficult to control the light touch to the brake pedal without over braking. The deal said this is normal. I say bs, this isn't my first new car. In a nut shell, the braking system is to sensitive making it difficult to control correct stopping distance.

- Des Moines, IA, USA