DecodedCars2012 Kia Soul
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 1.6l, 2.0l 2u/4u/4u Retro/4u Burner/4u Luxury
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 161.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,624–2,778 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints467 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 76 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Kia Soul is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,624 lb (1.6l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 31 highway), 13% better than the 2012 small station wagon average of 24.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 467 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Soul — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Soul →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6l | 161.8 in | 70.5 in | 63.4 in | 100.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,624 lb | 61/39 |
| 2.0l 2u/4u/4u Retro/4u Burner/4u Luxury | 161.8 in | 70.5 in | 63.4 in | 100.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,778 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | +13% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +9% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +9% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Soul Eco | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +5% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +5% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +1% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Soul.
Similar 2012 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Soul (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Honda Fit | 31 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2012 Nissan Juke | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Nissan Cube | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine · Feb 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 378,967 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
- Risk
- Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Dec 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V822000 · 95,314 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2012 Kia Soul is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Kia Soul buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 206 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 157 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 33 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Soul years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2023 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 95 |
| 2021 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 239 |
| 2020 Soul | 31 | 165.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 388 |
| 2019 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 141 |
| 2018 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 223 |
| 2017 Soul | 28 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 290 |
| 2016 Soul | 27 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 824 |
| 2015 Soul | 26 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 907 |
| 2014 Soul | 26 | 163 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 878 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →