2012 Kia Soul Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 224 engine complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul, 44% of its 514 total complaints, including 18 fires and 5 injuries. A related recall (19V120000) covers catalytic converter overheating tied to the 1.6L GDI engine.
- Engine complaints
- 224
- 44% of 514
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 18
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 119,300 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report the engine emitting knocking or ticking noises followed by smoke or flames from the engine compartment.
- Some describe a connecting rod fracturing and puncturing the oil pan, leading to oil loss and fire.
- Several complaints describe sudden stalling or loss of acceleration while driving, sometimes down to a crawl on the highway.
- Owners report fires starting in the engine bay shortly after routine service like oil changes, with white or black smoke billowing from under the hood.
- Multiple contacts state the vehicle was under the 19V120000 recall for catalytic converter overheating but experienced a fire before or after the notice.
- A few owners report abnormal odor or noise from the rear of the vehicle along with a check-engine warning preceding the smoke or fire event.
When 2012 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 27, 2011, latest Jul 13, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul
- NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2012 Kia Soul have?
- NHTSA lists 224 engine complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul, which is 44% of the 514 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Soul engine?
- Yes. Recall 19V120000, reported February 22, 2019, covers 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter. Kia's remedy upgrades the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic.
- Do 2012 Kia Soul engine problems cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 18 fires and 5 injuries among the engine complaints for the 2012 Kia Soul, with median mileage at failure of 119,300 miles.
- At what mileage do 2012 Kia Soul engines typically fail?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2012 Kia Soul is 119,300 miles.
- How does the 2012 Soul compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2012 Soul's engine complaints made up 44% of its total complaints, lower than the 2015 (75%) and 2016 (77%) model years but higher than 2010 (16%) and 2011 (19%).