2012 Kia Soul

2012 Kia Soul Comprehensive Problem List

The 2012 Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers a comfortable and stylish ride. It comes with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 1.6-liter inline-four engine paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its popularity, there have been some issues reported by owners.

Engine

1.6-Liter Inline-Four Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Engine replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure: Premature failure of the timing chain, causing loss of engine power and potential catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Timing chain replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-Liter Inline-Four Engine

• Knock Sensor Failure: Faulty knock sensors, leading to engine misfires, reduced performance, and possible engine damage.
  • Solution: Knock sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Gears: Difficulty or resistance when shifting gears, especially into second and third gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid change or replacement of worn gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting: Rough or erratic shifting between gears, especially when upshifting.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid change or software update.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Premature Failure: Internal transmission failures, such as slipping gears or loss of power.
  • Solution: Transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure: Premature wear of the strut mounts, leading to clunking or rattling noises and reduced ride comfort.
  • Solution: Strut mount replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Sagging: Sagging or drooping of the rear suspension, especially with additional load.
  • Solution: Spring replacement or adjustment of rear suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Headlight Failure: Premature burnout or malfunction of headlights.
  • Solution: Headlight bulb replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure: Failure of the power window motors, preventing windows from being opened or closed.
  • Solution: Power window motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure: Breakage or malfunction of door handles, making it difficult to open or close the doors.
  • Solution: Door handle replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Windshield Wiper Motor Failure: Failure of the windshield wiper motor, preventing wipers from functioning properly.
  • Solution: Windshield wiper motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction: Malfunctioning climate control system, leading to inconsistent temperature or airflow.
  • Solution: Climate control system diagnosis and repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues: Glitching or malfunctioning instrument cluster, displaying incorrect information or warning lights.
  • Solution: Instrument cluster replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Kia Soul has some reported issues that range in severity and cost. Some issues, such as excessive oil consumption and timing chain failure, can be significant and expensive to fix. However, other issues, such as door handle failure and power window motor failure, are relatively minor and less costly to resolve. Overall, it’s important for owners to be aware of these potential issues and consider the cost of repairs when making a purchasing decision.