Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Kia Soul owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. …
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact a diagnostic test needed to be performed and the repairs would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The check engine, the electronic parking brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. …
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the dipstick had blown off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and the engine and battery needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,449.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment and heard an abnormal grinding sound, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 68,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic, but the dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an audible alarm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently, and the interior lights were independently turning on. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service s Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, parts were not yet available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she detected a burning plastic odor. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer did not diagnose the vehicle and advised the contact that she could not leave the vehicle at the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
Brake complaints in other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2012 Kia Soul?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Kia Soul, 9% of the model year's 514 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Kia Soul brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-652 (control unit/module, Sep 25, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Soul brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.