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2012 Kia Soul

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Soul.

Body SUV

The 2012 Kia Soul is an SUV that requires a 3.5‑quart oil capacity with recommended 5W‑20 or 5W‑30 API oil. It generated 513 total owner complaints, with steering issues topping the complaint list, and was recalled three times. Within the 2010‑2025 model‑year span, its complaint volume falls below the peak of 898 complaints recorded in 2015 and above the recent low of 11 complaints in 2025, indicating a moderate reliability profile for that year. This pattern reflects the model’s historical complaint trajectory.

Model year2025 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 121R · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnHEADOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	161.8 in
Overall width	70.5 in
Overall height	63.4 in
Wheelbase	100.4 in
Curb weight	2623 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Soul of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.4–8.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.40 sec — 2012 +

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2012	+ 2.0L I-4	7.40 sec	16.00 sec	164 hp	FWD
2012	! 2.0L I-4	8.20 sec	16.40 sec	164 hp	FWD
2012	! 2.0L I-4	8.20 sec	16.50 sec	164 hp	FWD
2012	Eco 1.6 1.6L I-4	8.90 sec	16.90 sec	138 hp	FWD
2010	Sport 2.0L I-4	7.90 sec	16.40 sec	142 hp	FWD
2010	Sport 2.0L I-4	8.30 sec	16.60 sec	142 hp	FWD
2010	Sport 2.0L I-4	8.70 sec	16.70 sec	142 hp	FWD
2010	Sport 2.0L I-4	8.70 sec	16.80 sec	142 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.5 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	3.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.2 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	75W-85 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.0-4.2

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	94-101 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	145-152 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	53-56 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87-94 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22-26 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22-25 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	177-199 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.64-.86 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	5015-6785 ohms
Ignition Timing	3, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPM	Idle rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.15-1.27 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.04-3.71 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	121R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	121R

Service checks

Pressure Test	14-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	190 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	62.0-68.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	156-178 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression	164-185 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	47-54 ft-lbs / 58-72 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	0.078 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.039 in
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in / 0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in / 0.001 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 bolts: Step 1: 52 inch lbs.

2	104-112 inch lbs.; M8 bolts: Step 1: 7 ft. lbs.	104–112 in
2	14-17

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	13-16 ft. lbs.	13–16 ft. lbs
2	90

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

13-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

13–16 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head bolts. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket. Both the upside and the down side. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

1	24.0-27.0 ft. lbs.	24–27 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees-95 degrees	90 degrees
3	90 degrees-95 degrees	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	13-16 ft. lbs.	13–16 ft. lbs
2	90

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

20-23 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120-125

20–23 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs at 105,000 mi.

At 7,500 mi	Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Pedal Assembly (inspect)
Every 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect)
At 30,000 mi	Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Pedal Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel System (inspect)
Every 37,500 mi	Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2012, the Kia Soul received 513 complaints, a sharp rise from 193 in 2011 and the peak of the generation’s complaint trend, which climbed to 890 in 2014 before tapering off. Recalls stayed flat at three each year through 2015, with investigations increasing from three in 2012 to five, indicating a broader scrutiny of the model that year. The top complaint categories for 2012—Steering (139), Engine (132), Service Brakes/Hydraulic (23), and Engine Cooling (20)—highlight mechanical and drivetrain concerns that were not as pronounced in earlier years. Compared to the post‑2012 years, complaints fell markedly, reaching a low of 48 in 2023, suggesting that many of the earlier issues were addressed or became less common. The 25 crash and 23 fire complaints for 2012 are modest relative to the overall complaint volume, but they underscore the need for careful inspection of safety components. Overall, while 2012 was a peak year for reported issues, the subsequent decline implies that newer models of the same generation have improved reliability; therefore, a 2012 Soul may be acceptable if thoroughly inspected, but a later year would likely offer better peace of mind.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

132

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

513

Owner complaints

25 involved a crash · 23 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’10 ’11’12’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 513 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering139

Engine132

Service Brakes, Hydraulic23

Engine & Engine Cooling,Engine20

Unknown Or Other20

Air Bags11

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System10

Structure8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V120000EngineReported 22/02/2019

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… 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…

14V822000Structure:Body:Roof And PillarsReported 29/12/2014

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 132 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
CS2311_TSB_R4	2026-06-08	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER…
SC176Y_TSB_R1	2026-03-24	Engine	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND…
CS2311_OWNR_PC201	2025-12-19	Structure	CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is…
PS797	2025-12-09	Back Over Prevention	PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
TSB_TRA046_R5	2025-04-17	Power Train	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Soul. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 121R battery Vehicles taking 3.5 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Soul take?

3.5 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Soul have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.