2012 Kia Soul Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 516 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,472miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2012 Kia Soul, 1% of the 516 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,472 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood latched inadvertently released and the hood raised up and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. There was no warning light prior to the failure. The hood and upper frame were dented. There were no reported injuries. The driver slammed the hood closed and continued to drive. The contact's husband noticed that the hood latch was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11522706, filed 2023-05, 134,573 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Kia SOUL. While driving 35 MPH, the hood unlatched and opened. The contact was unable to view the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10669128, filed 2014-12, 6,100 miles“2012 Kia SOUL. Consumer states that their hood disengaged while driving and smashed against windshield. The consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #11257014, filed 2019-09Related service bulletins
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
- 10109631Apr 15, 2014TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL FOR HOOD RELEASE LEVER REMOVAL - This bulletin provides information related to the introduction of a new Special Service Tool (SST) (A) developed to…
- 10090598Nov 21, 2012Pitstop: auto door lock operation - on all 2012 and 2013 soul vehicles, the auto door lock feature functions in the following manner.
- 10060218Nov 1, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Soul
210 complaintsSteering
167 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology