2012 Kia Soul Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 516 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seat belts of the 2012 Kia Soul, 1% of the 516 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,400 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Hello.. I am a little upset. I was involved in a vehicle accident at the speed of 40mpg. The air bags did not deploy, and the seatbelt did not lock. I ended up hitting my chin and jaw on the steering wheel. The major damage to my car is front passenger side.”
NHTSA complaint #11271186, filed 2019-10, 150,000 miles“My son was sitting in the right rear seat of a 2012 Kia SOUL when it was rear ended by a honda crv going 35-40 MPH. The impact pushed the Kia into the subaru in front of them setting off both airbags in the front. The seat belt my son was wearing did not lock or retract. He hit his head on the back headrest went forward into the headrest on the front seat and then back into his headrest. The seat belt did nothing to restrain his movement during the accident. The Kia was totaled by the insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10491939, filed 2013-01, 6,000 miles“I was taking my aunt to the doctors office, she is older and forgot to attach her seat belt. I happened to look over and pulled over so she could attach her belt. However, there was no warning light or buzzer to indicate that the passenger seat belt was not attached. I took my car to the local dealer and they were amazed that there was no warning. After checking my car and another Kia of the same year, I was advised that none of the Kia souls have a warning system for the front passenger seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10480921, filed 2012-10, 12,800 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Kia SOUL. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned, drove off the road, and landed in a ditch. The rear driver's side seat belt knob separated and caused the passenger to sustain scratches to the left leg, arms, chin, and chest. The passenger was transported to the hospital. The contact stated that the radiator and front bumper were damaged. Police report number: 9630 was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11286493, filed 2019-12, 88,000 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 0% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
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