2012 Kia Soul: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Kia Souls, from 1,565 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Kia Souls than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Track rod ends4.2× usualKia Soul20.6% All 2012 cars4.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 13.1%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Rigid brake pipes2.5× usualKia Soul13.9% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Ball joint dust cover2.5× usualKia Soul7.3% All 2012 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usualKia Soul7.1% All 2012 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Link ball joint covers2× usualKia Soul5% All 2012 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Shock absorbers: 1.3% here, against 6.5% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 2% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Kia Soul MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension45% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes37% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering6% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 879 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 1,123 | Tyres 33% |
| 2020 | 872 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 1,966 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 1,694 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 2,117 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 2,555 | Brakes 31% |
| 2014 | 2,593 | Brakes 33% |
| 2013 | 1,284 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 3,189 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 2,719 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 1,917 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Kia Souls registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score