2012 Kia Soul: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Kia Soul?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Kia Soul than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Track rod ends5× usual
  Kia Soul

  21.3% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.8%, against 2.2% 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) ClickMechanic

  At 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 pipes2.4× usual
  Kia Soul

  12.1% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At 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 cover3.3× usual
  Kia Soul

  7.8% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usual
  Kia Soul

  6.2% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Kia Soul

  2.5% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2012 Kia Soul MOT failures and advisories

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.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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 electrics
  22% 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 mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2012 Kia Soul

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Seatbelt pre-tensioner recall

  All engines

  Cars built between August 2011 and March 2012 were recalled because the seatbelt pre-tensioner could malfunction and cause injury in a crash.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: What Car?: Kia Soul (2009-2014) reliability

• Scratchy, brittle plastics

  All engines

  Interior plastics scratch or snap, especially around the back seats.

  At the viewing: Look over the rear trim for cracks and broken clips.

  Source: What Car?: Kia Soul (2009-2014) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Kia Soul

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the seatbelt recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2012 Kia Soul as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Kia Soul as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Kia Soul as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?