Is the 2012 KIA SOUL reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of KIA SOULs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,820 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 KIA SOUL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 KIA SOUL?

The 2012 KIA SOUL has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 2,820 tests in 2026. This ranks 576 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year KIA SOUL is most reliable?

The 2019 KIA SOUL has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%. The least reliable year is 2009 at 72%.

KIA SOUL (2012)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2012 KIA SOUL?

The average mileage for a 2012 KIA SOUL is 78,240 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,820 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1591cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1591cc14 years old2,820 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1591cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1591cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 14 years old, 74% of KIA SOULs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,820 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,240 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars576th of 685(top 84%)

Rank among KIA models389th of 472(top 82%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-4%(78% avg)

vs KIA average-12%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,240

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 KIA SOUL has 78,240 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.

KIA SOUL by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	91%	545	30,637 mi
2018	90%	3,300	37,882 mi
2017	89%	2,829	44,840 mi
2016	88%	3,611	52,716 mi
2015	86%	4,491	60,662 mi
2014	82%	4,251	68,983 mi
2013	76%	2,325	71,997 mi
2012	74%	2,820	78,240 mi
2011	73%	6,234	89,141 mi
2010	72%	5,423	93,878 mi
2009	72%	3,886	99,263 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL CORSA

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

76%

+2%

FORD FOCUS

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+4%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-2%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,540/year

75%

+1%

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About the 2012 KIA SOUL

The 2012 KIA SOUL is a small family car with a 1591cc petrol engine. 2,820 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 78,240 miles at 14 years old, KIA SOUL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2012 KIA SOUL Fuel Costs

The 1591cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 KIA SOUL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

KIA SOUL Reliability Trend

Newer KIA SOULs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 KIA SOUL

At 14 years old, the KIA SOUL is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 KIA SOUL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 KIA SOUL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
KIA SOUL(2012)	74%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
VAUXHALL CORSA(2014)	76%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
FORD FOCUS(2013)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
NISSAN QASHQAI(2013)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011)	75%	£955	£30	Grp 5-15	£1540-£417

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.