2012 Kia Soul · 5,279 MOT tests
2012 Kia Soul reliability
2012 Kia Souls fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 11 Soul years (5,279 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Kia Souls: 28.5%)
- 38.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Souls: 28.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 70,333
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,279
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 14% of tests fail here (562% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Kia Soul
Fail rate by area
- Steering14%
- Suspension13.1%
- Lights and electrics11.9%
- Brakes9.2%
- Tyres7.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 11.69%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 3.47%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.71%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.71%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.65%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.61%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.32%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.32%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.04%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.23%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.37%) · Track rod ball joint slight play (6.52%)
Is a 2012 Kia Soul reliable?
2012 Kia Souls fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 11 Soul years (5,279 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Kia Soul MOT?
Most often track rod end ball joint excessively worn (11.69% of tests), ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (3.47% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (2.71% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Kia Soul have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Kia Soul shows 70,333 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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