2012 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · EO12 VKF
2012 KIA Soul (1.6L, diesel). First registered 08 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 165,089 miles. MOT valid until 16 Sept 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- KIA SOUL
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 165,089 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EO12 VKF Key Findings
- 15 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/09/2026
- 165,089 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EO12 VKF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
15 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Kia Soul (EO12 VKF) between March 2015 and September 2026.
The record contains 12 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 03 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (13 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Tyre(s) with different aspect ratios are fitted on the same axle. in and out instructions (5.2.3 (b))”; “Driver's view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen materially affected by an obstruction (3.1 (a) (ii))”.
EO12 VKF Mileage History
- 04/03/201557,410 mi
- 02/03/201675,832 mi+18,422 mi
- 24/03/201792,534 mi+16,702 mi
- 12/09/2018106,875 mi+14,341 mi
- 12/09/2018106,875 mi
- 18/09/2019117,470 mi+10,595 mi
- 14/09/2020129,132 mi+11,662 mi
- 14/09/2020129,132 mi
- 09/09/2021134,426 mi+5,294 mi
- 09/09/2021134,427 mi+1 mi
- 03/09/2022140,739 mi+6,312 mi
- 02/09/2023142,910 mi+2,171 mi
- 12/09/2024150,696 mi+7,786 mi
- 06/09/2025158,179 mi+7,483 mi
- 03/09/2026165,089 mi+6,910 mi
Average of roughly 9,362 miles per year across 15 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Kia Soul
Our database tracks 2 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: KIA SOUL
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Electric Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupler Wear(Moderate)
The motor-driven power steering (MDPS) column contains a small star-shaped polyurethane flexible coupler that cushions the motor drive gear. Over time, heat and mechanical fatigue cause the plastic teeth to degrade, disintegrate, and create noticeable free play. Drivers experience an annoying clicking or knocking through the steering wheel when changing direction or crossing uneven surfaces. While replacement parts are inexpensive, replacing the coupler requires dropping the steering column and partially dismantling the motor housing.
- 1.6 CRDi Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and EGR Valve Soot Clogging(Moderate)
The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine is engineered for motorway cruising and thermal efficiency, but many Souls were purchased as short-distance urban runarounds. In repeated stop-start driving, exhaust temperatures never reach the threshold required for passive DPF regeneration. Unburnt soot accumulates within the particulate filter and recirculating exhaust gas deposits carbon sludge across the EGR valve pintle. Sticking EGR valves cause hesitation under acceleration, black smoke, and eventual DPF blockage that triggers limp-home mode.
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KIA SOUL Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- Electric Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupler WearModerate
The motor-driven power steering (MDPS) column contains a small star-shaped polyurethane flexible coupler that cushions the motor drive gear. Over time, heat and mechanical fatigue cause the plastic teeth to degrade, disintegrate, and create noticeable free play. Drivers experience an annoying clicking or knocking through the steering wheel when changing direction or crossing uneven surfaces. While replacement parts are inexpensive, replacing the coupler requires dropping the steering column and partially dismantling the motor housing.
- 1.6 CRDi Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and EGR Valve Soot CloggingModerate
The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine is engineered for motorway cruising and thermal efficiency, but many Souls were purchased as short-distance urban runarounds. In repeated stop-start driving, exhaust temperatures never reach the threshold required for passive DPF regeneration. Unburnt soot accumulates within the particulate filter and recirculating exhaust gas deposits carbon sludge across the EGR valve pintle. Sticking EGR valves cause hesitation under acceleration, black smoke, and eventual DPF blockage that triggers limp-home mode.
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