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Service bulletins for the 2012 Kia Soul

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

132 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
TSB-GEN085R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
TSB-ELE0602017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMA (QF) AND SOUL (AM) AVN AND BASE AUDIO SYSTEM UPGRADE (SA168) - This bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system and base audio system software of some 2012MY Optima (QF) and some 2012MY Soul (AM) vehicles, to improve Bluetooth® connectivity.
PS2962017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE. PIT STOP: OCV DAMAGE WHEN INSTALLING ENGINE COVER - When re-installing the engine cover on vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GDI engine, make sure not to apply any downward pressure in the area around the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to prevent causing damage to the valve.
TSB-TRA050R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; UNKNOWN OR OTHER. TSB: TCM UPGRADE - ACTIVE ECO ACCELERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to a TCM (Transmission Control Module) software upgrade for some A/T equipped 2012MY Soul (AM) 1.6L GDI and 2.0L MPI vehicles.
TSB-ENG118R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION ? RIO, SOUL 1.6 GDI MIL ON WITH DTCS P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128 (SA152) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade for some 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) and some 2012-2013 Soul (AM) vehicles which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system-related DTCs; P0456, P0461,P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128.
TSB-CHA044R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
TSB-CHA044R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped.
PS3152017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly into the engine cylinder head assembly. Therefore, it is completely normal for the combustion process to create deposits on the injector spray tip surfaces.
TSB-TRA0512017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 - This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed with the transaxle installed in the vehicle.
TSB-CHA0442017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when turning the steering wheel left or right, while stopped. This condition may be caused by premature wear of the flexible coupling in the MDPS.
TSB-SST0332017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH; STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL FOR HOOD RELEASE LEVER REMOVAL - This bulletin provides information related to the introduction of a new Special Service Tool (SST) (A) developed to prevent the hood release lever pivot point (B) from being damaged when removing the hood release lever. Follow the instructions included in this bulletin to properly remove the hood release lever using the new SST.
TSBTRA051R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT – MULTIPLE DTCS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS SHIFT SOLENOIDS ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTCS P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768, P0773, P1778 AND P2709. REPLACE THE SOLENOIDS IF CURRENT OR HISTORY CODES ARE PRESENT; DO NOT REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE. TO REDUCE VEHICLE REPAIR TIME, THIS PROCEDURE CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. REFER TO KGIS FOR SOLENOID PACK REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE.
TSBENG146R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2014MY RIO (UB), SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) AND SOME 2014MY SOUL (PS) VEHICLES, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE FOR A SPECIFIC DTC CONCERN, VERIFY THE VIN AND DTC FALL WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES, BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
TSBELE0892017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). TSB: NAVIGATION HEAD UNIT SD CARD REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE SD CARD EXCHANGE/REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE RELATED TO ERROR MESSAGES THAT MAY BE DISPLAYED ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WHEN THE INCORRECT SD CARD IS INSERTED. NOTE: ONLY NEW MODELS (DURING PDI INSPECTION OR AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE) OR COMPATIBILITY MISMATCHES THAT OCCUR AFTER HEAD UNIT REPLACEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS PROGRAM.
PS3872017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). PITSTOP: NAVIGATION HEADUNIT AND SD CARD COMPATIBILITY - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE COMPATIBILITY ISSUES BETWEEN NAVIGATION HEAD UNITS AND SD CARDS WHEN REPLACING HEAD UNITS FOR MULTIMEDIA ISSUES. IF AFTER REPLACING A NAVIGATION HEAD UNIT THE ORIGINAL SD CARD DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE:
PS365R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: BLUETOOTH® ISSUES AFTER IPHONE® IOS 8 SOFTWARE UPDATE - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO POSSIBLE BLUETOOTH CONCERNS WHEN USING AN IPHONE® WITH IOS 8.X (IOS 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, ETC.) WHILE PAIRED TO A HEAD UNIT.
TSBENG1462017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2013MY RIO (UB) AND SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE, VERIFY THE VIN FALLS WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
PS266R12017-02-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. PITSTOP: HVAC RECEIVER/DRYER - DESICCANT REPLACEMENT - IN THE EVENT OF A HVAC SYSTEM CONCERN IN WHICH METAL PARTICLES OR SHARDS HAVE CONTAMINATED THE SYSTEM, THE DESICCANT OR THE ENTIRE A/C RECEIVER/DRYER ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE ALL METAL CONTAMINANTS FROM THE RECEIVER/DRYER DURING THE A/C FLUSHING PROCEDURE. REFER TO THE INCLUDED TABLE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON COMPONENT REPLACEMENT BY MODEL. IF YOU SUSPECT A PLUGGED EXPANSION VALVE, THE INLET SCREENS CAN BE CLEANED. IF THE VALVE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN INLET SCREEN AND IS RESTRICTED, THE EXPANSION VALVE MAY ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED.
TSBCHA074R12017-02-08. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB REV1: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE MDPS MOTOR OF SOME VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT EXPERIENCE A “KNOCK” NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE MDPS, WHEN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT OR LEFT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED. THIS IS CAUSED BY PREMATURE WEAR OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE MDPS MOTOR. IF ANY “KNOCK” NOISE FROM THE MDPS OCCURS, REPLACE THE AFFECTED FLEXIBLE COUPLING ONLY WITH AN IMPROVED ONE, FOLLOWING THE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE BELOW.
TSBBOD0952017-02-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY/WIPER. TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WHEN THE WASHER FUNCTION IS USED. LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CAN BE CAUSED BY FOREIGN DEBRIS ON THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER AND PERFORM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR FLUSHING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS TSB.
TSBCLI021R12017-02-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: MANUAL HVAC CONTROL UNIT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA148) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A CONTROLLER SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR 2012-13MY SOUL (AM) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM JULY 11, 2011 TO JUNE 22, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL HVAC CONTROLS. REVISED.
TSBTRA047R12017-02-06. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: AXLE SHAFT SERVICEABILITY BY MODEL - THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING AXLE SHAFT SERVICEABILITY FOR KIA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REFER TO THE TABLE BELOW FOR A DETAILED LIST OF VEHICLE MODELS. INDIVIDUAL SERVICE PARTS SUCH AS AXLE BOOTS, JOINTS AND HARDWARE FOR INNER JOINT ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR PARTS DEPARTMENT.
PS2252017-02-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. PITSTOP: AUTO DOOR LOCK OPERATION - ON ALL 2012 AND 2013 SOUL VEHICLES, THE AUTO DOOR LOCK FEATURE FUNCTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.