The 12-13 2.0L were still MPI and not GDI so they didn’t have the issues some of the GDIs have had. (The 12-13 1.6L is GDI)

In my opinion, many of the issues with GDI engines (from all manufacturers) is the lack of oil changes or extended oil changes, then it starts burning oil and nobody bothers checking their oil anymore. GDI engines tend be be hard on oil. My 2019 GDI Souls oil is coal black after 3k miles where my 2011 MPI Soul isn’t nearly as bad looking after the same mileage.

The converter recall was for the 12-16 1.6L.

If the 2012 you’re looking at is a 2.0L and has a good maintenance history and in good shape, and it checks out with you, then I think it will be a reliable car for your wife.

Edit—- to answer your title question. No the problems are not as bad as they sound. There’s millions of GDI Nu 2.0L and Gamma 1.6L engines on the road in different Hyundai and Kia models. The internet makes things sound worse than they are because it’s a place for people to complain when they have issues.

 

What makes GDI setup a problem is the head design.The intake valves are above and they never get washed by fuel,thus carbon buildup occurs!CRC VALVE CLEANER every 6,000 keeps them in shape diddo Audi,VW,SaaB!

 

I have a 2010 2L non-gdi engine in my Soul; I change the oil (Mobil 1 5w-20) every 4K miles and use a KIA branded oil filter. Have 70K miles with no issues with the engine and auto trans. I changed the transmision fluid and coolant at 50K miles and used KIA branded fluids. The only system not working is the TPMS system because the battery in each wheels sending unit has worn out - so I just check tire pressure manually. My next oil change, I will go to Mobil 1 5w-30 per suggestions in this forum. One problem I had was with the AC rubber drain tube; thru non use for 10 years, it got clogged with road debris and when I did use the AC, carpeting got wet; easily uncloged with a short wire.

 

Impressive Rick.

How much oil are losing between 4K mile oil changes? I ask because if you are only losing half a quart or so between oil changes why change to 5W30 when 5W20 is working so well for you?

@Wyattrew: 2015 EX GDI. Still using 5W20 extended performance synthetic oil.

Had to fill up 650 ml of motor oil over the last 7,196 km oil change. (0.7 US quarts over 4,471 miles) Once a year intake valve cleaning (CRC), the occasional throttle body intake cleaning, and either annual cleaning or just now a replacement of the PCV valve are all part of the program.

Suggestion: If you stumble across a good looking Soul, when you take it for a test drive, plug in an OBD-II scanner/reader and check the LTFT.

 

Not many problems with the 2.0 MPI in those years and the auto 6 speed trans is nearly bulletproof. If you are a mechanic call a dealer and get a quote on a Kia reman short block, I think wholesale to a shop like the one you probably work at as a mechanic is around $1k if that so you'd be alright even if it did seize as you could have it back on the road with a fresh engine in a day and not a lot of $$$ if you did get the worst case scenario and it crapped out from a lack of maintenance.

 

We had a '13 Soul (Base 1.6 Automatic) with GDI that we bought new. Traded it in on a '20 Soul LX IVT. After 7 years and 95K miles, it still used no oil and ran like new. However - I did almost every oil change every 4K-5K miles with a Kia filter and a major name-brand full synthetic oil. I added 1 bottle of Techron fuel treatment and ran it through usually just before each oil change. (Yes, I know it doesn't clean the intake valves, but it does clean the injector, piston and rings.)

My point is that you should not be too worried about a properly-maintained GDI, or almost any vehicle for that matter. Heck, I would probably feel OK buying a used Yugo from @bwdz75 knowing it was maintained well. LOL

 

Alright I'm liking what I'm hearing, hopefully going to look at this one early this next week. Was supposed to go get it this morning but come to find out the seller can't find the title and is going Monday to get one. Luckily they're in a area that does instant titles.

 

You can give the car a good lookover; the first thing I do is pull the dipstick - if dirty or not full, I pass. Other things: any bondo, tires worn evenly, does it blow blue smoke out the exhaust, is the engine quiet and smooth, does it accelerate easily, does it drive down the road at 70mph and track straight and not vibrate..........

OR find a good mechanic to look it over like bwdz; had a girl friend who took her prospects to her trusted mechanic for a fee ($50); saved her from buying one with a questionable engine.

 

You can give the car a good lookover; the first thing I do is pull the dipstick - if dirty or not full, I pass. Other things: any bondo, tires worn evenly, does it blow blue smoke out the exhaust, is the engine quiet and smooth, does it accelerate easily, does it drive down the road at 70mph and track straight and not vibrate..........

OR find a good mechanic to look it over like bwdz; had a girl friend who took her prospect to her trusted mechanic for a fee ($50); saved her from buying one with a questionable engine.

Good advice Rick. I would add that when checking the oil, take a sniff & if it smells like gas, take a pass.

 

Just pop the oil fill cap off and shine a light down the valvetrain, any sludge buildup is an obvious pass. I recently replaced the valve cover gasket on one with a 161k on it that is always maintained at the dealership, if I took a picture of the valvetrain you guys would swear it's an ultra lowmile car, that's the difference between oil changes on time or not.

 

Westslope; thanks mate; driving in Fla with the AC on and high temp days, my Soul uses 1/2 qt between oil changes @4k miles; especially on the hard drive (2 days) from Fla thru Tenn and Kentucky to Ind with 300 pounds of cargo; am going to go to Mobil 1 5w30 as a measure to keep that little engine running well lubricated; couldn't hurt.

 

Does the dash light up "like a Christmas Tree?"

 

My 2012 non GDI Soul + has 225,000 miles. Does not burn or lose oil. Oil changes every 5k. Back road driving has resulted in several set of struts. No major repairs with regular upkeep.
Car is being handed down to granddaughter as her first car.

 

Forgot to mention that I change my own oil using KIA oil filters; Mobil 1 5W20; on 2 different hard drives from Fla back to Ind, it used 8oz+; mountains of Tenn and Kentucky most likely not to mention that my cargo butt is getting bigger.

 

Trying to find a soul for my wife, preferably a 12-13 with the 2.0 but I'm a little hesitant based on all engine failures I've seen while researching them. Now Im a mechanic myself and have a seen a few kias and Hyundai's come in with Locked up engines but they were all out of oil and none where a soul specifically.
Are they really as bad as it seems or is it just due to the fact the PCV valves fail and cause excessive oil burning and people don't check it? And I've also heard around that the 2.0 is less prone to this then the 1.6? Also does the recall for something to do with the converters on the 12-16 models seem to effect the issue at all or fix it? Going to look at a 12 model with 115k soon so any input is appreciated, thanks.

I have a 2012 Kia Soul+ with 78k miles, original owner. 2.0 naturally aspirated 4 cyl engine. The car is perfect. I do all the service myself. Oil changes every 5k miles with Castrol Advanced Full Synthetic oil and Kia oil filters. I have done 3 drain and fills on the trans fluid using Kia spf 4 fluid. Just changed the pcv valve, it took 5 min. The car is perfect in every way. 28 mpg highway. No issues at all. One of the best, most useful cars I have ever owned.

 

Have a 2013, 2.0, treat her good, synthetic oil, has 58000 miles, still looks and runs like new, love my Mossy.

 

Trying to find a soul for my wife, preferably a 12-13 with the 2.0 but I'm a little hesitant based on all engine failures I've seen while researching them. Now Im a mechanic myself and have a seen a few kias and Hyundai's come in with Locked up engines but they were all out of oil and none where a soul specifically.
Are they really as bad as it seems or is it just due to the fact the PCV valves fail and cause excessive oil burning and people don't check it? And I've also heard around that the 2.0 is less prone to this then the 1.6? Also does the recall for something to do with the converters on the 12-16 models seem to effect the issue at all or fix it? Going to look at a 12 model with 115k soon so any input is appreciated, thanks.
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Stay clear depending on the mileage. If you look at one see if it has had its recall, and computer upgrade preformed. I have a 2013 1.6 manual trans Soul. It developed a knock around 110K, and had a reduction in power. KIA sent out a recall, and when I had it preformed the car went into a sleep mode from a serious engine issue. KIA replaced my engine for free since they extended the warranty to 150K due to numerous issues. Plus you have to stay on top of the oil level, and do changes more often. Their engineering may have been crap those years, but at least they stand behind their product.

 

Trying to find a soul for my wife, preferably a 12-13 with the 2.0 but I'm a little hesitant based on all engine failures I've seen while researching them. Now Im a mechanic myself and have a seen a few kias and Hyundai's come in with Locked up engines but they were all out of oil and none where a soul specifically.
Are they really as bad as it seems or is it just due to the fact the PCV valves fail and cause excessive oil burning and people don't check it? And I've also heard around that the 2.0 is less prone to this then the 1.6? Also does the recall for something to do with the converters on the 12-16 models seem to effect the issue at all or fix it? Going to look at a 12 model with 115k soon so any input is appreciated, thanks.

I have a 2011 Soul and have 182,000 miles on it and drive it hard. I only use Mobil 1 synthetic oil in any car I have had. I have replaced a battery, 2 sets of tires and had to replace a light switch. that with labor cost me $96.00. These plus windshield wiper blades are the only repairs or costs I have put into my Soul. I have a regular mechanic who works on it my 328I hard top convertible BMW. Iam still riding on my orginal brakes of which I keep asking my mechanic about and he says they are still fine. I do mostly highway driving about 75% to 25% city. Just increased my mpg by 4.7 miles by putting on Nokian tires from Finland. They handle just as good as the Michelin I ran through at 40,000 miles and these carry a 80,000 tread warranty. My Soul has been just great.
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