2018 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 218 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 14 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bagsJan 25, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Campaign 22V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
146 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 3, 2025
On 8/12/25, my 2018 Kia Soul (approx. 126,000 miles) suddenly began shuddering at low RPM with a flashing check engine light, near-stalling, and smoke from the exhaust. A warning message appeared for an engine control issue. Prior to failure, the engine intermittently knocked and displayed an oil pressure warning light. The engine burned oil at an excessive rate between routine oil changes. At the Kia dealership, diagnostic codes P0300 and P0303 were found. The dealer reported a burnt valve and seized starter, estimating $2,960 for valve repair or $6,437 for engine replacement, and stated these were not covered under Kia’s extended warranty or E2 Class Action Settlement because no P1326 code appeared. However, the symptoms match the rod bearing wear defect already covered under the E2 settlement. The dealer refused to perform the bearing clearance test (Kia’s required diagnostic for this defect) without payment, even though the settlement and extended warranty specify Kia must cover all inspection, diagnostic, and repair costs for potential rod bearing failures within the 15-year/150,000-mile coverage period. The engine failure created a serious safety risk when the vehicle lost power and nearly stalled in traffic. The burnt valve and seized starter are likely secondary effects of bearing-related long block failure. Kia’s refusal to inspect the vehicle without charge contradicts the settlement’s intent and prevents proper diagnosis of a known defect. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of inspection and warranty coverage for vehicles showing these symptoms but lacking code P1326.
Engine, Oct 24, 2025
Engine is loosing oil into the #2 cylinder, causing an damage to the downstream exhaust. Once the cylinder fills with oil, the care immediately drops in operation speed causing significant driver response and immediately surrounding vehicles
Engine, Oct 8, 2025
Low compression on cylinder 3 and 4 and the car only has 40,000 miles on it. It's not covered in warranty because it's a 2018 model but I've only had the car for 1.5 years and still owe 18,000 on it and I'm a officer and a single mother and can't afford to let the car go back when Kia knows these cars have engine issues and low compression engine problems.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2025
Going through oil so fast excessive oil use
Engine, Sep 4, 2025
Out of no where my engine just started knocking. No engine light came on, no oil light came on, no warnings at all. I just got an oil change 12/18/2024, with 2 top offs 04/23/25 and 07/23/25. And August 24 th my engine started knocking. I took it to Midtown kia on 08/25/25 and they told me Kia customer care won't cover the engine recall.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that a piston was missing and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 17, 2025
Check engine light flashing and began to lose exceleration. Pulled off the highway and vehicle died. Unable to start it. Told that the engine is bad by a mechanic.
Engine, Aug 11, 2025
I have owned this car now, for 3 years and uh, in those 3 years, I have had to add a quart of oil to it every week. There is a problem with oil consumption. It does not burn it and it does not leak it. And uh, apparently, kia says there is no problem. So in my opinion, the 1.6 l Kia engine is garbage. It has blow by if I take the oil cap off. The oil cap will sit there and rattle and blow off. Now it sou ds like it is getting ready to blow the motor, it has a rod knocking.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025, fire
Nov 10,2024 my 2018 Kia soul “1.6” (1.6 is important because only the 2018 Kia soul 2.0 got recognized in class action lawsuit for exact reason my 1.6 did engine fire but yet YOU nor KIA will take responsibility for the fire and you guys for not doing a recall on it) biggest problem I have is when I purchased it from kia lot in Carlsbad ca the salesman NEVER mentioned one word they’re known for catching fire nor mentioned someone actually died in car from engine fire to me that’s crappy customer care all the way around and Kia DOES NOT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS WHAT So EVER!! Was driving down fwy going to work and smoke coming from my engine my engine was on fire. Aug 2024 I had oil change and tuneup just months before the engine fire. NHTSA doesn’t care either how many people like myself could’ve burned up in kia death trap. To date they still haven’t made kia responsible for the 1.6 only 2.0 I hope they have a family member experience what I did I betcha they would take care of it then! Kia Corp has denied everything being their faulty piston oil rings that they continue making and using even on their new 2025 cars that are being recalled now! Do I have to die in the car to get recognized and reimbursed for all my out of pocket expenses?? Yep! Kia SUCKS never again!
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
Car burned out all oil and stalled
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 15, 2025
My engine under, the 2018 KIA Soul Engine Recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for KIA to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. KIA extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Since, I have experienced excessive oil consumption and firing of the engine. In December 2024, the engine light went on. The KIA mechanic said the engine must be replaced. This time I had a problem finding two maintenance receipts. KIA refused to honor the warranty. The dealership refused to work more on the car. In March 2025, the car began to fire large bangs, then much smoke and the engine seized. What if I was driving on a busy street when this happened? What if the car caught fire? I towed the car to the dealership. KIA manufacturer refuses to honor the engine warranty. I explained to KIA my car has documented engine problems. The sludge found is part of the engine problem. The car uses excessive oil, the high burning is coagulating in the bottom of the engine causing the sludge. I have followed the scheduled maintenance in the owner's manual. I have been harassed, badgered, called names at the KIA dealership who wants me to take my car away. I told all of them I have a car with a well known and documented engine defect that they must fix. I read the NHTSA 23V-099 recall. My KIA Soul has experienced similar problems according to the descriptions from the KIA mechanic. Because my car does not fall within the specific car description KIA keeps turning me away. I am driving an unreliable and unsafe car on the road. We cannot allow KIA to continue to sell unsafe cars they have no intention to correct. Another problem that began after the October 2023 break is the car has an error that reads, '...the battery is on'. I have replaced 3 Die Hard batteries since. Thank you.
Power train, Engine, May 12, 2025
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.
Power train, Engine, May 12, 2025
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire herself using a gallon of water she had on hand. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an NHTSA Campaign but was unaware of the NHTSA Campaign Number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
While climbing a hill, the engine began to sputter and lose power immediately, throwing multiple CEL codes. I was barely able to get it off the side of the road and shut the engine off. We were very lucky to be driving at a time when the road was not as busy as usual and experienced no collisions, though we were stranded on the side of a road with no cellular service for 2 hours before we could get towed. A mechanic reviewed the engine and suggested the piston rings blew and there was oil leaking from the exhaust manifold. Smoke was pouring from the rear of the engine, likely from it burning through the exhaust manifold, and the back of the engine was covered in oil and dripping out what oil was left in the engine at a rapid pace on the side of the road. This aligns with known issues for these engines involving oil consumption at unreasonable rates and the class action settlement for rod knock issues. The vehicle is able to be inspected. I am not comfortable starting the car as it continues to make horrible noises. The CEL codes produced were multiple misfires and individual cylinder misfires, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303. The CEL illuminated after the engine lost power and made the noises, flashing repeatedly along with the oil indicator light. The oil light had not illuminated at all prior to indicate an issue with oil levels or pressure. Oil was present in the vehicle at acceptable levels approximately 95 minutes or 100 miles prior to the failure. Only the mechanic hired has looked at the engine so far.
Engine, Mar 19, 2025
The camshaft bolt broke off and destroyed the engine. A second bolt worked itself loose and photos show it at least half way out. Less than 100k on vehicle. The car was on the freeway when it lost acceleration ability. The dealership requested the extended warranty cover the replacement of the engine and they denied coverage. A few months before the codes for camshaft sensor came on. We replace the sensor and the car worked fine until recently.
Engine, Mar 15, 2025
My 2018 Kia Soul burns oil creating the engine to misfire, stall, putter, tick. Ive had my oil changed on a Friday, and by Tuesday, there is no oil left in my engine. The local Kia dealership is currently doing an "oil consumption" test, however was alerted by Kia Corporate to not go any further unless I get them 7 years of my oil change records. My car is still under warranty. I have provided the oil change records. The local KIA dealership advised I drive my car if I need to, knowing there is a faulty engine, and that could cause harm or death! KIA does NOT stand by their warranty and tries to nickel and dime their good, loyal customers. They manufacture faulty engines, putting peoples lives at risk! My car is sitting at the dealership, waiting on approval from KIA while I am left with no car. Also, the dealer does not have any loaners available.
Engine, Mar 1, 2025
While driving on the interstate @70mph with the cruise control activated and set the engine started without any warning to slow down. at this time the engine was sputtering, and the check engine light came on and we were unable to keep the car at speed. 12The vehicle was then driven about a mile to a KIA dealership. We were then told the engine had a multiple engine misfire and they would want the car for about 3 weeks to determine what happened. We then had the car towed to another mechanic who in a couple of days told us that there was no compression in cylinder #4 and the engine was blown.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had to add one quart of oil per week. The battery was replaced on three occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 57 MPH while driving. There was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was no oil in the oil pan, but there was no indication of a leak. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was limp, and the starter was becoming inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was becoming inoperable, and an engine replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia of Naples (3325 Westview Dr, Naples, FL 34104) for an oil consumption and rod bearing test. The manufacturer was contacted and extended the warranty to 150,000 and declined to replace the engine due to missing maintenance records. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to safely park the vehicle in a parking lot and the had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Engine, Oct 23, 2024
Oil plug fell out while driving, engine needed to be replaced.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 14, 2024
We purchased this vehicle for our [XXX]. It was going to be his first vehicle, and we shined it up and changed the battery, detailed it, changed all spark plugs, the whole nine yards…so on his [XXX] we give it to him, and we take it for a test drive, and the engine seizes up and we have to tow it to our mechanic. He assesses the car, and its rod bearing wear that is under a class action lawsuit. After calling Kia, they will not do anything about it because it has never had a specific software update that is under a product improvement action. A knock sensor detection that would detect prior to engine failure. I told Kia that we looked up recalls on the vehicle and there was nothing regarding that on the search. From both their website, and NHTSA. And they said that it wasn’t their responsibility to do so. But it was their failed product and design, that put my child at risk, and we had no reasonable way of knowing about it. They said it wasn’t their responsibility. I don’t understand how a detection system of the engine failure, would be required after the failure? There’s no prevention aspect to the “product improvement”. At this point, it serves no purpose, the engine failed for that reason. And installing the software update prior to failure wouldn’t have changed anything. They have orchestrated a loophole to not be accountable for a design and product they out on the public market, which they received financial compensation for, that could have cost my child’s life. In fact, they won’t even pay to replace the deficient engine that broke because of their negligence in design and risk assessment. They are 100% unwilling to address the defective product they sold. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level was low after a routine oil change. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gasket and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 5, 2024
I have A 2018 Kia Soul I have been having problems with my oil running low and my oil and engine light coming on after I have had an oil change this has been going on since 12/21:2023 inhace taken my car to the dealearship over and over only for them to tell me I don’t have oil leak they have done oil consumption test and still said nothing was wrong with the vehicle continued to take to get oil change and same thing has kept happening finally paid for diagnostic after months of being told my car was fine to find out the oil was leaking to my catalytic converter now my catalytic converter has gone out on my 2018 Kia Soul and dealership quoted me A $5400 repair price I have 2 warranty and none cover exhaust repair Kia has given me the run around and also said my car wasn’t under recall but I am experiencing all the recall symptoms related to the 2018 Kia Soul base mode 1.6 engine
Engine, Aug 20, 2024
While driving the vehicle, with no warning, the engine failed. The second cylinder lost all pressure, with the remaining 3 cylinders at the lowest passable pressure. This was on the highway, and the car began jerking and shaking, not allowing to follow flow of traffic. There is supposedly a recall for this issue, however Kia is refusing to cover the car, as it has 120,000 miles and is past the power train warranty. Kia dealership told me it was covered, while Kia is stating it is not. So now I have a 6 year old, $30,000 lawn ornament.