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
218 reports, newest first.
Engine, May 6, 2024
On [XXX], 2024 had a complete break down while driving on the highway on the way home from work. No warning light prior to the incident. Towed via ERS on my auto insurance policy to Plaza Tire Service, [XXX] . They replaced spark plugs and coils. Still sputtering and code on cylinder 3. Then taken to HW Kia of [XXX] in Ballwin, Mo (this was the closest dealership that said they could get to it right away). Has been there ever since (going on 2 months now). What I have been told has be done by Ian, Service Manager: Compression test done, no compression in cylinder 3. Warranty company (JMNA) sent out inspector. 2 weeks later warranty company asked dealership to do a full breakdown of the engine. On [XXX] got call from Ian that warranty company denied fix under warranty because the damage is to piston rings. (Month and a half just to get this determination from the warranty company) Ian told me that this is a known issue by Kia so he is requested engine replacement directly from Kia Corp. As of today ([XXX], 2024) I am still waiting to hear back if this replacement has been approved. Previously told by Ian (when I initially dropped off the vehicle) that once/if approved it will take approximately 10 days to get a new engine ordered and into the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 30, 2024
While driving vehicle, engine reduced power and went into a limp mode, pulled off Highway and stop. Check engine light came on and blinking. Later found motor had lost over three quarts of oil. Now engine knock and have been advised by mechanic that engine is about to throw a rod thru the the side. Vehicle has had oil changes at 5000 miles intervals thru out its 124,000 miles on the road also oil checks often too. Now we are without a vehicle with a damage engine. I understand thru research that this is a common problem for this type vehicle and motor.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2024, crash
Car stalled in the middle of the road while driving. Took it in to dealer ship for a recall to get this repaired or flashed. Engine burning excessive oil. Car has always been kept up with maintenance. While operating the vehicle the car stalled due to low oil compression. Vehicle has aprox 155k miles. Check engine light has came on. Due to the issue that car engine is burning oil there is a new permanent code p0420 which is a bad catalyc converter since the cars emission system is failing. Car has been sitting at home for about 1 month or longer as we don’t drive it and are still financing the vehicle
Power train, Apr 22, 2024
2018 KIA SOUL gas pedal stopped working while driving on interstate 695. On April 7, 2024 my car displayed the following warning message on the dash while I was driving on the beltway. “Transmission Temp high please stop safely”. The warning light went off, but I took my car to the Koons Kia service on April 9, 2024. A few days later I was informed by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the engine had sludge. I was later informed that the clutch actuator also needed to be replaced. The Transmission was covered under warranty and Koons Kia allegedly did the repair. I picked my car up on April 17th. The very next day (April 18) the transmissions started making noise. I contacted the dealer on the 18th and reported the concern. They told me to bring the car back on Tuesday , April 23rd. At no time did anyone warn me of the potential safety issue. I do not know what the mechanics at Koons Kia did, but the car was worse and more dangerous after the repair. Unfortunately, on April 22,2024 while driving on interstate 695, my car started to lose power and suddenly slow down. Cars rushing by and my car would not accelerate when I applied the gas pedal. The warning message “ Transmission temp high stop safely “ appeared again. I pulled over on the shoulder until the car cooled off. This time there was a smell along with it. When the car cooled off, I slowly drove the rest of the way with my hazard lights on. I contacted Kia dealership, Kia roadside assistance, and Kia customer service. No one warned me of the extreme safety issue nor did they offer any assistance with getting me home or with getting car back to service department. My car is back at the dealership. But this is a major safety issue. The gas pedal stopped working without warning while I was on interstate 695 going well over 50mph. There were other cars zooming by. very dangerous. I could have been hurt or someone else could have been hurt.
Engine, Apr 4, 2024
Second time in last six months car went into “limp mode” with the knock sensor. First time it was “just” a faulty knock sensor and under warranty. Happens again now it’s the all too well known the oil is burning too fast on this engine. Kia/hyundai will not take this under warranty as it is not a rod bearing issue while numerous owners have the exact same issue. This cars engine can probably fail at any time with this oil issue continually happening. The cars oil has been maintained per manual and was not expecting an oil change yet the level is way too low already (3000ish which is way before the 5000 mile mark per owners manual and Kia)
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2024
My husband [XXX] and I own a 2018 Kia Soul, 102,000 miles, and in February, my daughter was driving to school and the front end of the car became shaking violently. It was so dangerous that my husband would not let my daughter drive it, as it was easy to lose control of the car. We took the car in to the Kia Dealership to be diagnosed. The steering shaft needed to be replaced, a total cost of $941.53, paid 2/19/24. After talking with mechanics and researching this part, it was clear that this part should last the lifetime of the car; in fact, I spoke with a mechanic who said they have never seen this issue, let alone in a 6 year old car. I continued searching online and saw that this was a problem in older models of Kia Souls, and there were recalls on the 2012- 2016 models for the same issue we experienced. So I called Kia to see if there was a recall on the 2018 model. They said no and that since there was not an extended warranty on the car, they would not reimburse or pay for the repair. I sent a message stating my position of outrage, that this repair is unacceptable since the part should last the lifetime of the car, and that obviously there was faulty manufacturing of the part. This posed a danger to my daughter, who is a college student, and Kia should be responsible for the repair. Kia sent my complaint to the escalation department for review, where I have been communicating with Kayla from the Customer Care Unit. I have been corresponding and waiting for a decision for reimbursement since February, and today I was told that my request was denied. My case number is #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2024
unknown. My car was stolen last Monday 2/26 about 10:15 AM. I've filed a police complaint as well.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2024
2018 Kia Soul with excessive oil consumption. 1.6 Liter GDI engine. Base model. Oil is being overly consumed in between oil changes, needing double the quarts in between Kia's manufacturing guidelines.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Engine, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to maintain oil pressure, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain power and would stall after being started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Engine, Feb 11, 2024
The engine is burning a TON of oil and I have to put 5 quarts in every 2-3 months. I also found oil when I pulled the 2nd and 3rd spark plugs (from left to right). I checked the engine again and it’s bone dry.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the light had appeared prior to the next scheduled oil change. A few days later while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine with an oil burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled and came to a complete stop in middle of the highway. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2023
Engine failure at 121733 due to faulty engine management system. Was able to limp the car to the dealership. Engine had to be replaced due to broken rings in two of the pistons. Car was serviced regularly prior to the insidence.
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2023
My Goddaughter has had random starting problems with the 2018 Kia Soul plus, that I bought her. If you turn the key you hear a click but it won't start until you try several times. She has had to get a jump on occasions. We bought a new battery, thinking that was the problem, but that didn't solve the issue. Taken car to the dealership several times, but they say that they can't find a problem. She get nervous everytime she goes somewhere and cut the car off, thinking she's gonna get stranded. I'm afraid for her, getting out there at night time that car not starting for her. Researching this issue online, I found out that this is an issue that numerous people have complained about, an addressed the issue as well. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Kia. Thinking about trading her Kia Soul, and buying her something more reliable.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an oil consumption test and oil change. The contact stated that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400.
Engine, Sep 29, 2023
I took my 2018 Kia soul into the Kia dealer for a couple recalls, one of them was that KSDS (knock sensor detection system) shortly after that, my engine light started going on. I took it back to the Kia dealer and they change the oil And charged me for it. My engine is burning oil and it's having to be replaced by a quart every couple weeks. I pulled into Valvoline the other day and explained what happened and the young man called his supervisor and came back to me and said they cannot change the oil because , my car engine is at fault and could start a fire or blow a rod. I've been in touch with my Kia dealer and they tell me that my extended warranty is not valid however, when I look at the proposed class settlement soon for engine issues, such as engine, fires, or engine failure… it tells me once that KSDS has been updated. I automatically qualify for extended warranty. I've been instructed not to drive my car and to park it in a safe open place. I need a rental car and my local Kia dealer is unable or unwilling to assist me. They also told me that they have no one to work on that issue for two weeks. They also told me unless my engine blows a rod or catches on fire. There's nothing they can do to assist me and covering the cost. My kia soul will not go faster than 60 miles an hour on an open highway for more than 20 miles an hour going up a local residential hill. Obviously something is drastically wrong with my engine but I can't seem to get any Kia person to assist me.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Car Insurence informed us that the Car is Missing the engine anti-theft interlock system and no Dealership is not responding, I have COPD and can not have the car missing for a TicToK steal this car challenge by Hyundai/KIA.
Air bags, Aug 17, 2023, crash
I was involved in a high speed car accident last week where the impact made me hit my head on the steering wheel. My air bags never deployed even though the other driver was going at least 70mph. My vehicle is a total loss.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2023
My 2018 Kia Soul is guzzling oil even after an oil consumption test and a head gasket and valve cover gasket replacement. We are using a quart of synthetic blend oil every 500 miles. We cannot be the only people with this complaint!! Vehicle has less than 95,000 miles on it. The Kia Dealership in Clarksville, TN has been the only place to work on our vehicle since buying it a little over one year ago. Said vehicle has been guzzling oil since day one of our purchase.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
My engine failed on the I-74 due to excessive oil usage that the original owner reported to Cronin Kia at 38,911 miles.The engine was never repaired and instead 6 miles later with me unaware of it having engine problems I was buying this car for my daughter to which after multiple complaints about it using oil and opening up claims it finally blew up.Now they say it is out of warranty. How does a car company get away with this?
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
Oil consumption issues that Kia knows about will not fix. Will not even make it 3000 miles before needing oil. It’s ridiculous that Kia knows about issues and will not fix the problem
Engine, May 25, 2023
I bought my kia soul with about 86000 miles on it. It used to be a rental before. It was well maintained, oil changes when needed, new tires, etc. I was driving back from my family's going about 70 up and down mountains when the engine made a ticking sound and it started to slow. We were still about 2 hours from home. We did make it back due to using the manual drive. We were planning on taking the car in the following weekend for an oil changed. When Tuesday came around my partner had the car and he was driving 70 on the freeway when it started to slow again and he made it to an off ramp where it shuddered, shot smoke out the back and died. We got a tow to pep boys and they let us know that it ran out of oil (althought we checked before me left my family's) and the engine no longer works and to replace the engine was going to be $15,000. There were no warnings at all to this.
Power train, May 17, 2023
Bought this vehicle used with 32k miles. Have experienced a judder when accelerating since we purchased it. This a known issue with Kia. I sent it to a dealership and they replaced a fuel injector and said that was the problem, it's not. Got the car back and it is still malfunctioning. This issue was reported on this vehicle previously when it was brand new. I need this issue fixed.
Engine, May 4, 2023, fire
While driving on the highway… engine ceased and went on fire. Safety was at risk I could have died…. The vehicle has been inspected. I know it is from an engine defect, but believe they are dragging their feet. There was no warning
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was unsure what part was replaced on the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the ECU was updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 63,000.