2018 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 202 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2018 Kia Soul. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2018 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Kia Soul has 202 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 202
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 27
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 24 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 111
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Kia Soul?
The 2018 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and drivetrain.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of trouble, such as unusual noises or stalling.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and drivetrain.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Kia Soul are heavily concentrated in engine problems, with over 130 reports. Transmission and drivetrain issues also appear frequently. A small number of crash-related complaints were noted, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to limited sample size.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints (136 out of 202).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (29 complaints).
- There is 1 recall for this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 136 | 1 | 10 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 27 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 8 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2018 Kia Soul with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine is experiencing severe oil consumption of approximately 1 quart every 300–400 miles. The engine and lubrication system are available for inspection upon request. My check engine light is currently on. The dealer performed several recal…
My car was fine one day the next day without warnings was driving on highway and it starting riding sluggish making a rough noise I had pull over to the side of highway turn car off started back up drove home and that was the day my nightmare started. I took my car to the dealer…
My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the …
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was d…
The engine seized up at 165,000 miles. According to one [XXX] at Trinity Automotive in Fairfield, Ohio, it's a known issue. According to [XXX] at PrebCo in Eaton, Ohio, the issue is related to low-pressure piston rings. Compression tests showed between 0 psi in one cylinder and…
ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE HIGHWAY Purchased 8/5 from reseller, who had driver it over 200 miles with no issues. Had it inspected that day and no issues found. Scheduled appt w/ Clay Cooley Kia to drop off 8/12 to have warranty recalls addressed. Clay Cooley inspec…
Unknown...the car goes into limp mode suddenly...my battery was boiling an shot liquid out of it, prior to this my other battery leaked an the alternator was bad ....when this happens suddenly you have no steering, an if course the boiling battery may explode....I've had this car…
I am submitting this complaint regarding failure to complete a federally mandated safety recall and the subsequent release of my vehicle in an unsafe condition after prolonged dealer custody. Vehicle Information provided above Safety Recall Information Recall Type: Federal airbag…
A Kia franchise dealership demanded payment for diagnostics in order to perform a federal airbag safety recall, which I refused. After the dealer’s involvement, the vehicle’s diagnostic/OBD port became unreadable, preventing recall completion. A second Kia dealer states they cann…
Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.
Excessive oil consumption
Was going down the freeway the check engine light came on pulled over and found there to be no oil on the dip stick and I had just checked it a week ago. Now the engine is knocking due to the oil consumption.
The clear coat peeled off of the driver and passenger side mirrors in the beginning of 2024. The white paint started chipping off in a one inch straight line where the red roof meets the white side panel on both sides. You can tell it is where a strip of tape was that maybe sepa…
Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being un…
9/25/25 Car would not accelerate on exit ramp and engine seized just as I pulled into Romeo Kia Kingston Car Repair Center, causing a dangerous driving situation. No prior noise or warning lights for the 6 years I have owned the car. 10/6/25 per Jared Illg, District Kia Mgr.…
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that occasionally the steering wheel was loose and inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The c…
Kia is aware of these issues why haven't they issued a recall for engine oil composition low and causing problems
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…
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
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle suddenly jumped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was tak…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Kia Soul.
2018 Kia Soul Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Soul. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 202 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2018 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (136 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (29 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 14 fire reports out of 202 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Kia Soul. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Soul?▾
The 2018 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.