2018 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Soul. This model year has 202 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2018 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 202 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2018 Kia Soul
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2018 Kia Soul has 202 NHTSA owner complaints, 14 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (136 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2018 Kia Soul has 14 crash-related complaints and 14 fire reports out of 202 total NHTSA complaints. 12 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Kia Soul. The largest issue: AIR BAGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Soul?▾
The 2018 Kia Soul has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2018 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.