MYRModel Year Report

2018 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model
2018 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2010: 134 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 512 complaints 2012 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 888 complaints 2014 2015: 891 complaints 2016: 793 complaints 2016 2017: 268 complaints 2018: 209 complaints 2018 2019: 131 complaints 2020: 357 complaints 2020 2021: 220 complaints 2022: 87 complaints 2022 2023: 48 complaints 2024: 26 complaints 2024 2025: 11 complaints 2025
2018: 209 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010134
2011193
2012512
2013657
2014888
2015891
2016793
2017268
2018209
2019131
2020357
2021220
202287
202348
202426
202511

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 63%

63% of complaints: engine — 131 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240429

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 31 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240429

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240429

AIR BAGS 5%

5% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

BRAKES FAILED. WAS PUMPING PEDLE, NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER AND REARENDED DRIVER INFRONT OF ME AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

NHTSA ODI report, 20180724

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220321 — air bags

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 22V031000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (131 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Soul is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Soul?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 63% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.