MYRModel Year Report

2018 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model
2018 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-09-02

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: 135 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 514 complaints 2012 2013: 660 complaints 2014: 895 complaints 2014 2015: 896 complaints 2016: 802 complaints 2016 2017: 270 complaints 2018: 213 complaints 2018 2019: 135 complaints 2020: 372 complaints 2020 2021: 228 complaints 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2025
2018: 213 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010135
2011193
2012514
2013660
2014895
2015896
2016802
2017270
2018213
2019135
2020372
2021228
202288
202349
202429
202512

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 63%

63% of complaints: engine — 135 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

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260725

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2018 Kia Soul has failed on oil consumption test and needs and engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260721

POWER TRAIN 15%

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and coil.

CRASH FIRE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

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

CRASH
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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

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 (135 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 (20 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.