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 64% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2018 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model

2018 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 218
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2018: 218 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	135
2011	193
2012	514
2013	663
2014	900
2015	898
2016	815
2017	272
2018	218
2019	136
2020	380
2021	235
2022	90
2023	53
2024	30
2025	12

Known problem areas

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

Engine

64% · 140 reports

CRASHFIRE

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, 2024-04-29

Also filed under Electrical system and fuel/propulsion system

This Kia has an oil consumption issue I need to add oil every 3 to 4 hundred miles also my oil gets black at least 1 week after an oil change.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09

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, 2026-07-25

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

14% · 31 reports

Electrical system

9% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and coil.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 11 reports

CRASH

Air bags

5% · 11 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brakes failed. Was pumping pedle, no brakes whatsoever and rearended driver infront of me airbags did not deploy

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-24

Also filed under Service brakes

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 140 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 31 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 22V031000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.