VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Kia Soul sits mid-pack among Soul years: 284 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 290, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 49% of all reports (139 of 284), far ahead of transmission at 31. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

284

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13949%
Transmission3111%
Other2810%
Electrical System207%
Airbags114%
Fuel System114%
Speed Control83%
Brakes72%
Driver Assistance52%
Body & Structure52%
Steering52%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Lighting41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Suspension10%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2018 Kia Soul have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V031000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2022 · 410,619 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving on Interstate 64.im Norfolk when the car started to smoke, I just made to the side of the road and my car turned off. My dad told me that I he had the same thing happen to him on his 2011 optima his car turned off on the road. Kia had a recall on Kia optima engines. I spoke to another…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2022 · fire

“Bought this vehicle used with 32k miles. Have experienced a judder when accelerating since we purchased it. This a known issue with Kia. I sent it to a dealership and they replaced a fuel injector and said that was the problem, it's not. Got the car back and it is still malfunctioning. This issue…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 17, 2023

“I WAS SITTING AT A JACKS DRIVE THROUGH WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS ON. MY CAR WAS STOPPED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. IT PLOWED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BUT THE REESE HITCH ON HIS TRUCK WENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 27, 2019 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 KIA SOUL ON MADISON HWY IN VALDOSTA,GA.L SAW SMOKE COMING OUT MY HOOD SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A CONVENIENT STORE ! THE PEOPLE IN THE STORE CAME RUNNING OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND WE WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2020 · fire

“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. While operating the vehicle the car stalled due to low oil compression. Vehicle has aprox 155k…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 9, 2024 · crash

2018 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?

It is close to typical for the Soul: 284 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (139 complaints), transmission (31 complaints), other (28 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.