Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Soul, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine141
- Power train31
- Unknown or other30
- Electrical system19
- Air bags11
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Vehicle speed control8
- Service brakes6
- Steering5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 12 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 62 2018 Soul vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 38 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2018 Kia Soul failed the safety check 2.33% of the time — 42% more often than the average 2018 passenger car (1.65%). Median odometer at inspection: 59,014 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2018
9,589 new Kia Soul cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2018; the largest markets were Germany (4,156), the United Kingdom (1,618), France (850).
- Average mass
- 1,455 kg
- Average CO₂
- 0 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 89 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Electric 48% · Petrol 31% · Diesel 21%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
77 first registered in 2018 are on Dutch roads; 49% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €35,395.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde17
- Band onvoldoende profiel9
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld8
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm7
- Dim-, grootlicht werkt niet (goed)6
- Afgedekt onderdeel niet beoordeeld 5.1b.34
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht3
- Dimlicht niet juist aangebracht2
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
1,923 cars built in 2018 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 22 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,977 of these cars first registered in 2018 took their annual MOT test. 86% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2018 the figure was 84%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 5.8% | 3.6% |
| Tyres | 3.5% | 5.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.2% | 4.0% |
| Brakes | 2.5% | 2.9% |
| Suspension | 0.6% | 1.6% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.2% | 0.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
86 of these cars first registered in 2018 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 84,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
121 2018 cars are on the New Zealand register; 2% arrived as used imports, 98% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 14.7 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 8.5–8.7 L/100 km (about 27–28 mpg US), CO₂ 199–206 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.1 | 7.7 | 8.5 |
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.4 | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.5 | 7.8 | 8.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2018 Kia Soul.
| 2024760 13 Dec 2024 | Brakes Issue: Over time, the brake lines under the vehicle could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced… |
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2024345 14 Jun 2024 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the heated seat could disconnect and cause the seat heaters to overheat. Safety Risk: A seat heater that overh… |
| 2022023 27 Jan 2022 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not wo… |
| 2021733 7 Dec 2021 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2018 Kia Soul: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010516 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2107Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2107) titled Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any on |
| 11009080 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softwa |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10253006 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU"). |
| 10250838 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softwa |
| 10247560 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification consists of a theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and will be available to you free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10247554 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softw |
| 10247553 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer |
| 10242236 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: NU 2.OL GDI SULEV ECU EMISSIONS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC251) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Electronic Control Module (ECM) with an improved version on certain 2017-2019MY Soul (PS) vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engine, produced from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018. To ensure compliance with emissions regulations, apply the improved s |
| 10241169 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10238218 | PITSTOP: SRS DTC B176200 AND/OR B168400 - This pitstop has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this pitstop are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides information regarding a possible mismatch of a SRSCM (Supplemental Restraint System Control Module) and driver seat belt buckle that may set the SRS DTC(s) B168400 and/or B176200 on the models listed below. When diagnosing a vehicle that has been in an accident and/or has recently had a superseded SRSCM replaced, it may be necessary to inspect and replace the driver seat belt buckle |
| 10236368 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10232942 | PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a missing dowel pin, after a short block engine replacement. An internal oil leakage will cause a decrease in oil pressure without the instal lation of the dowel pin location described in this bulletin. Confirm that the dowel pin was installed for an engine exhibiting a low oil pressure concern after a short block replacement. |
| 10230884 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: NU 2.0L GDI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2107) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Do NOT install PI2107 KSDS ECU Logic Improvement on 20 17 20 19MY Soul (PS) w/Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV models. The KSDS will automatically be installed under SC251. Utilize Op Code 210149R1 for all SULEV models and proceed to SC251. All claims are subject to Warranty review and chargeback.This bulletin provides information related to a so |
| 10230625 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: NU 2.OL GDI SULEV ECU EMISSIONS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC251) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Electronic Control Module (ECM) with an improved version on certain 2017-2019MY Soul (PS) vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engine, produced from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018. To ensure compliance with emissions regulations, apply the improved software update to the Engine system using the KDS ECU Upgrade function as described in this bulletin. |
| 10230624 | SC251_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER |
| 10230623 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC251). |
| 10230622 | SC251_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD |
| 10230621 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engines manufactured from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018 to improve the emission logic in the Electronic Control Module ('ECM') to ensure compliance with emissions regulations. |
| 10230620 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engines manufactured from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018 to improve the emission logic in the Electronic Control Module ('ECM') to ensure compliance with emissions regulations. |
| 10230619 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engines manufactured from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018 to improve the emission logic in the Electronic Control Module ('ECM') to ensure compliance with emissions regulations. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10220346 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi |
| 10212199 | PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION - This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engines listed below, which may set DTC P0011, P0014, P0016, or P0017 after an engine replacement. If these DTCs were not present prior to engine replacement, the camshaft reluctor wheel (also called pulse wheel) may not be in the correct position when engine is at Top Dead Center and may be sending an erroneous signal to the PCM, causing the DTC. Follow the proc |
| 10211959 | SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2107Y/Z) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2107) titled "Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance). |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)