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The 2018 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
""Despite regular washing and waxing, clearcoat peeled on hod- $1500 fix. Had same issue on rear spoiler earlier, was repaired under warranty.""
Anonymous A., FL (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"tailgate has rust spots"
Anonymous, NS (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"left rear caliper captured a stone on a ranch road. Does not appear to be enough preventive measures to keep stones out of left rear outer caliper. Trapprd stone damaged outer pad & rotor."
Anonymous A., UT (2018 Kia Soul Exclaim 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)"I had a brake job done by my trusted mechanic less than two years ago (full pad and rotor replacement). I don't drive much, and I don't ride my brakes. I needed to have a brake job earlier this month (July 2025), but my mechanic had retired so I brought it to another reputable shop with good reviews. I thought I had brought it in before any rotor damage had occurred (pads only) but I was assured the rotors also needed to be replaced. So this costly repair ($1113 for front brakes) is probably more the result of the shop I took it to, rather than the vehicle itself. They were the ones that found the issue with the control arm, but I think I will take my vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion and to have the work done there instead."
Anonymous A., ON (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Drivers door has rattling that comes and goes."
Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)"Noise underneath frame from pipes ans shields"
Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Soul Exclaim 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"rust spots on tailgate"
Anonymous, NS (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
"My brakes needed replacement (prematurely in my opinion). When I went to the mechanic and my car was on the hoist, I was informed I would also need service to replace a control arm. I'm waiting to see if my third party vehicle warranty will cover this repair, as it will be over $2000 if I have to do it on my own."
Anonymous A., ON (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
"seat warmers went out....creaks underneath from exhaust and converter"
Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Soul Exclaim 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
""It burns a huge amount of oil. Started at about 60,000 miles and continually got worse. I continually add 1/2 quart about every 200 miles.""
Anonymous, OH (2018 Kia Soul Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"The black trim from the A pillar to windshield came loose and it cost $250.00 for Kia to replace ."
Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)