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    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 27 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Soul will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the Kia brand score.

    The 2018 Kia Soul has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    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.

    Electrical Accessories

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "2 years ago the left LED headlights would not turn on. I bought a replacement bulb but that did not fix it. At the dealership they said it was a known issue. I believe it was the "controller" for that headlight. This summer, 2024, it was 110 degrees F outside when we went for a drive. The left headlight would not come on. We tried several times within 4 hours to get the headlight to come on. The next morning, when it was cooler, the headlights worked fine; but later it got hot that day and the left headlight refused to come on. Since then it had not been that hot and the headlights work just fine."

    Anonymous, OR (2018 Kia Soul EV Electric)
    Keyless entry

    "Sometimes the car doesn't recognize the key even after replacing the battery"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other electrical system problem

    "There is a common electronic control module that failed and was difficult to locate and replace. It also activated the warning light but my car was out of service almost three weeks for this repair because of part unavailability."

    Anonymous, AZ (2018 Kia Soul 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "It's happened 2 times. I drive somewhere, doesn't seem to matter how far. When I stop and put the car in Park, and try to turn off the car, the key gets stuck on ACC. The first time it happened, i just jiggled it and shifted in and out of Park several times, and the key came out. Today, that didn't work. So i left the car running as I unpacked the car. Then, when I tried it again, it slid out easily. So something funky is going on."

    Anonymous, NM (2018 Kia Soul Unsure)
    Warning lights

    "The so-called "engine warning light" is activated by a module for a host of problems and gives no useful information on how serious a problem you have. The module that activates this light is hard to get due to supply chain issues and causes a lengthy loss of use."

    Anonymous, AZ (2018 Kia Soul 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "When the engine readings are out of the normal range, the car goes into a 'low power' mode. While it can be driven, it's speed is greatly decreased so freeway driving is not safe."

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Starter would click, but not engage to start the car"

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    "Window switch failed, couldn't get window up."

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Kia Soul EV Electric)

    "76000 miles. Replaced oil pressure sensor at independent mechanic garage"

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "whole car was shaking even in neutral"

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Other minor engine problem

    "The car burns oil way to quickly, 5k oil changes are pushing it"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Was told it through a rod through the oil pan"

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Aug 2023, covered by Kia, replaced engine, due to failed engine bearings (if I recall correctly)."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Driver side trim on the front windshield keeps getting worse. Put tape on it but still coming lose."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Screen has a vertical display line that has appeared, not yet resolved."

    Anonymous, BC (2018 Kia Soul EV Electric)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Steering And Suspension

    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.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Electrical

    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.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Body Hardware

    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.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
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    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10*
    11
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    14*
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    20*
    21
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
    Oct 26, 2023
    Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V724000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 6262
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Mar 29, 2023
    A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V218000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2689
    AIR BAGS
    Jan 25, 2022
    Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V031000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 410619
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