1 recall and 220 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Soul.
1
recalls
220
owner complaints
14
complaints mentioning a crash
14
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2018 Kia Soul recalls
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 22V031000 · reported January 25, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 410,619 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Engine142
Power train31
Unknown or other30
Electrical system20
Air bags11
Fuel/propulsion system11
Engine and engine cooling9
Vehicle speed control8
Service brakes6
Steering5
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 25, 2026 · Engine
**Vehicle:** 2018 Kia Soul\ **Mileage:** Approximately 198,000 miles 1\. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine appears to have experienced a serious malfunction, and the vehicle is no longer moving. I believe the engine may have failed. The…
Oct 14, 2026 · Engine
I am reporting excessive engine oil consumption in my 2018 Kia Soul, VIN […], with over 150,000 miles. The engine consumes approximately 1-2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. There are no visible external oil leaks, and the vehicle does not produce visible exhaust smoke. I am concerned that this excessive oil…
Sep 9, 2026 · Engine
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.
Sep 9, 2026 · Engine
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.
Sep 9, 2026 · Engine
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.
Across all years, the 2014 Soul has the most complaints (903). All Kia Soul years →
Questions
Does the 2018 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Kia Soul, the most recent reported on January 25, 2022 (Air bags). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 220 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (142 complaints), followed by power train (31).
How many 2018 Kia Soul complaints mention a crash or fire?
14 of 220 complaints report a crash and 14 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.