2018 Kia Soul recalls and problems

The 2018 Kia Soul has 1 safety recall and 222 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

222

Crashes / fires

15 / 14

Injuries / deaths

13 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Soul vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Kia Soul recalls

Recall 22V-031: Air Bags

Reported Jan 25, 2022 · 410,619 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

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

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.

2018 Kia Soul problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	143
Power Train	31
Unknown or Other	30
Electrical System	21
Air Bags	11
Fuel/Propulsion System	11
Engine and Engine Cooling	9
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Service Brakes	6
Steering	5
Structure	5
Exterior Lighting	4

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 5
Lane Departure › Warning — 2
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Electrical System › Ignition › Coil — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,100 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Kia Soul complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 11, 2026

My 2018 Kia Soul is burning oil at a very fast rate. I am aware of an engine recall for this model and I need to have it looked at for this problem. I have been sometimes running on no oil in my engine, but unaware of it even though I have oil changes done on a very regular basis.

Seat Belts · reported Nov 5, 2026

Intersection crash driver sealtbelt did restrain the driver, driver ok front passenger sealtbelt did not restrain passenger ended up in back seat with sever injuries.

Engine · reported Oct 25, 2026

**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 vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2\. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** There is no immediate safety risk at the moment because the vehicle is not being driven. However, an unexpected loss of engine power or the inability to move could create a…

Engine · reported Oct 14, 2026

I am reporting excessive engine oil consumption in my 2018 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX], 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 consumption may indicate an internal engine defect and could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if the oil level becomes too low . Having to add oil so frequently creates an ongoing risk that the engine could become dangerously low on oil between checks, potentially resulting…

Engine · reported Sep 9, 2026

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.

Other Kia Soul years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Compare all Kia Soul years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Kia Soul: 22V-031 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Soul?

Owners report engine problems most often (143 reports), followed by power train (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,100 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.