2018 Kia Soul recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Kia Soul; the most frequently affected component is air bags. Owners filed 218 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 16 model years of this model in the database, 2018 ranks #11 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints218

Fires reported1in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

Air bagsCampaign 22V031000 · 25 Jan 2022

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.

Remedy: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine30 · 75%

Electrical system5 · 12%

Unknown or other5 · 12%

Power train3 · 8%

Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%

Structure2 · 5%

Steering2 · 5%

Air bags2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

202515

202625

From owner complaints

Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.
Structure · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Was going down the freeway the check engine light came on pulled over and found there to be no oil on the dip stick and I had just checked it a week ago. Now the engine is knocking due to the oil consumption.
Engine · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

The clear coat peeled off of the driver and passenger side mirrors in the beginning of 2024. The white paint started chipping off in a one inch straight line where the red roof meets the white side panel on both sides. You can tell it is where a strip of tape was that maybe separated the two paint colors in the…
Structure · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed in traffic.…
Power train · Sep 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2018 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

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