2018 Kia Soul VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 199 owner complaints on file for the 2018 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 13 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (93), Power Train (28), Unknown Or Other (18).
Soul reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the KIA Soul before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 KIA Soul issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Engine93
- Power Train28
- Unknown Or Other18
- Electrical System14
- Air Bags10
- Engine And Engine Cooling9
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 KIA Soul
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels
- Inspect engine for knocking sounds or unusual noises
- Verify if the KSDS software update has been performed
- Test drive to check for transmission hesitation or shuddering
- Examine the engine for any signs of oil leaks
- Check for any visible engine warning lights
- Ensure the vehicle has received all relevant recall updates
2018 Soul recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 22V031000Jan 25, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
- POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V724000Oct 26, 2023
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.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V218000Mar 29, 2023
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.
Consequence: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Used-market value
2018 KIA Soul resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 KIA Soul on the road
104,709 2018 KIA Soul units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 KIA Soul stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Kia Soul
The 2018 KIA Soul demonstrates moderate reliability, with a score slightly above the segment average. The data highlights a concentration of complaints in the engine category, suggesting potential concerns in this area. Other issues, such as those related to the power train and electrical system, are less frequent but still noteworthy.
The vehicle has a limited recall history, indicating that widespread systemic issues have not been identified by the manufacturer. However, the distribution of complaints across several categories suggests that potential buyers should remain attentive to these areas.
Overall, the 2018 KIA Soul presents a moderate risk profile, with particular attention needed on engine-related issues.
What you get in a 2018 Kia Soul report
Check a 2018 Kia Soul now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2018 Kia Soul — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?
The 2018 KIA Soul demonstrates moderate reliability, with a score slightly above the segment average. The data highlights a concentration of complaints in the engine category, suggesting potential concerns in this area. Other issues, such as those related to the power train and electrical system, are less frequent but still noteworthy.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Kia Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Soul problems?
The most-reported 2018 Kia Soul problem areas are: Engine (93), Power Train (28), Unknown Or Other (18).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Kia Soul?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Kia Soul, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.