Wagon
2018 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 304 complaints about the 2018 Kia Soul with NHTSA, and it has 3 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
304
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
3
on record
Fuel economy
108 MPGe
best version, EPA combined
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 mpg |
| Automatic (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
| Automatic (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
| Manual 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
| Electric, 111 mi range | Front-Wheel Drive | 108 MPGe |
Recalls
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl)Oct 26, 2023 · campaign 23V724000
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.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction BatteryMar 29, 2023 · campaign 23V218000
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.
Air BagsJan 25, 2022 · campaign 22V031000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.
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Other years of the Kia Soul
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
| 2015 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2018 Kia Soul have?
Owners have filed 304 complaints with NHTSA: engine & cooling (152), transmission & drivetrain (32), electrical system (23). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul have?
3 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Soul get?
Up to 108 MPGe combined (EPA), depending on the engine.