FaultScore

FaultScore report

2018 KIA Soul problems

Owners have filed 292 complaints about the 2018 KIA Soul with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 16 worst.

C

FaultScore 54/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the KIA Soul.

How this is worked out

The numbers

292

Complaints

19

Crashes reported

20

Fires reported

12

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

54,050 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

33%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 31 vs 50 Severity 92 vs 50 Early failure 56 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the KIA Soul. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 92
17.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 56
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2018 compares with every other KIA Soul

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2018 KIA Soul

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 144 49.3%

1 crashes, 10 fires · median 76,500 mi

Median failure at 33,000 miles

2 crashes, 4 fires · median 13,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 59,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi

Airbags 11 3.8%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 8 2.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,500 mi

Brakes 7 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,000 mi

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 5 1.7%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Body & Structure 5 1.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 37,000 mi

Steering 5 1.7%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 1.4%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

Lights 4 1.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 30,250 mi

Wheels 3 1.0%

Median failure at 12,450 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 52,000 mi

Seats 1 0.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,000 mi

Seat Belts 1 0.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,000 mi

Suspension 1 0.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 4.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 13 12.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 12 11.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 17 16.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 29 27.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 12 11.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 11 10.6%
150,000+ miles 5 4.8%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2018 Kia Soul SUV FWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2018 Kia Soul SUV FWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2018 Kia Soul SUV FWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2018 Kia Soul SUV FWD
14.7% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2018 peak 9 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2018 KIA Soul

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

22V031000

AIR BAGS

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024760 59,360 units in Canada

Brakes

Issue: Over time, the brake lines under the vehicle could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the brake lines. The dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment and replace the brake lines, if required.

Recall 2024549 647,384 units in Canada

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.

Recall 2024345 38,309 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the heated seat could disconnect and cause the seat heaters to overheat. Safety Risk: A seat heater that overheats could create the risk of a burn injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat heater electronic control unit. The dealer will also replace the seat heater pad(s), as necessary.

Recall 2022023 58,054 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not work properly, and the airbags may not inflate in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the airbag control unit software. If the airbag warning light is on because of diagnostic trouble code B1620, the dealer will replace the airbag control unit.

Recall 2021733 19,923 units in Canada

Engine

Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Plano, TX Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX Fire

SUSPENSION

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX Fire

ENGINE

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carlsbad, CA Fire

ENGINE

Nov 10,2024 my 2018 Kia soul “1.6” (1.6 is important because only the 2018 Kia soul 2.0 got recognized in class action lawsuit for exact reason my 1.6 did engine fire but yet YOU nor KIA will take responsibility for the fire and you guys for not doing a recall on it) biggest problem I have is when I purchased it from kia lot in Carlsbad ca the salesman NEVER mentioned one word they’re known for catching fire nor mentioned someone actually died in car from engine fire to me that’s crappy customer care all the way around and Kia DOES NOT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS WHAT So EVER!! Was driving down fwy going to work and smoke coming from my engine my engine was on fire. Aug 2024 I had oil change and tuneup just months before the engine fire. NHTSA doesn’t care either how many people like myself could’ve burned up in kia death trap. To date they still haven’t made kia responsible for the 1.6 only 2.0 I hope they have a family member experience what I did I betcha they would take care of it then! Kia Corp has denied everything being their faulty piston oil rings that they continue making and using even on their new 2025 cars that are being recalled now! Do I have to die in the car to get recognized and reimbursed for all my out of pocket expenses?? Yep! Kia SUCKS never again!

NHTSA complaint #11676911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Carlsbad, CA Fire

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire herself using a gallon of water she had on hand. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an NHTSA Campaign but was unaware of the NHTSA Campaign Number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11653778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,000 miles Mansfield, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact’s daughter owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, another driver honked the horn to inform the driver of an issue with the vehicle. The contact was informed to pull over. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and the driver started seeing smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that her daughter’s hair was singed by the fire. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated once the driver saw smoke coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over off the highway and exited the vehicle and saw smoke coming from under the vehicle before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced and there were no issues found with the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact was unsure whether a Fire report or a Police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA complaint #11606145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Crestwood, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has very high oil consumption. I regularly take it for oil changes and have never missed an oil change. In between oil changes I need to put anywhere between 2-3 bottles of oil in. I have taken it in to the dealership for a couple of oil consumption tests that both failed step one so they kept it overnight and did some kind of flush or cleanse and then it passed step 2 both times. The car is good for a little while and then it starts consuming alot of oil again. Due to the high consumption of oil my catalytic converter is going bad and the engine seems very sluggish at times. I do have a yellow check engine light constantly on and the code is for the catalytic converter due to high oil comsumption. The dealership told me they can't do anything about the warning light until it starts to flash yellow instead of being solid yellow. I brought it into the dealership for that and they acknowleded my year make and model are known for excessive oil consumption which can cause the catalytic converter to go bad. They won't do anything about it because it passes step 2 of oil consumption test. but they keep giving me a hard time about just permanently fixing it under the warranty since it passes step 2 even though I am back months later for the same problem. I feel they are trying to run my warranty out so they won't have to fix it. My car now won't pass an emissions test because of the catalytic converter.

NHTSA complaint #11756115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crestwood, IL

ENGINE

My car has very high oil consumption. I regularly take it for oil changes and have never missed an oil change. In between oil changes I need to put anywhere between 2-3 bottles of oil in. I have taken it in to the dealership for a couple of oil consumption tests that both failed step one so they kept it overnight and did some kind of flush or cleanse and then it passed step 2 both times. The car is good for a little while and then it starts consuming alot of oil again. Due to the high consumption of oil my catalytic converter is going bad and the engine seems very sluggish at times. I do have a yellow check engine light constantly on and the code is for the catalytic converter due to high oil comsumption. The dealership told me they can't do anything about the warning light until it starts to flash yellow instead of being solid yellow. I brought it into the dealership for that and they acknowleded my year make and model are known for excessive oil consumption which can cause the catalytic converter to go bad. They won't do anything about it because it passes step 2 of oil consumption test. but they keep giving me a hard time about just permanently fixing it under the warranty since it passes step 2 even though I am back months later for the same problem. I feel they are trying to run my warranty out so they won't have to fix it. My car now won't pass an emissions test because of the catalytic converter.

NHTSA complaint #11756115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenoir, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfires and a sudden vehicle stall while operating in motion on public highways. This unexpected loss of motive power creates an extreme safety hazard. The local dealership, Paramount Kia of Hickory, refused to follow proper factory Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-ENG219) testing protocols to document the defect, leaving the consumer operating an unsafe vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11752835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenoir, NC

ENGINE

The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfires and a sudden vehicle stall while operating in motion on public highways. This unexpected loss of motive power creates an extreme safety hazard. The local dealership, Paramount Kia of Hickory, refused to follow proper factory Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-ENG219) testing protocols to document the defect, leaving the consumer operating an unsafe vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11752835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lafayette, LA

ENGINE

My 2018 Kia Soul has failed on oil consumption test and needs and engine replacement. Kia knows of these issues with these cars but will not cover the engine replacement cost bc the class action suit does not cover oil consumption failure only rod bearings. This will be an issue sooner or later with the oil problem. Kia has several recalls on other vehicles for the exact same thing.

NHTSA complaint #11751809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lawton, OK

ENGINE

Car stalls in traffic repeatedly. Code identified crank shaft .

NHTSA complaint #11749862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

During a BBB dispute regarding warranty coverage, Kia Corporate claimed the vehicle is ineligible for safety recall repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11748805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woburn, MA

ENGINE

I am losing the engines oil every 500 miles. It is an ongoing problem and I have to check my oil on a regular basis so the engine does not seize or catch fire as my mechanic has instructed/alerted me to do.

NHTSA complaint #11747752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Killeen, TX

ENGINE

Engine control system is STILL faulty. The engine light will not go off, even after the so called recall Software fix and the brand new engine put in my car in 2025 among other MULTIPLE brand new parts and repairs to my car trying to resolve the engine issue, oil consumption and fuel/gas consumption at rapid and alarming rate, every time after I fill my gas tank.

NHTSA complaint #11746423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Killeen, TX

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Engine control system is STILL faulty. The engine light will not go off, even after the so called recall Software fix and the brand new engine put in my car in 2025 among other MULTIPLE brand new parts and repairs to my car trying to resolve the engine issue, oil consumption and fuel/gas consumption at rapid and alarming rate, every time after I fill my gas tank.

NHTSA complaint #11746423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,573 miles Denton, TX

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and jerked while accelerating and experienced severe jerking while decelerating. The failure had occurred on several occasions. On June 18, 2024, the vehicle failed to accelerate or shift properly. On January 15, 2025, the vehicle shuddered violently and nearly stalled. On April 14, 2026, the vehicle was jerking, and the transmission shifted gears improperly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and observed that the vehicle was consuming oil excessively. The dealer replaced the spark plugs and performed an induction cleaning and transmission valve service. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure after a 36-mile test drive, after the service. From May 27 to May 29, 2026, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer again, where a new short-block engine assembly was installed. On June 2, 2026, a technician discovered that there was no oil in the engine, resulting in a critical crankshaft failure code. Despite the short block replacement and oil correction, the powertrain failures persisted, and the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle violently stalled and jerked while accelerating and decelerating, creating a safety hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,573.

NHTSA complaint #11746010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Augustine, FL

POWER TRAIN

On [XXX], my 2018 Kia Soul (VIN [XXX] ) displayed DTC P1326 with a blinking check engine light and went into limp mode. Ray’s Automotive documented P1326 in writing, added oil, and cleared the light only to allow safe transport. At Greenway Kia (Avenues), they charged $199 and refused to create a Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) or perform the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) unless they could reproduce the code. This directly contradicts Kia TSB PI2107Y/Z (Rev 1, 11/07/2024), which states: “A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created with or without DTC P1326, after scanning for DTCs, prior to performing PI2107Y/Z.” Ray’s found low oil, but my next scheduled oil change was still 300 miles away. I refused to accept the vehicle back because limp mode is unsafe for my daughter (primary driver). The dealer recently told me to pick it up anyway. Kia Corporate opened Case #[XXX] after 2 separate 2-hour Kia recorded calls on June 1 and June 3, 2026, but continues to refuse the required diagnostic. This is a known manufacturing defect covered under Kia Product Improvement Campaign PI2107 and the class-action engine settlement. The refusal creates a serious safety risk for my daughter and family. Requested Action: Require Kia to follow the published TSB (VDN creation and Bearing Clearance Test with or without active code) and provide a rental vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11741736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Augustine, FL

ENGINE

On [XXX], my 2018 Kia Soul (VIN [XXX] ) displayed DTC P1326 with a blinking check engine light and went into limp mode. Ray’s Automotive documented P1326 in writing, added oil, and cleared the light only to allow safe transport. At Greenway Kia (Avenues), they charged $199 and refused to create a Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) or perform the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) unless they could reproduce the code. This directly contradicts Kia TSB PI2107Y/Z (Rev 1, 11/07/2024), which states: “A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created with or without DTC P1326, after scanning for DTCs, prior to performing PI2107Y/Z.” Ray’s found low oil, but my next scheduled oil change was still 300 miles away. I refused to accept the vehicle back because limp mode is unsafe for my daughter (primary driver). The dealer recently told me to pick it up anyway. Kia Corporate opened Case #[XXX] after 2 separate 2-hour Kia recorded calls on June 1 and June 3, 2026, but continues to refuse the required diagnostic. This is a known manufacturing defect covered under Kia Product Improvement Campaign PI2107 and the class-action engine settlement. The refusal creates a serious safety risk for my daughter and family. Requested Action: Require Kia to follow the published TSB (VDN creation and Bearing Clearance Test with or without active code) and provide a rental vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11741736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The ABS/traction warning lights came on. On April 29,2026, I took it to Beck and Masten Group 1 Kia inTomball, Texas and they diagnosed as HECU failure. The repair cost $2377.16. KIA corporate denied reimbursement. Lights were resolved after HECU replacement. There was no accident/injury/fire. mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potential safety trend.

NHTSA complaint #11739077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

The ABS/traction warning lights came on. On April 29,2026, I took it to Beck and Masten Group 1 Kia inTomball, Texas and they diagnosed as HECU failure. The repair cost $2377.16. KIA corporate denied reimbursement. Lights were resolved after HECU replacement. There was no accident/injury/fire. mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potential safety trend.

NHTSA complaint #11739077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The ABS/traction warning lights came on. On April 29,2026, I took it to Beck and Masten Group 1 Kia inTomball, Texas and they diagnosed as HECU failure. The repair cost $2377.16. KIA corporate denied reimbursement. Lights were resolved after HECU replacement. There was no accident/injury/fire. mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potential safety trend.

NHTSA complaint #11739077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to report safety concerns regarding my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. I have been experiencing several engine issues, including knocking noises, hesitation during acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and an active check engine light. Recently, while driving with my daughter, the vehicle began shaking and the check engine light flashed three times. Although I strictly adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, these issues persist. My mechanic identified code P0455, but a smoke test did not reveal a leak. Additionally, despite having a full tune-up in August [2025] at 105,636 miles, I am being told I require another tune-up due to engine misfires. I am concerned about the frequency of these repairs and the overall safety of the vehicle’s engine.

NHTSA complaint #11735537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

ENGINE

I am writing to report safety concerns regarding my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. I have been experiencing several engine issues, including knocking noises, hesitation during acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and an active check engine light. Recently, while driving with my daughter, the vehicle began shaking and the check engine light flashed three times. Although I strictly adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, these issues persist. My mechanic identified code P0455, but a smoke test did not reveal a leak. Additionally, despite having a full tune-up in August [2025] at 105,636 miles, I am being told I require another tune-up due to engine misfires. I am concerned about the frequency of these repairs and the overall safety of the vehicle’s engine.

NHTSA complaint #11735537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I am writing to report safety concerns regarding my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. I have been experiencing several engine issues, including knocking noises, hesitation during acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and an active check engine light. Recently, while driving with my daughter, the vehicle began shaking and the check engine light flashed three times. Although I strictly adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, these issues persist. My mechanic identified code P0455, but a smoke test did not reveal a leak. Additionally, despite having a full tune-up in August [2025] at 105,636 miles, I am being told I require another tune-up due to engine misfires. I am concerned about the frequency of these repairs and the overall safety of the vehicle’s engine.

NHTSA complaint #11735537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ormond Beach, FL

ENGINE

My 2018 Kia Soul with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine is experiencing severe oil consumption of approximately 1 quart every 300–400 miles. The engine and lubrication system are available for inspection upon request. My check engine light is currently on. The dealer performed several recalls on the vehicle, including PI2107 (KSDS), SC226, and CS2311A, but refused to perform the required oil‑consumption test described in TSB ENG 222 (Rev 8). The service technician stated that because the oil‑consumption test is “not on the VIN,” they would not perform it under warranty. I was told I could pay $250 out of pocket for the test, but that even if the test confirmed a defect, the dealership would not cover any repairs. I was also told to “run the car until the motor seizes up” before they would help. This instruction is unsafe and contradicts Kia’s own safety systems, including KSDS, which is specifically designed to prevent engine seizure while driving. Driving a vehicle with rapid oil loss until the engine seizes can cause sudden loss of power, loss of steering assist, and a crash hazard. The problem is ongoing and repeatable, but the dealer refused to diagnose it properly. I am reporting this because the dealership refused to perform required safety‑related diagnostics and instructed me to operate the vehicle until catastrophic engine failure occurs, creating a significant safety hazard for me and other motorists.

NHTSA complaint #11733377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dayton, OH

ENGINE

My car was fine one day the next day without warnings was driving on highway and it starting riding sluggish making a rough noise I had pull over to the side of highway turn car off started back up drove home and that was the day my nightmare started. I took my car to the dealership and had a diagnosis performed and they said i need a new engine 8000.00. on 07/25/2024my car was having similar problems the y said it was a knock sensor they fixed that problem. Now I'm02 without transportation. this engine has has a lot of issues. can anybody help with this problem.

NHTSA complaint #11731380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX Fire

SUSPENSION

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plano, TX Fire

ENGINE

My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Radcliff, KY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11724558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.