2018 Kia Soul

218 complaints on file, page 1 of 11.

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Haverhill, MAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763090
2. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Haverhill, MAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763089
3. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Haverhill, MAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763088
4. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Haverhill, MAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763087
5. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Haverhill, MAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763086
6. Filed Aug 11, 2026Failure Apr 25, 2022Crestwood, ILEngine, 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
7. Filed Jul 25, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Lenoir, NCElectrical system, 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
8. Filed Jul 21, 2026Failure May 22, 2026Lafayette, LAEngine

   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
9. Filed Jul 12, 2026Failure Jul 7, 2026Lawton, OKEngine

   Car stalls in traffic repeatedly. Code identified crank shaft .

   NHTSA complaint 11749862
10. Filed Jul 7, 2026Failure Jun 18, 2026Toledo, OHUnknown or other

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

    NHTSA complaint 11748805
11. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Woburn, MAEngine

    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
12. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Killeen, TXEngine, 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
13. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 18, 202592,573 milesDenton, TXPower 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
14. Filed Jun 3, 2026Failure May 27, 2026Saint Augustine, FLEngine, 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
15. Filed May 20, 2026Failure Apr 29, 2026Houston, TXWarning, Service brakes, 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
16. Filed May 4, 2026Failure Apr 25, 2026Washington, DCElectrical system, Engine, 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
17. Filed Apr 23, 2026Failure Apr 23, 2026Ormond Beach, FLEngine

    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
18. Filed Apr 15, 2026Failure Feb 10, 2026Dayton, OHEngine

    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
19. Filed Apr 13, 2026Failure Apr 10, 2026Plano, TXEngine, Exterior lighting, SuspensionFire

    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
20. Filed Mar 16, 2026Failure Feb 17, 202695,000 milesRadcliff, KYEngine

    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