2018 Kia Soul Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Kia Soul boasts a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating, with top marks in frontal and side crash tests.
- Significant recall activity, totaling 5 campaigns, is concentrated on the airbag system, specifically the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU).
- While consumer complaints are absent, 22 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) suggest other potential issues have been addressed.
- The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission delivers adequate performance for daily driving.
2018 Kia Soul
Critical Failure Risk
A defect in the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) can cause a cover to damage a memory chip, potentially deactivating airbags. This is a critical safety concern addressed by recalls.
Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $0.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
No primary complaint themes found.
Performance & Efficiency
- Horsepower
- 130–201HP
- Torque
- 118–195 lb–ftLB-FT
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by small boot.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
First-time car buyers seeking an affordable and practical vehicle.
+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Those prioritizing a flawless reliability record with zero concerns.
+3 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2018 Kia Soul Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2018 Kia Soul.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Horsepower
- 130-201 hp
- Torque
- 118-195 lb-ft
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- MSRP Range
- $16,200 - $24,220
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27
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Most Common Issues
1. Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) Defect
Most reportedUsage data observed
2. Electrical System Issues
Usage data observed
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades
Est. shop cost: $80 - $150
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FAQ
Is the 2018 Kia Soul reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2018 Kia Soul is 8.4/10. Reliability score is 8.4/10. NHTSA recalls: 5. Owner complaints: 0.
How practical is the 2018 Kia Soul for daily use?
Practicality score is 4.4/10. The score is mainly limited by small boot. EPA combined economy is 27 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 238 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2018 Kia Soul?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2018 Kia Soul is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Practicality 4.4/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2018 Kia Soul?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall)).
What is the MSRP range for the 2018 Kia Soul?
MSRP range is $16,200 - $24,220.
What engine is in the 2018 Kia Soul?
Engine specs list Inline-4 • 4 • 2.0. Output is 130-201 hp • 118-195 lb-ft.
What transmission does the 2018 Kia Soul use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Kia Soul, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2018 Kia Soul?
EPA combined estimate is 27 MPG.
What kind of powertrain does the 2018 Kia Soul use?
Powertrain classification is Battery Electric (BEV).
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2018 Kia Soul?
9 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
What is the fuel economy range for the 2018 Kia Soul?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Kia Soul, fuel economy range is 24-31 mpg combined.
How many people fit in a 2018 Kia Soul?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Kia Soul, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2018 Kia Soul?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Kia Soul, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2018 Kia Soul use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Kia Soul, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Kia Soul?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Kia Soul?
This model year has 5 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2018 Kia Soul?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2018 Honda Fit and 2018 Hyundai Kona.