2018 Kia Soul Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2018 Kia Soul
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the air bags.
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2019 Kia Soul earns a 88.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (gdi specific) (moderate severity).
Should You Buy the 2018 Kia Soul?
The 2018 Kia Soul stands as one of the most practical and generally reliable used compacts you can buy, offering exceptional value for money. While a few powertrain nuances, particularly the turbocharged DCT variant, warrant attention, its overall build quality and infrequent major issues make it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable transportation.
Biggest Strengths
- Reliable naturally aspirated engine options (2.0L)
- User-friendly and practical interior design
- Generally strong structural integrity and safety ratings
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2018 Kia Soul. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
What breaks on the 2018 Kia Soul?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Kia Soul by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Kia Soul. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2018 Kia Soul
Parts and accessories matched to your 2018 Kia Soul
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Frequently Asked Questions
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