92 complaints reported

2018 Kia Soul Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
92
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the light had appeared prior to the next scheduled oil change. A few days later while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine with an oil burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled and came to a complete stop in middle of the highway. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving on several occasions in one day at various speeds, the battery and check engine warning light flashed on for five seconds. Additionally, the contact observed a light knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was stopped in a parking lot and turned off. The vehicle was restarted and the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #3 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,750.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
May 2024

My granddaughter was traveling to Florida from Texas for a short vacation on [XXX] 2024. Car just lost power and slowed in the middle of the interstate traffic, no lights, warnings or anything. Thank God she was able to get to the side of the highway without getting hit. It was knocking and clattering in the engine. Killed it and let it rest a bit and checked the oil and it was [very low, added some oil and started it back up, but it still was knocking and not running. Had it towed to an independent garage in Crestview Fl. The mechanic diagnosed the engine with a possible bent valve and loose timing chain. The car has 104000 miles on it. We had the oil changed at 102000 and have had oil changed regularly at 5000 miles or less since we bought it in March 2022. We still owe a loan on this car. Mechanic said the engine would have to be replaced and quoted 7000.00. We cannot afford this. We are the 3rd owner and was not informed of any safety recalls or software updates until the Mechanic told us about the Class Action Lawsuit and the issues with the engines in Kia and Hyundai. Kia is not forthcoming with this information and does not notify but only the 1st owner. This is ridiculous and not right to do the consumers this way. We bought the car from a Nissan dealership in Mckinney Tx and was not told anything about this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to safely park the vehicle in a parking lot and the had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2024
Apr 2024

While driving vehicle, engine reduced power and went into a limp mode, pulled off Highway and stop. Check engine light came on and blinking. Later found motor had lost over three quarts of oil. Now engine knock and have been advised by mechanic that engine is about to throw a rod thru the the side. Vehicle has had oil changes at 5000 miles intervals thru out its 124,000 miles on the road also oil checks often too. Now we are without a vehicle with a damage engine. I understand thru research that this is a common problem for this type vehicle and motor.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level was low after a routine oil change. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gasket and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2022
Apr 2024

Second time in last six months car went into “limp mode” with the knock sensor. First time it was “just” a faulty knock sensor and under warranty. Happens again now it’s the all too well known the oil is burning too fast on this engine. Kia/hyundai will not take this under warranty as it is not a rod bearing issue while numerous owners have the exact same issue. This cars engine can probably fail at any time with this oil issue continually happening. The cars oil has been maintained per manual and was not expecting an oil change yet the level is way too low already (3000ish which is way before the 5000 mile mark per owners manual and Kia)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Jan 2024

Update to case 11587168: Ian (Service Writer) at HW Kia told me 3 weeks ago Kia was approving engine replacement, he was ordering the engine & to provide all service records so they have them on file. I provided receipts for 2 oil changes I had done by a non-Kia dealership auto service. All other service records are accessable via KIA & CarFax as Napleton Kia St. Peters & Plaza Tire Service had done all other oil changes/ maintainence on the vehicle. The Thursday before Memorial Day I get an email from Ian that now Kia is denying the engine replacement. I am now waiting to get a contact from the RPSM (Regional Parts & Service Manager) as to why since I provided proof the vehicle was properly maintained. This is a wrongful denial in my opinion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Dec 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Dec 2023

Car Insurence informed us that the Car is Missing the engine anti-theft interlock system and no Dealership is not responding, I have COPD and can not have the car missing for a TicToK steal this car challenge by Hyundai/KIA.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Oct 2023

The contact’s fiancé owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact’s fiancé then depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he pushed the vehicle to a nearby parking lot where it was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an unknown engine recall and that the engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the customer was responsible for keeping contact information up to date, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2022
Oct 2023

In early October of 2022, the engine failed in our 2018 Soul. We deposited the vehicle at the dealership service center and we’re told the engine failure was due to a recall issue. They placed an order to replace our engine and to this day, the engine has still not arrived, nor can the dealership inform us on when the engine is due to arrive. We have been passed around from department to department with Kia Consumer Affairs, and we cannot get any assistance. We cannot afford a rental and we are still financially responsible for our Soul.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Sep 2023

I took my 2018 Kia soul into the Kia dealer for a couple recalls, one of them was that KSDS (knock sensor detection system) shortly after that, my engine light started going on. I took it back to the Kia dealer and they change the oil And charged me for it. My engine is burning oil and it's having to be replaced by a quart every couple weeks. I pulled into Valvoline the other day and explained what happened and the young man called his supervisor and came back to me and said they cannot change the oil because , my car engine is at fault and could start a fire or blow a rod. I've been in touch with my Kia dealer and they tell me that my extended warranty is not valid however, when I look at the proposed class settlement soon for engine issues, such as engine, fires, or engine failure… it tells me once that KSDS has been updated. I automatically qualify for extended warranty. I've been instructed not to drive my car and to park it in a safe open place. I need a rental car and my local Kia dealer is unable or unwilling to assist me. They also told me that they have no one to work on that issue for two weeks. They also told me unless my engine blows a rod or catches on fire. There's nothing they can do to assist me and covering the cost. My kia soul will not go faster than 60 miles an hour on an open highway for more than 20 miles an hour going up a local residential hill. Obviously something is drastically wrong with my engine but I can't seem to get any Kia person to assist me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

Oil consumption issues that Kia knows about will not fix. Will not even make it 3000 miles before needing oil. It’s ridiculous that Kia knows about issues and will not fix the problem

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021
Jun 2023

My engine failed on the I-74 due to excessive oil usage that the original owner reported to Cronin Kia at 38,911 miles.The engine was never repaired and instead 6 miles later with me unaware of it having engine problems I was buying this car for my daughter to which after multiple complaints about it using oil and opening up claims it finally blew up.Now they say it is out of warranty. How does a car company get away with this?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
May 2023

I bought my kia soul with about 86000 miles on it. It used to be a rental before. It was well maintained, oil changes when needed, new tires, etc. I was driving back from my family's going about 70 up and down mountains when the engine made a ticking sound and it started to slow. We were still about 2 hours from home. We did make it back due to using the manual drive. We were planning on taking the car in the following weekend for an oil changed. When Tuesday came around my partner had the car and he was driving 70 on the freeway when it started to slow again and he made it to an off ramp where it shuddered, shot smoke out the back and died. We got a tow to pep boys and they let us know that it ran out of oil (althought we checked before me left my family's) and the engine no longer works and to replace the engine was going to be $15,000. There were no warnings at all to this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was unsure what part was replaced on the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the ECU was updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 63,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Apr 2023

I was driving down the interstate at 72mph on my way to a funeral when I suddenly lost power. Cars began to swerve around me while I tried to make my way to the emergency lane. Once the car died, it would not restart. It had to be towed to a dealer where it has sat for over 5 weeks. They are claiming the engine has completely failed in spite of the fact it has been regularly maintenance and was, in fact, running low on oil and was having to have oil replaced every 1000 miles and had the oil changed just days before the failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2023
Apr 2023 Fire

While driving on the highway… engine ceased and went on fire. Safety was at risk I could have died…. The vehicle has been inspected. I know it is from an engine defect, but believe they are dragging their feet. There was no warning

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Mar 2023

Engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The oil light will come on before the next scheduled oil change. Took to dealer and did a engine oil consumption test. The engine consumed 3/4 of a quart after 985 miles. The dealer said this is normal and within limits allowed. This issue started to occur at 40000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Mar 2023

In august on 2022 I noticed my oil light started to flicker while breaking. I took my car to Jiffy Lube as I always have and they said it was very little oil. So I got an oil change even though it was not time to get one. Sept of 2022 Samething happened again. I took my car in again and they stayed again that it had very little oil. The did a top off for free because it was under 3k miles. This has happened every month since August. On December 2, 2022 I got an oil change and by December 19 I had to get a top off ( 2 quarts) because the light came on again. On 12/31/2022 the light came on again so I had to buy 2 quarts of oil and put in car. I check dealer recall with my vin number and there are no recalls list for my car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2022
Jan 2023

I have a 2018 Kia Soul that I bought from a car rental place. When I bought it, it had 30,000 miles on it. It has always burned oil and each year I had my oil changed at least twice a year. I had my oil changed about two months ago and last week my oil light started flicking. I topped off the oil and brought it to my mechanice who told me that the engine is about to fail. He did another oil change and told me to call the Kia dearlership to see if they will do an oil consumption test. They stated that I would have to pay for it. I should note that I did have the Knock Sensor Software Update done and that extends my engine warranty for 150,000 miles. The dealership said that they cannot help me as I have to wait for the engine to fail before they could do anything. I do not feel safe driving a car that is definitely going to have an engine fail soon.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

While driving down the highway, the engine began misfiring and making a grinding noise. The car started to die in the center of the highway and was losing engine power. This was incredibly dangerous as it was in the middle of the highway during a busy commute. The Kia dealership inspected it and said it was a defect with the engine, but they couldn't do it under a recall because they didn't update the firmware on the engine first. There were no warning signs, the car just died out of no where. The car had great engine upkeep before then.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Jan 2023

While driving down the highway, the engine began misfiring and making a grinding noise. The car started to die in the center of the highway and was losing engine power. This was incredibly dangerous as it was in the middle of the highway during a busy commute. The Kia dealership inspected it and said it was a defect with the engine, but they couldn't do it under a recall because they didn't update the firmware on the engine first. There were no warning signs, the car just died out of no where. The car had great engine upkeep before then.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Jan 2023

We were driving the car along the highway at 70 MPH when the engine started making an odd sound and this went on for about 3 minutes before we found the nearest exit and pulled into a rest stop and as soon as we pulled onto the rest stop exit ramp the engine seized and the car shut down. The rod bearing failed. It is available for inspection upon request as it is currently sitting in a dealership repair shop waiting for repairs. Yes, my safety and the safety of others was put at risk. There was absolutely no warning that the engine was about to seize (no safety lights) and if we hadn't pulled over then the engine could have seized while we were going 70 MPH and we could have gotten hit by a truck and caused a horrible accident. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership service shop. No, there were NO warning lamps, messages, or ANY symptoms before the engine completely seized.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Kia Soul has 92 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.