2018 KIA SOUL Complaints

Was going down the freeway the check engine light came on pulled over and found there to be no oil on the dip stick and I had just checked it a week ago. Now the engine is knocking due to the oil consumption.

The clear coat peeled off of the driver and passenger side mirrors in the beginning of 2024. The white paint started chipping off in a one inch straight line where the red roof meets the white side panel on both sides. You can tell it is where a strip of tape was that maybe separated the two paint colors in the process of painting. This began at the end of 2024. Then in early 2025, the white paint on the hood started flaking off in random spots all over the hood of the vehicle. The paint is completely gone in those areas and the gray body is now showing through where the white paint used to be.

Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed in traffic. Chronology: This issue has been occurring for over a year. I have taken the vehicle to the Kia dealership multiple times for the same problem. Each time, the dealership has either been unable to diagnose the cause or has returned the vehicle stating the issue was repaired, but the problem returns within weeks. Most recently, the dealership kept the vehicle for over a month and still could not identify or resolve the cause of the power loss or the recurring check-engine light. They then instructed me to pick up the car and drive it until the warning light comes back on, despite my reporting that the vehicle loses power while driving and is unsafe to operate. Safety Concern: The loss of power happens without warning and can leave me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This has made it unsafe to drive in normal traffic conditions, such as merging onto highways or crossing intersections. I cannot safely operate the vehicle in its current condition. Attempts to Resolve: All service has been performed at the same Kia dealership since the car was purchased new. Despite multiple repair visits, including a month-long stay at the dealership, the problem remains unresolved. Kia Customer Care has been contacted, but the issue continues with no effective resolution or repair. Reason for NHTSA Complaint: Because the malfunction involves sudden power loss and repeated failure of the authorized dealership to diagnose or repair the issue, I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. I am concerned that this may reflect a broader problem affecting this vehicle model.

9/25/25 Car would not accelerate on exit ramp and engine seized just as I pulled into Romeo Kia Kingston Car Repair Center, causing a dangerous driving situation. No prior noise or warning lights for the 6 years I have owned the car. 10/6/25 per Jared Illg, District Kia Mgr., “Although, my 2018 Kia Soul 2.0 engine is under the Class Action Settlement, my car is not under extended warranty, because I did not have the KSDS software update.” I did not receive any mailings over the years, but two August, 2025 re-notifications. •Kia KSDS software 2018 update (172/953), why wasn't update performed by Romeo Auto Group Dealership before I purchased car? •Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group removed the KSDS update requirement for its lifetime engine warranty, why hasn’t Kia? •The Romeo Auto Group Dealership owned this car and used it as a Lease Car. I am second owner, why didn't I get a Transferable / Powertrain warranty? •Why would I get a limited warranty knowing the Kia Soul has faulty 2.0 engines since 2012, defects that arise in the car that originate from the factory; resulting in numerous lawsuits and class action settlements. This is not a case of owner neglect; I have taken excellent care of my 2018 Kia Soul. •I did not receive TSB-19 and TSB 222 which refers to known defects of all these connected components: excessive oil consumption, defective piston rings, and rod bearing failure; resulting in catastrophic engine failure. My mechanic has installed a used 53,000 mi. used engine. I now have a debt of $8,817.91 for a 2018 Kia Soul I have owned for six (6) years. I am so stressed this has a disastrous impact on my financial situation. Desired resolution: I am asking for Kia America, Inc. to reimburse me my expenses of $8,817.91 (replacement engine, towing, and car rentals; attached) and provide the extended Warranty for 150,000 mi.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that occasionally the steering wheel was loose and inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column gears and nut needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gears, the steering coupler, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Kia is aware of these issues why haven't they issued a recall for engine oil composition low and causing problems

On 8/12/25, my 2018 Kia Soul (approx. 126,000 miles) suddenly began shuddering at low RPM with a flashing check engine light, near-stalling, and smoke from the exhaust. A warning message appeared for an engine control issue. Prior to failure, the engine intermittently knocked and displayed an oil pressure warning light. The engine burned oil at an excessive rate between routine oil changes. At the Kia dealership, diagnostic codes P0300 and P0303 were found. The dealer reported a burnt valve and seized starter, estimating $2,960 for valve repair or $6,437 for engine replacement, and stated these were not covered under Kia’s extended warranty or E2 Class Action Settlement because no P1326 code appeared. However, the symptoms match the rod bearing wear defect already covered under the E2 settlement. The dealer refused to perform the bearing clearance test (Kia’s required diagnostic for this defect) without payment, even though the settlement and extended warranty specify Kia must cover all inspection, diagnostic, and repair costs for potential rod bearing failures within the 15-year/150,000-mile coverage period. The engine failure created a serious safety risk when the vehicle lost power and nearly stalled in traffic. The burnt valve and seized starter are likely secondary effects of bearing-related long block failure. Kia’s refusal to inspect the vehicle without charge contradicts the settlement’s intent and prevents proper diagnosis of a known defect. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of inspection and warranty coverage for vehicles showing these symptoms but lacking code P1326.

Engine is loosing oil into the #2 cylinder, causing an damage to the downstream exhaust. Once the cylinder fills with oil, the care immediately drops in operation speed causing significant driver response and immediately surrounding vehicles

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle suddenly jumped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Low compression on cylinder 3 and 4 and the car only has 40,000 miles on it. It's not covered in warranty because it's a 2018 model but I've only had the car for 1.5 years and still owe 18,000 on it and I'm a officer and a single mother and can't afford to let the car go back when Kia knows these cars have engine issues and low compression engine problems.