2018 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 134 1 crash 10 fire

“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, 2026 · fire

“The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire herself using a gallon of water she had on hand. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with…”
NHTSA complaint #11653778, 2025 · fire

“Nov 10,2024 my 2018 Kia soul “1.6” (1.6 is important because only the 2018 Kia soul 2.0 got recognized in class action lawsuit for exact reason my 1.6 did engine fire but yet YOU nor KIA will take responsibility for the fire and you guys for not doing a recall on it) biggest problem I have is when I purchased it from kia lot in Carlsbad ca the salesman NEVER mentioned one word they’re known for catching fire nor mentioned someone actually died in car from engine fire to me that’s crappy customer care all the way around and Kia DOES NOT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS WHAT So EVER!! Was drivi…”
NHTSA complaint #11676911, 2024 · fire

Power Train 31

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11741736, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11746010, 2025

“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 pr…”
NHTSA complaint #11704038, 2025

Unknown Or Other 29 2 crash 4 fire 1 death

“During a front end accident the car burst into flames and the driver was trapped and passed away at the scene.”
NHTSA complaint #11439319, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“So, I was driving down the road and there was like a tapping sound coming from the engine. It had been doing that tapping noise for a couple of days. All of a sudden a heard like a loud bang/pop noise and see smoke coming out of my engine area. The car stalled and I slowly let it coast to the side of the road. I looked at my rear view mirror and I see black smoke and a man running toward me yelling, "Get out of the car! Get out of the car! It's going to explode! Get out of the car!" Other cars were stopping and I couldn't tell what all the fuzz was about. I picked up my work lap top, parked th…”
NHTSA complaint #11433980, 2021 · fire

“AT 2AM ON SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND MY HUSBAND'S 2018 KIA SOUL, WHICH WAS STATIONARY IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND NOT IN OPERATION AT THE TIME, WAS SET ABLAZE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. WE WERE ASLEEP AND WERE WOKEN UP BY THE SOUND OF, WHAT WAS POSSIBLY, THE TIRES EXPLODING, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE BY THE TIME WE WERE ABLE TO WAKE UP AND EVACUATE THE PROPERTY. WE HAVE A DOORBELL CAMERA THAT WOULD HAVE PICKED UP A PERSON IN OUR DRIVEWAY SO WE DO NOT BELIEVE THE CAUSE WAS ARSON. ONLINE RESEARCH AFTER THE INCIDENT INDICATES THAT THIS COULD BE RELATED THE THE RECENT RECALLS OF KIAS AND HYUNDAIS, WHICH OUR MODE…”
NHTSA complaint #11350993, 2020 · fire

Electrical System 19 1 crash 2 fire

“The contact’s daughter owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, another driver honked the horn to inform the driver of an issue with the vehicle. The contact was informed to pull over. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and the driver started seeing smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that her daughter’s hair was singed by the fire. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated once the driver saw smoke coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over off the highway and exited the vehicle and saw…”
NHTSA complaint #11606145, 2024 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 KIA SOUL ON MADISON HWY IN VALDOSTA,GA.L SAW SMOKE COMING OUT MY HOOD SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A CONVENIENT STORE ! THE PEOPLE IN THE STORE CAME RUNNING OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND WE WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11362515, 2020 · fire

“Car stalled in the middle of the road while driving. Took it in to dealer ship for a recall to get this repaired or flashed. Engine burning excessive oil. Car has always been kept up with maintenance. While operating the vehicle the car stalled due to low oil compression. Vehicle has aprox 155k miles. Check engine light has came on. Due to the issue that car engine is burning oil there is a new permanent code p0420 which is a bad catalyc converter since the cars emission system is failing. Car has been sitting at home for about 1 month or longer as we don’t drive it and are still financing the…”
NHTSA complaint #11585805, 2024 · crash

Air Bags 11 8 crash 8 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 11 2020. THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND I T-BONED HIM. MY CAR SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. IN THIS ACCIDENT NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11350865, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was involved in a high speed car accident last week where the impact made me hit my head on the steering wheel. My air bags never deployed even though the other driver was going at least 70mph. My vehicle is a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11539186, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into the front end of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact to hit her chest on the steering wheel. The contact was treated by EMTs at the scene of the accident and was later taken to the emergency room by her daughter. The contact was treated for pain and soreness to her sternum. The other driver was not injured and did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact's son-in-law was able to driv…”
NHTSA complaint #11468664, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 11 1 crash

“Car stalled in the middle of the road while driving. Took it in to dealer ship for a recall to get this repaired or flashed. Engine burning excessive oil. Car has always been kept up with maintenance. While operating the vehicle the car stalled due to low oil compression. Vehicle has aprox 155k miles. Check engine light has came on. Due to the issue that car engine is burning oil there is a new permanent code p0420 which is a bad catalyc converter since the cars emission system is failing. Car has been sitting at home for about 1 month or longer as we don’t drive it and are still financing the…”
NHTSA complaint #11585805, 2024 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11735537, 2026

“2018 Kia Soul with excessive oil consumption. 1.6 Liter GDI engine. Base model. Oil is being overly consumed in between oil changes, needing double the quarts in between Kia's manufacturing guidelines.”
NHTSA complaint #11575227, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that a piston was missing and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fa…”
NHTSA complaint #11681606, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11606815, 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 mechan…”
NHTSA complaint #11570284, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 8 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS IN GEAR. WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK IN FRONT OF HER HOUSE, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO A LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.…”
NHTSA complaint #11172782, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHEN MY WIFE WAS STOPPED IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PREPARING TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET IT TO STOP WAS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. ME, OUR DAUGHTER AND SON ALL HAVE HAD A SURGING ISSUE BUT WAS ALWAYS A MINOR ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11277080, 2019 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11694046, 2025

Service Brakes 7 1 crash

“BRAKES FAILED. WAS PUMPING PEDLE, NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER AND REARENDED DRIVER INFRONT OF ME AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
NHTSA complaint #11113338, 2018 · crash

“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, 2026

“The brake lights do not work even after they change all of them at the dealership”
NHTSA complaint #11623391, 2024

Steering 5 1 injury

“THE STEERING WHEEL IS MANUFACTURED OF MATERIAL WHICH CONTAINS A TOXIC SUBSTANCE WHICH HAS CAUSED THE OWNER TO SUFFER A MEDICAL CONDITION OF SEVERE CONTACT DERMATITS. THE CAR CAN'T BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE USE OF A COVER OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL THE MARYLAND STATE SAFETY INSPECTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11204925, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Unknown...the car goes into limp mode suddenly...my battery was boiling an shot liquid out of it, prior to this my other battery leaked an the alternator was bad ....when this happens suddenly you have no steering, an if course the boiling battery may explode....I've had this car checked over several times since begining of January with everything checking out fine but this still happening”
NHTSA complaint #11718091, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11701418, 2025

Structure 5 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 11 2020. THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND I T-BONED HIM. MY CAR SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. IN THIS ACCIDENT NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.”
NHTSA complaint #11350865, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“AT 2AM ON SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND MY HUSBAND'S 2018 KIA SOUL, WHICH WAS STATIONARY IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND NOT IN OPERATION AT THE TIME, WAS SET ABLAZE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. WE WERE ASLEEP AND WERE WOKEN UP BY THE SOUND OF, WHAT WAS POSSIBLY, THE TIRES EXPLODING, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE BY THE TIME WE WERE ABLE TO WAKE UP AND EVACUATE THE PROPERTY. WE HAVE A DOORBELL CAMERA THAT WOULD HAVE PICKED UP A PERSON IN OUR DRIVEWAY SO WE DO NOT BELIEVE THE CAUSE WAS ARSON. ONLINE RESEARCH AFTER THE INCIDENT INDICATES THAT THIS COULD BE RELATED THE THE RECENT RECALLS OF KIAS AND HYUNDAIS, WHICH OUR MODE…”
NHTSA complaint #11350993, 2020 · fire

“Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.”
NHTSA complaint #11707037, 2025

Exterior Lighting 4 1 fire

“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, 2026 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BULBS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE SAME MONTH. GREENWAY KIA OF HICKORY HOLLOW (5406 TARGET DR, ANTIOCH, TN 37013 (615) 731-0099) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED DUE TO THE MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVA…”
NHTSA complaint #11269238, 2019

“My vehicle recall is to do with electrical issue that not only may have affected the air bag, but the electrical system shorting that’s burning the bulb holders that holds all of the brake and tail lights bulbs on this vehicle. These brand new bulbs consistently burn or short out within 1 to 2 weeks. This expense has grown expeditiously over the years of ownership, and because there is nothing in the information center to warn us, we are constantly due to no fault of our own, unknowingly driving with no brake light. Having to drive regularly on interstate 4, with traffic stopping warning, th…”
NHTSA complaint #11612062, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 3

“Purchased 2018 KIA Soul from KIA dealer [XXX] in New Hampshire. There was 57,100 miles on the car at time of purchase. The vehicle was manufactured in South Korea in May 1, 2017. There is a potential safety issue concerning the absence of the rear view camera. The U.S. Government provided automobile manufacturer's beginning in 2014 a time limit for the installation of these safety devices to be completed by May 2018. Having owned vehicles with the rear view camera installed the last ten years, I would like the NHTSA to investigate this issue which poses a serious hazard in so far as revers…”
NHTSA complaint #11669624, 2025

“USUALLY AFTER A RAINY NIGHT OR WHEN THERE IS DEW IN THE MORNING, WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND STATIONARY AT MY HOME, THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON AND THE WINDSHIELD/BACK GLASS WIPERS WILL NOT WORK. AFTER TURNING THE WIPERS ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES THEY MAY COME ON FOR A MOMENT AND THEN WILL NOT OPERATE AGAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE ISSUE TWICE SO FAR. HAS LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON IT. IT IS NOW DARK WHEN I AM LEAVING FOR WORK AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I CAN NOT DRIVE IT WITH OUT HEAD LIGHTS. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS/WIPERS IN THE RAIN WHERE I L…”
NHTSA complaint #11144286, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE HEATER ACTIVATED, STEAM APPEARED FROM THE HEATER VENTS AND FOGGED UP ALL THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE ENTERED INTO THE DRAIN LINE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT VISIT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11139248, 2018

Wheels 3

“TIRE SEPARATION DRIVERS SIDE REAR. JUNE1ST. VEHICLE GOING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON FREEWAY TEMPERATURE WAS 90 F AND ABOUT 60% HUMIDITY CAR HAD NO SPARE PROVIDED WITH CAR. NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED.”
NHTSA complaint #11218382, 2019

“REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEW UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 60MPH WITH NO WARNING (NO LOW PRESSURE SIGN), NO EXTERNAL FACTORS (DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING). CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, BUT DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. VEHICLE HAS NEXEN TIRES.”
NHTSA complaint #11131703, 2018

“OUR BRAND NEW 2018 CAR ON THE MARKET HAS A TIRE MOBILITY KIT. THIS KIT ONLY SEALS A PUNCTURE & COMPRESSES FOR A SHORT TERM TRIP TO A LOCAL GARAGE. AS YOU WELL KNOW, MORE THAN A PUNCTURE CAN OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. NO SPARE WELLS ("BUT DONUTS ONLY" ALONG WITH A JACK AT EXTRA COST) ARE BUILT TO ACTUALLY HOLD A REAL SPARE TIRE. THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES ALL AROUND THIS COUNTRY OF INADEQUATE COVERAGE OF CELL PHONE SERVICES, NOT TO MENTION TIRE SITUATIONS OTHER THAN PUNCTURES. MAY I ASK YOU HOW YOUR AGENCY CONSIDER THIS METHOD OF EMERGENCY REPAIR CONSIDERED SAFE FOR CONSUMERS? THIS SYSTEM OF SAFETY SHOU…”
NHTSA complaint #11082237, 2018

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“THE CRUISE CONTROL SOMEHOW AFFECTS THE ENGINE AND OR TRANSMISSION WHEN IN CRUISE IT SPEEDS UP WITH OUT PRESSING ON THE GAS THE MPR GOES WAY OVER 4 MPR THEN I CANCEL THE CRUISE AND RESET IT AND SAME THING HAPPENS THIS IS ON HWY”
NHTSA complaint #11414417, 2021

“a.e.b. ,autonomous braking system has been a defect since the day it was delivered in 2018. the company and the dealership have attempted to fix this problem 13 times in five years, and it keeps coming back. they kept throwing parts at it until the warranty expired on 12/31/2023 and they refuse to fix it again. they will not extend the warranty or buy it back as requested. the factory tech that the company sent to look at it stated he did not know what was wrong with it back in 2019 but he will start with the forward camera. fast forward to 2/2024 and i paid to have it looked at the dealer and…”
NHTSA complaint #11588743, 2019

Lane Departure 2

“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, 2026

“When driving down a perfectly straight Road, if you take your hands off the steering wheel for a Split Second, the car drifts to the left over the center line of the road. [XXX] did a four-wheel alignment, however, the receipt said I told them it was pulling to the right, I specifically told them it was pulling to the left. I have an appointment with them on 6 September 2022 to try to correct their mistake. I am not sure an alignment will correct the problem. Second item: there was a recall of the airbags on this vehicle. This recall was cleared by Rusty Wallace GMC Kia, 300 King Avenue, Morri…”
NHTSA complaint #11480418, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1 1 fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 KIA SOUL ON MADISON HWY IN VALDOSTA,GA.L SAW SMOKE COMING OUT MY HOOD SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A CONVENIENT STORE ! THE PEOPLE IN THE STORE CAME RUNNING OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND WE WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11362515, 2020 · fire

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 2 injury

“WE WERE HIT IN REAR BY A TRUCK. MY WIFE AND I WENT FORWARD TO ALMOST THE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL, THE BELTS NEVER CAUGHT. I CALLED KIA TALKED TO OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA HE SAID THEY SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT. TOOK TO KIA DEALER HAS ADVISED AND THEY SAID IT WORKED FINE. THEY ADJUSTED BECAUSE NOW YOU PULL A LITTLE WAYS THEY LOCK. THE SERVER WRITER SAID THE TECH TOLD HIM THEY WOULD NOT LOCK FOR BEING HIT IN REAR. TALKED TO CALIFORNIA AGAIN THE SAME PERSON AND HE SAID THEY WOULD NOT LOCK BECAUSE WE WENT BACK FIRST AND THEN FORWARD. WE WAS STOPPED AT A YIELD SIGN FOR TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY WAITING TO GO TO ANO…”
NHTSA complaint #11101360, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Seats 1 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 45 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT SNAPPED IN HALF. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NERVE DAMAGE TO THE BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11190055, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 1 1 fire

“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, 2026 · fire

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT STEAM CAME OUT THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AND FOGGED UP THE WINDOWS. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL GURGLING SOUND COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD AFTER THE DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VISION KIA OF EAST ROCHESTER (201 E LINDEN AVE, EAST ROCHESTER, NY 14445, (585) 249-9000) WHERE THE AIR CONDITION DRAIN TUBES WERE CLEARED. THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED FOR A WHILE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…”
NHTSA complaint #11362737, 2020