2018 Kia Soul Powertrain (other) Problems

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 performed an induction cleaning and transmission valve service. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure after a 36-mile test drive, after the service. From May 27 to May 29, 2026, the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer again, where a new short-block engine assembly was installed. On June 2, 2026, a technician discovered that there was no oil in the engine, resulting in a critical crankshaft failure code. Despite the short block replacement and oil correction, the powertrain failures persisted, and the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH. The vehicle violently stalled and jerked while accelerating and decelerating, creating a safety hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,573.

NHTSA ID

11746010

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

Mileage

92,573 mi

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 performing PI2107Y/Z.” Ray’s found low oil, but my next scheduled oil change was still 300 miles away. I refused to accept the vehicle back because limp mode is unsafe for my daughter (primary driver). The dealer recently told me to pick it up anyway. Kia Corporate opened Case #[XXX] after 2 separate 2-hour Kia recorded calls on June 1 and June 3, 2026, but continues to refuse the required diagnostic. This is a known manufacturing defect covered under Kia Product Improvement Campaign PI2107 and the class-action engine settlement. The refusal creates a serious safety risk for my daughter and family. Requested Action: Require Kia to follow the published TSB (VDN creation and Bearing Clearance Test with or without active code) and provide a rental vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741736

Incident

May 27, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11704038

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

Weird shifting

NHTSA ID

11684889

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.

NHTSA ID

11660546

Incident

May 6, 2025

The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.

NHTSA ID

11660545

Incident

May 6, 2025

I have A 2018 Kia Soul I have been having problems with my oil running low and my oil and engine light coming on after I have had an oil change this has been going on since 12/21:2023 inhace taken my car to the dealearship over and over only for them to tell me I don’t have oil leak they have done oil consumption test and still said nothing was wrong with the vehicle continued to take to get oil change and same thing has kept happening finally paid for diagnostic after months of being told my car was fine to find out the oil was leaking to my catalytic converter now my catalytic converter has gone out on my 2018 Kia Soul and dealership quoted me A $5400 repair price I have 2 warranty and none cover exhaust repair Kia has given me the run around and also said my car wasn’t under recall but I am experiencing all the recall symptoms related to the 2018 Kia Soul base mode 1.6 engine

NHTSA ID

11612867

Incident

Sep 4, 2024

2018 KIA SOUL gas pedal stopped working while driving on interstate 695. On April 7, 2024 my car displayed the following warning message on the dash while I was driving on the beltway. “Transmission Temp high please stop safely”. The warning light went off, but I took my car to the Koons Kia service on April 9, 2024. A few days later I was informed by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the engine had sludge. I was later informed that the clutch actuator also needed to be replaced. The Transmission was covered under warranty and Koons Kia allegedly did the repair. I picked my car up on April 17th. The very next day (April 18) the transmissions started making noise. I contacted the dealer on the 18th and reported the concern. They told me to bring the car back on Tuesday , April 23rd. At no time did anyone warn me of the potential safety issue. I do not know what the mechanics at Koons Kia did, but the car was worse and more dangerous after the repair. Unfortunately, on April 22,2024 while driving on interstate 695, my car started to lose power and suddenly slow down. Cars rushing by and my car would not accelerate when I applied the gas pedal. The warning message “ Transmission temp high stop safely “ appeared again. I pulled over on the shoulder until the car cooled off. This time there was a smell along with it. When the car cooled off, I slowly drove the rest of the way with my hazard lights on. I contacted Kia dealership, Kia roadside assistance, and Kia customer service. No one warned me of the extreme safety issue nor did they offer any assistance with getting me home or with getting car back to service department. My car is back at the dealership. But this is a major safety issue. The gas pedal stopped working without warning while I was on interstate 695 going well over 50mph. There were other cars zooming by. very dangerous. I could have been hurt or someone else could have been hurt.

NHTSA ID

11584541

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to maintain oil pressure, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain power and would stall after being started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11574787

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

Mileage

66,000 mi

Bought this vehicle used with 32k miles. Have experienced a judder when accelerating since we purchased it. This a known issue with Kia. I sent it to a dealership and they replaced a fuel injector and said that was the problem, it's not. Got the car back and it is still malfunctioning. This issue was reported on this vehicle previously when it was brand new. I need this issue fixed.

NHTSA ID

11522503

Incident

May 17, 2023

Code P0507 Keep causing engine light to turn on. Replaced air filter, MAP sensor, and had throttle body relearned. Also, Alternator was said to not be working after car stalled. Alternator is not working again 1 month after proper replacement of alternator and serpentine belt. Put at risk due to stalling. Available for inspection upon request Vehicle has not been inspected at the dealership due to no appointment slots available until may 2023 No warning prior to engine light coming on and incident happened multiple times prior to engine light coming on.

NHTSA ID

11509196

Incident

Jan 31, 2023

My vehicle randomly started making a knocking noise. We took it to our local mechanic who stated he has seen a lot of these come from the Kia line lately. the knocking noise comes from the rods. He said the cost to get this repaired would be $4,000-$5,000, since the bottom portion of the engine would need to be replaced. This car is not driveable. We are the 2nd owners and the car only has $65,000 miles on it. We bought the car from carmax in November 2021, and they did a full investigation and found no fault with the car. The rod knock started in March 2022. We are hoping there would be a recall on this, as we see from forums, we are not alone. The check engine light did not come on at any point.

NHTSA ID

11486667

Incident

Sep 27, 2022

Driving on Route 79 on Labor Day weekend, at 70mph in the passing lane, my 2018 Kia Soul+ with 77574 miles refused to accelerate and then the engine completely stopped. We were able to get to the side of the road unharmed but the engine was completely dead. We called triple A and has it towed to a local garage I called Kia corporate because the car is not yet 5 years old and the garage thought it might be under warranty. The Kia consumer line 800-333-4KIA took 5 hours to reach a human but gave me a claim number and the representative said it had to be seen at a dealer but that I was likely covered. I advised I was the second owner and that when I was trying to find their number I tripped upon an optional product improvement campaign I was not made aware of. I was very suspicious and surprised. I asked repeatedly what happened if it was towed and not covered. And they said to call back but I should be ok. Kia towed it to the dealership. The dealer took 2 weeks to look at it and make a determination. They are stating that because I did not have the improvement campaign completed that they will not cover the engine. I was told to call back Kia corporate which I did and after 3 hours of waiting I was informed that there was nothing they can do that I was out of warranty because the improvement campaign that I was never notified of had not been completed on my car. They state that they sent a letter in November of 2021 but I did not receive it. I'm now being charged diagnostic fees by the dealership and they still want $11,000 and 4 to 6 weeks to do the necessary repairs. I still have a loan on the vehicle for $12, 321.46. I called Kia corporate back they will do nothing to assist me because it is out of warranty and I did not have the campaign improvement done because it was never sent as notification to me via email or phone and I did not receive the document they claim to have mailed. The supervisor I spoke with told me that there is nothing that KIA can do.

NHTSA ID

11486558

Incident

Sep 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered a light grayish smoke coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence and the next day called the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to City KIA of Greater Orlando (9550 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837). The contact was informed that since his vehicle was not serviced under a software update, they could service the vehicle under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11466966

Incident

May 29, 2022

Mileage

100,000 mi

Follow up to complaint number 11446088 submitted on 1/3/2022 Car was taken to dealership on 12/18/2021 for check engine light with code P1326 and car entered a limp home mode that limited engine RPMs to 1800-2000 RPM. I received a call from dealership on 1/12/2022 informing me that car was ready for pickup. Picked up car on 1/13/2022, where invoice says the following: "77240 p1326 DTC 39250fln/39250rq0 check engine light on arrival, trouble code p1326. bearing clearance test was not able to be performed due to no tsb opened yet for this year make and model. opened a pwa case performed compression and leak down test passed . performed few test tech line required and came to a conclusion that engine replacement is not approved, knock sensor was approved under warranty vehicle will be shipped with no dcts over 2 drive cycles of 10 miles" Two notes: (1) it appears that the manufacturer informed dealership that it would not approve replacing the engine, despite the engine being under warranty, because no recall has yet been issued on the 2018 model year. (2) the dealership say they performed 2 drive cycles, each of at least 10 miles. This was not done, as shown on the mileage in/out readings on the attached invoice (see attached document, "06 - 2022-01-12 - Kia Carson - Invoice"). Attached are 8 documents for all the documents I have related to this problem: (1) NHTSA - Vehicle Complaint - 11446088 - 2022-01-03 (2) Kia Product Improvement Campaign Letter - 2021-11-16 (3) 01 - 2021-12-04 - Kia Carson - Workorder (4) 02 - 2021-12-04 - Kia Carson - Invoice (5) 03 - 2021-12-07 - Kia Carson - Workorder (6) 04 - 2021-12-07 - Kia Carson - Invoice (7) 05 - 2021-12-18 - Kia Carson - Workorder (8) 06 - 2022-01-12 - Kia Carson - Invoice Answers to questions above: (1) not available for inspection. I no longer possess vehicle (2) see complaint 11446088 (3) dealer confirmed problem, see 2022-01-12 invoice (4) yes, see 2022-01-12 invoice (5) see complaint 11446088

NHTSA ID

11447800

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

My engine blew it just hit 80,000 miles on the dot and since I’m purchasing it threw Freedom Chevrolet Buick gmc by Ed Morse and not Kia directly my car cannot get fixed! I still owe a pretty penny and now I have no way of fixing when other Kia’s have had the same issue with engine blowing I just would like my car fixed. My safety and my kids what put in danger when it decided to do this On a busy road!

NHTSA ID

11447348

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

On 16 November 2021, Kia sent a letter for a Product Improvement Campaign to install software called "Knock Sensor Detection System" ("KSDS") on my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. The software update was installed on 4 December 2021. The 16 November letter noted that if KSDS detected a problem, the car would enter a limp home mode that limited engine RPMs to 1800-2000 RPM and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") would blink continuously. On 17 December 2021, the check engine light started to blink continuously, and the engine RPMs never exceeded 2000 RPM. I took the car to the dealership on 18 December 2021. The car is not safely operable. The dealership told me that they needed technical assistance from the factory, which they have not yet received as of 3 January 2022. I'm reporting the issue because it appears to be related to the known engine manufacturing defects in Theta, Nu, and Gamma lines of engines, and that these issues persist beyond the 2011-2016 model years (for which a recall has already issued) and at least into the 2018 model year. Answers to questions: (1) powertrain/engine failure, possibly other system(s) (2) safety risk is known fire danger in Theta, Nu, and Gamma engines (3) dealer is currently diagnosing/confirming the issue (as of 1/3/22) (4) only dealer has inspected vehicle (as of 1/3/22) (5) no issues prior to 12/17/21, when Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") started to blink continuously and engine RPMs were limited to 2000 RPM.

NHTSA ID

11446088

Incident

Dec 17, 2021

While driving to work my engine began to knock, my oil light flickered and went out, and then I completely lost power. I took my 2018 Kia soul to a local mechanic and he confirmed that my engine was blown and would need to be replaced with only 78,388 miles on my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11422106

Incident

Jun 24, 2021

2018 kia soul+ with 2.0l engine has developed a rod knock at 86k miles. Kia customer service was made aware of the issue and has refused to to repair the vehicle. According to a kid certified technician at a kia dealership, the issue is the same as other kia vehicles with a recall for, "connecting rod excessive wear". Customer service was made aware of these findings and still refuses to issue recall. Engine currently runs, but can not be run for very long or driven due to eminent risk of catastrophic engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11418856

Incident

May 1, 2021

JANUARY 21ST 2021, WENT TO A DEALERSHIP IN MIAMI AND PURCHASED A USED KIA SOUL PLUS. JANUARY 26TH 2021, AFTER LEAVING THE POST OFFICE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP. OIL LIGHT WAS GLITCHING PRIOR TO THAT DAY. CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND COULDN'T SHIFT GEARS TO PARK OR NEUTRAL. HAD TO PUSH THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AND SIT. TOOK TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED OIL GASKET. TOOK THE CAR HOME FEW DAYS DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. FEBRUARY 9TH CAR BROKE DOWN AGAIN WHILE TURNING INSIDE PARKING SPOT. CAR BATTERY LIGHT AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WAS BOTH ON. CAR WENT BACK TO KIA DEALERSHIP THURSDAY 11TH. KIA LOOKED AT THE CAR STATING OIL SLUDGE WAS ALL INSIDE THE ENGINE AND REPAIRS WILL COST $9,000. USED CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID

11396878

Incident

Jan 26, 2021

Mileage

54,100 mi

JUST BOUGHT CAR, 33,000 MILES, WAS DRIVING AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED, INTERNAL MECHANICAL DAMAGE

NHTSA ID

11396789

Incident

Feb 18, 2021

Mileage

33,000 mi

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS AS THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES NOW. STILL ON FOR THE 6TH TIME NOW!!!! I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WOULD FIX THIS AND IT HAS NOT

NHTSA ID

11388931

Incident

Jan 19, 2021

Mileage

54,000 mi

I HAVE A 2018 KIA SOUL+ AND RECENTLY THERE IS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN THE A/C IS ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG OR SMELL ANYTHING BURNING ON THE CAR. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS MOSTLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I'M AFRAID THAT THE CAR IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CAR ALSO LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING EX. I CAN BE DRIVING 60 MILES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS TO DECREASE IN SPEED AND YOU HAVE TO RAVE UP THE CAR TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. NOT GOOD AT ALL.

NHTSA ID

11343985

Incident

Aug 4, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOWBIN KIA LOCATED AT 260 N GIBSON RD, HENDERSON, NV 89014, 702) 567-8000, 4 TIMES TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,269.

NHTSA ID

11299322

Incident

Aug 13, 2018

Mileage

36,269 mi

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND EVERY TIME I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE I WAS TOLD I USED BAD GAS AND TO CHANGE THE GAS. I WAS EVEN TOLD THE COMPUTER ON MY CAR NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND UNTIL THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND MAY NOT GO OUT. MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND WOULDN'T MOVE.

NHTSA ID

11297073

Incident

Jan 3, 2020

Mileage

1,440,000 mi