TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Kia Soul electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Kia Soul have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Soul | 89 |
| 2015 Soul | 66 |
| 2016 Soul | 50 |
| 2017 Soul | 19 |
| 2018 Soul (this page) | 15 |
| 2019 Soul | 11 |
| 2020 Soul | 21 |
| 2021 Soul | 10 |
| 2022 Soul | 7 |
1crash
2fires
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification consists of a theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and will be available to you free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Igni
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Kia Soul electrical cluster primarily reveals engine reliability issues wrapped in electrical symptoms. Most concerning: multiple owners describe catastrophic engine failures with excessive oil consumption and sludge buildup. One engine seized at highway speed with smoke and bangs; another caught fire at 63 mph with a passenger in the vehicle. A third owner's engine was done at 51,000 miles after an oil light and engine warning appeared during normal driving.
Several owners report the vehicle won't start reliably despite new batteries, with dealers unable to find a cause even after replacing battery, starter, and alternator—suggesting an electrical system defect dealers cannot diagnose. Brake and tail light bulbs burn out or short within 1-2 weeks repeatedly, forcing owners to drive unknowingly without working brake lights on interstate highways.
Additional electrical complaints include warning lights for low battery despite multiple replacements, adaptive cruise and emergency brake warnings appearing without cause in rain, headlight lenses cracking internally, and a stuck ignition key when wet. One owner's diagnostic port became unreadable after a dealership attempted a recall, stranding the vehicle for over six months. Owners frequently mention KIA refusing to honor extended engine warranties or address documented defects, and dealers unable or unwilling to complete recalls or repairs.
Same Kia Soul electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine oil consumption and sludge buildup
Owners report abnormally high oil consumption, sludge accumulation in the engine, and premature engine failure. Several narratives describe engines that seized or failed requiring complete replacement, often accompanied by excessive burning, knocking, and misfires.
When: 59,000 to 155,000 miles; some issues appeared within 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Engine sludge buildup; Engine knocking and rattling sounds; Check engine light illuminated; Engine misfires and hesitation during acceleration; Engine seizure; Smoke from engine compartment; Engine stalling without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required in multiple cases; oil consumption test and coil pack/spark plug replacement attempted without resolving underlying issue; tune-ups performed but did not fix persistent misfires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA extended engine warranty from 100k to 150k miles on at least one vehicle; multiple owners report KIA refused to honor warranty or acknowledge defect; NHTSA recall 23V-099 mentioned by owner but vehicle did not fall within specific recall criteria
Starting failure and electrical draw
Owners report the vehicle fails to start reliably, with clicking sounds and multiple attempts needed to crank the engine. Battery replacement does not resolve the issue, and dealer diagnostics find nothing wrong. Pattern suggests possible parasitic electrical draw or starter malfunction.
When: Intermittent across vehicle lifespan; one report at 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Single click when turning key, no cranking; Multiple attempts required to start vehicle; Vehicle requires jump starts on occasion; Key won't turn off or remove when raining; Remote key fob does not work; Battery warning light on dashboard ('battery is on' message)
Repairs/costs cited: New battery installed but did not resolve starting issue; dealer unable to identify cause; battery, starter, and alternator tested and passed; some owners replaced multiple batteries (one replaced 3 DieHard batteries)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives
Brake and tail light failure
Bulbs burn out or short circuit prematurely, often within 1-2 weeks of installation. Owners report brake light bulb holders are shorting, creating a safety hazard since drivers unknowingly operate without functioning brake lights.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light bulbs burn out or short within 1-2 weeks; Tail light bulbs fail prematurely; Brake lights do not work even after replacement; Bulb holders shorting internally
Repairs/costs cited: Repeated bulb replacement required; dealership replaced bulbs but issue persists; no corrective repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owner states Kia should be held liable for correcting the hazard
Engine compartment fire
Multiple owners report their vehicles caught fire or began smoking while driving. One vehicle at 63,000 miles caught fire on the highway at 65 MPH with passenger in vehicle, resulting in vehicle being totaled. Another owner pulled into a store when smoke appeared from under the hood and fire was extinguished with store's fire extinguishers.
When: 63,000 miles (highway fire); incident during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment or under vehicle; Vehicle catching fire; Multiple warning lights illuminated before fire; Fire spreading rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; second fire-incident vehicle condition not detailed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer not notified of fire incident in one case
Headlight lens degradation
Owner reports both headlights contain micro cracks throughout the entire lens, not isolated chips. The cracks appear internally within the headlight assembly.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Blurry headlight output; Micro cracks throughout entire headlight lens
Repairs/costs cited: Issue identified during owner inspection; repair not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Adaptive cruise control and braking system warnings
Driver reported receiving 'adaptive cruise blocked' and 'emergency brake blocked' warning messages simultaneously while driving in rain at highway speed. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At 3,000 miles, during rain at 60-70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control blocked message; Emergency brake blocked message
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; dealership did not diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Gasoline odor and key-removal malfunction
Owner reports smelling gasoline while driving and experiencing difficulty removing the key from the ignition when it rains, causing the driver to get wet.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline odor while driving; Key stuck in ignition when raining
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Diagnostic port failure following recall attempt
After a Kia dealership attempted a federal airbag safety recall, the vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic port became unreadable, preventing recall completion. A second dealer cannot complete the recall without extensive diagnostics.
When: Following recall service attempt
Symptoms owners cite: OBD port unreadable after dealer service; Recall cannot be completed
Repairs/costs cited: Second dealer wants thousands of dollars for diagnostic attempt; vehicle out of service over six months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective resolution; recall obstructed for over six months
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Buyer beware, DO NOT PURCHASE A KIA. Kept up with oil changes on the car. Purchased used in 2019 at 45k miles. While driving from work car just stopped working, and engine and oil light turned on. Electrical was working replaced battery maybe two months earlier. Wasn’t due for an oil change. Took car to a mechanic who said it was low on oil which seemed odd. Also replaced brake pads and rotors.…
My Goddaughter has had random starting problems with the 2018 Kia Soul plus, that I bought her. If you turn the key you hear a click but it won't start until you try several times. She has had to get a jump on occasions. We bought a new battery, thinking that was the problem, but that didn't solve the issue. Taken car to the dealership several times, but they say that they can't find a problem.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 63,239 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.