TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - 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 on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Kia Soul engine problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Kia Soul have filed 108 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 84,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
108
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Soul | 457 |
| 2015 Soul | 523 |
| 2016 Soul | 466 |
| 2017 Soul | 161 |
| 2018 Soul (this page) | 108 |
| 2019 Soul | 67 |
| 2020 Soul | 169 |
| 2021 Soul | 143 |
| 2022 Soul | 49 |
7fires
When does it fail?
Of the 108 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 108 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - 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 on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2107Y/Z) - 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 related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2107) titled “Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement”. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Kno
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: NU 2.OL GDI SULEV ECU EMISSIONS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC251) - 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 the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Electronic Control Module (ECM) with an improved version on certain 2017-2019MY Soul (PS) vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engine, produced from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018. To ensure compliance with emissions regulations, apply the improved software update to the Engine system using the KDS ECU upgrade function as described in this bulletin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe sudden engine failure with minimal or no advance warning. A 2018 Soul typically burns oil at abnormal rates—1 quart per 300–1,000 miles—causing oil level to plummet between scheduled service intervals. Dealerships often dismiss consumption as 'normal' until catastrophic damage occurs. The knock sensor (KSDS) system, issued as a free 'Product Improvement Campaign' (PI2107), detects knock and engages Limp Home Mode once damage is underway, but by then the engine shows metal shavings in oil and worn rod bearings or failed piston rings.
Engine seizure happens without warning lights in many cases. Owners report driving at highway speeds when the engine abruptly loses power, stalls, or seizes. A few cases involved engine fire or heavy smoke from combustion. Kia extended warranty to 150,000 miles for vehicles that completed the KSDS update, but second and third owners frequently never received update notifications and are denied coverage. Even first owners who received the notice late (weeks before failure) face denial. Warranty claims are also rejected for missing maintenance records, despite owners providing oil change receipts and demonstrating proper service intervals. Some dealerships refuse diagnostic testing (bearing clearance test, oil consumption test) unless owners pay upfront, contradicting the Class Action Settlement terms requiring Kia to cover diagnostics and repairs. The result: owners face full engine replacement ($6,400–$15,000) out-of-pocket on vehicles they maintained per schedule.
Same Kia Soul engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption / Oil Starvation
Engine burns or leaks oil at abnormal rates—typically 1 quart per 300–1,000 miles—leading to critically low oil levels between scheduled oil changes. Owners report checking the dipstick and finding little to no oil despite recent service. Dealers sometimes dismiss consumption rates as 'acceptable' even when excessive.
When: Begins as early as 49,000–70,000 miles; can persist throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil light flickers, especially during braking or acceleration; Dipstick shows little or no oil despite recent oil change; Oil level drops 0.5–2 quarts between service intervals; Dark, discolored oil in short intervals
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption tests (TSB ENG 222) conducted by dealers; owners report being charged $250 out-of-pocket for diagnostics despite warranty coverage; dealerships sometimes refuse to perform test without payment upfront
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty to 150,000 miles for vehicles that received KSDS update (PI2107); owners report dealers rejecting claims due to missing maintenance records or lack of KSDS update completion
Rod Bearing Failure / Connecting Rod Damage
Connecting rod bearings wear excessively, leading to bearing knock, rod failure, and catastrophic engine seizure. Rod can punch through engine block or become lodged in pan. Often triggered by oil starvation or detected via knock sensor system.
When: 60,000–165,000 miles; onset varies widely
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock or ticking sound, especially under acceleration; P1326 code (Knock Sensor Detection System activation); Limp Home Mode engagement (engine limits power/RPM); Metal shavings visible in oil; Oil light illumination; Sudden loss of power on highway or during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full engine replacement (quoted $6,400–$8,817); some owners report Kia denying coverage despite KSDS update or Class Action Settlement eligibility; bearing clearance test can confirm defect but dealers often refuse to perform without payment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Product Improvement Campaign (KSDS update, PI2107) targets this defect; E2 Class Action Settlement (25V099000) covers rod bearing failure for vehicles with KSDS update; extended 150,000-mile warranty for qualifying vehicles; coverage denial common when KSDS update not completed or maintenance records incomplete
Piston Ring Failure / Low Compression
Piston rings deteriorate or fail, causing loss of compression in one or more cylinders. Compression test shows 0–55 PSI in affected cylinders. Often co-occurs with excessive oil consumption and leads to misfire, rough running, and engine seizure.
When: 68,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (often P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 for misfire codes); Rough idle, hesitation, loss of power; Cylinder-specific misfire (codes reference individual cylinders); No compression in one or more cylinders (compression test reveals 0–58 PSI)
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Requires short-block or full engine replacement ($6,437–$15,000); warranty claims often denied due to classification as 'wear item' or damage secondary to insufficient maintenance records
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: E2 Class Action Settlement may cover if rod bearing defect confirmed; standard powertrain warranty typically excludes; some dealers refuse diagnostic testing without upfront payment
Engine Seizure / No-Start After Oil Starvation
Engine suddenly stops or locks up—often with no prior warning lights—due to oil starvation or bearing failure. Vehicle loses all motive power on highway or at idle. Some cases involve oil level dropping to zero despite recent fill.
When: 70,000–165,000 miles; onset sudden
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power while driving (highway or low speed); Engine will not restart; Possible ticking or knocking before seizure; Oil light may illuminate just before or after failure; Little to no warning (no check engine light in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; towing and temporary rental costs incurred; some owners quote replacement costs $7,000–$8,817
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class Action Settlement may apply if vehicle meets criteria (KSDS update, 150,000-mile coverage); many owners report Kia denying coverage for second or third owners or if recall update not completed; no manufacturer assistance reported in most cases
Engine Fire / Smoke from Combustion Chamber
Engine or combustion chamber catches fire or produces heavy smoke during operation. Smoke may emit from engine compartment, exhaust, or undercarriage. Linked to oil consumption, piston ring failure, and oil buildup in combustion chamber.
When: 68,000–130,000 miles; can occur during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke pouring from engine compartment or exhaust; Flames visible under hood or from rear of engine; Oil burning smell intensifies; Possible burning/scorched odor in cabin; Fire may be small (manageable with water) or severe
Repairs/costs cited: Some fires extinguished by owner with water; others require fire department response; vehicle typically total loss or requires full engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued September 2021 letter to 485,000 owners urging them to park vehicles outside due to fire risk; NHTSA reported 3,100+ fire complaints, 103 injuries, one death; owners allege Kia downplayed risk by issuing 'Product Improvement Campaign' instead of full recall; 1.6L engine fires not formally addressed in recall (only 2.0L GDI engines included in class action)
Catalytic Converter Failure / Misfire-Related Damage
Secondary damage to catalytic converter from engine misfires or oil contamination. Converter shows discoloration or blockage; owners report black smoke from exhaust alongside engine problems.
When: 74,000–120,000 miles; typically follows initial engine issues
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for catalytic converter efficiency; Black or dark smoke from exhaust pipe; Loss of power during acceleration; Oil burning odor from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Converter replacement estimated $1,000–$2,000; often required alongside engine repair due to oil damage inside converter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited; owners report coverage denial and referral to dealer, which denies warranty
Check Engine Light / Multiple Misfire Codes Without Engine Replacement Offer
Check engine light illuminates with misfire or emissions codes (P0300 series, catalytic converter codes) but no clear root cause identified by dealer, or root cause is listed as non-covered (e.g., 'burnt valve,' piston damage) rather than covered defects (rod bearing). Owners prevented from obtaining diagnostic clarification.
When: Throughout ownership; varies by vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent or persistent check engine light; Specific cylinder misfire codes (P0301, P0302, P0303); General misfire code (P0300); Catalytic converter efficiency codes
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostics often not covered under warranty; dealers quote repairs ($2,960–$6,437) and deny coverage citing non-covered defects or missing maintenance records; bearing clearance test (required diagnostic under E2 settlement) frequently refused without payment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class Action Settlement specifies Kia must cover diagnostic testing at no cost; however, owners report dealers refusing tests without upfront fees or denying coverage altogether
Knock Sensor System (KSDS) Activation / Limp Home Mode
KSDS software update (PI2107) detects knock and activates Limp Home Mode to prevent seizure. Once activated, vehicle runs in limp mode with reduced power. Update was issued as 'Product Improvement Campaign' rather than safety recall; availability and mandatory nature of update unclear to many owners.
When: Post-KSDS update; can occur at any mileage
Symptoms owners cite: P1326 code triggered (Knock Sensor Detection System); Engine limited to 40 MPH or less; Reduced acceleration; inability to pass vehicles or merge safely; Check engine light blinks continuously when knock detected
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: KSDS update itself is free (as part of Product Improvement Campaign); however, once P1326 is triggered, underlying engine damage (rod bearing or piston ring wear) requires diagnosis and repair; extended warranty applies post-update but coverage denial common
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PI2107 KSDS update provided free; 150,000-mile extended warranty applies to vehicles completing update; Class Action Settlement (E2, 25V099000) covers diagnostic and repair costs; many owners report Kia denying warranty extension or settlement benefits despite update completion, citing missing maintenance records or late update application
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Engine Failure, Started burning oil, within a month of that started knocking, after 4 weeks the connecting rod went through the block. I was driving on a public roadway. Vehicle is in for repair now for a new short block, catalytic converter (oil damage) with the dealership and being repaired by the manufacturer under warranty. Only warning lamp the car has had was about a month prior for an…
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…
Excessive oil consumption
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.
Engine failure at 121733 due to faulty engine management system. Was able to limp the car to the dealership. Engine had to be replaced due to broken rings in two of the pistons. Car was serviced regularly prior to the insidence.
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,…
Yellow check engine light came on. Next day was not on. Next day on again. Brought to local repair shop for diagnostic. They reported engine was completely empty of oil and a knocking sound was a chain. Said engine needed to be replaced. This is at 74k miles. No oil light was ever on. Safety inspection was completed three months prior when the car was purchased used from a dealership. Then took…
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…
At 94,000 miles without warning I have a rod knock. I have maintained oil changes regularly and topped my oil off before this drive. No warning lights no indicators. Just a blown engine.
Mileage 68000 - ticking noise began approximately 5 days before the engine failure. The vehicle was then parked for two days (for the holiday). Two days later, while driving the vehicle, the check engine light came on. Took to mechanic and ran code and performed an oil change. Noise changed immediately to knocking and squeaking and car died while driving home. Towed vehicle to dealership and was…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2018 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 108 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 68,000 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 84,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 68,000; a quarter make it past 111,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.