TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST POWER, AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WESELOH KIA CARLSBAD (5331 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, (760) 208-2237) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE …
2018 kia Soul powertrain problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 …
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 kia Soul?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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