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2018 Kia Soul Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Service Reminder and open recall alerts for your 2018 Kia Soul.

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Recalls1Full scheduleKnown issues6

How Kia schedules service: Service Reminder

Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

⚠️

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS

Campaign #22V031000 Β· Jan 25, 2022

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Recall data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

πŸ›’οΈ

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

πŸ”„

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires β€” worth asking before paying.

πŸ›‘

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

πŸ§ͺ

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 β€” match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

πŸ’¨

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

βš™οΈ

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV β€” same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick β€” fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

⚑

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly β€” some are tough.

🌑️

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant β€” wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

πŸ”©

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost β€” typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job β€” easy DIY win.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Kia Soul.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine seizure and connecting rod failure

ENGINE

67 NHTSA complaints Β· 2020-07 β†’ 2026-07

β€œThe engine seized up at 165,000 miles. According to one [XXX] at Trinity Automotive in Fairfield, Ohio, it's a known issue. According to [XXX] at PrebCo in Eaton, Ohio, the issue is related to low-pressure piston rings. Compression tests showed between 0 psi in one cylinder and…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724268
β€œ9/25/25 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.…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703799
β€œThe contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724558

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

23 NHTSA complaints Β· 2019-07 β†’ 2026-07

β€œENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE HIGHWAY Purchased 8/5 from reseller, who had driver it over 200 miles with no issues. Had it inspected that day and no issues found. Scheduled appt w/ Clay Cooley Kia to drop off 8/12 to have warranty recalls addressed. Clay Cooley…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722057
β€œDescription 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…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704038

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Engine oil consumption and low oil level

ENGINE

21 NHTSA complaints Β· 2021-02 β†’ 2025-12

β€œMy 2018 Kia Soul with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine is experiencing severe oil consumption of approximately 1 quart every 300–400 miles. The engine and lubrication system are available for inspection upon request. My check engine light is currently on. The dealer performed several…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733377
β€œExcessive oil consumption”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706053

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Engine compartment fire and smoke

ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints Β· 2019-04 β†’ 2026-04

β€œNov 10,2024 my 2018 Kia soul β€œ1.6” (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…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676911
β€œMy 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…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730985

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Warranty and recall repair denial

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 NHTSA complaints Β· 2019-04 β†’ 2026-07

β€œDuring a BBB dispute regarding warranty coverage, Kia Corporate claimed the vehicle is ineligible for safety recall repairs.”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748805
β€œThe 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…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739077

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Airbag non-deployment in collision

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints Β· 2019-02 β†’ 2026-01

β€œI 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.”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539186
β€œThe 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…”
β€” Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468664

Read all complaints on NHTSA β†’

Issues on other model years

  • 2015 Kia Soul β†’
  • 2016 Kia Soul β†’
  • 2017 Kia Soul β†’
  • 2019 Kia Soul β†’
  • 2020 Kia Soul β†’
  • 2021 Kia Soul β†’

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts Γ— 1.4 + labor Γ— $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor Γ— $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Kia Soul reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle β†’