2018 Kia Soul Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 210 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 Kia Soul overview page.
What owners report
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11522503 — filed 05/17/2023
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11509196 — filed 02/26/2023
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11486667 — filed 09/27/2022
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Kia Soul have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2018 Kia Soul: 31 of 210 complaints on file (14.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2018 Kia Soul have in total?
210 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 14 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
