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2018 Kia Soul

2018 Kia Soul: engine complaints dominate

Owners filed 205 complaints with NHTSA. Engine is the standout area at 63% of all reports (129 of them) and accounts for 10 of the 12 reported fires. Power train comes a distant second (30 reports, 15%). The air bag complaints are far fewer (11, 5%) but the most severe per report, tied to 8 crashes and 8 injuries. No deaths are reported in any category.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 63%
By far the biggest complaint area: 129 reports (63%), with 10 fires and 1 crash but no reported injuries. The fires make this the one to inspect most closely.
Power Train0 15%
The second most reported area: 30 reports (15%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
Electrical System safety 9%
18 reports (9%), tied to 2 fires and 1 crash, with no reported injuries.
Air Bags safety 5%
Only 11 reports (5%), but the most serious per report: 8 crashes and 8 injuries, the most of any area. Worth a close look despite the low count.
Fuel/Propulsion System safety 5%
10 reports (5%), with 1 crash and no fires or reported injuries.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 205 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.