KiaSoul2018Overview/kia/soul/2018/base/

2018 Kia Soul

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Soul.

Body SUV

The 2018 Kia Soul is an SUV requiring 3.8 to 4.7 of 5W-30 API engine oil for its powertrain, establishing its core mechanical parameters. Accumulating 210 total owner complaints predominantly focused on the engine alongside a single recall, the vehicle presents a specific reliability profile. Contextualized within the model's 2010-2025 complaint history, the 2018 model year sits well below the 898-complaint peak of 2015, signaling a stabilized trajectory for the nameplate while remaining far above the 11-complaint low of 2025.

Model year202520232022202120202019201820172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.8-4.7OEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI w/ISG or Turbo: 48; w/out ISG and Turbo: 121R · w/ISG or Turbo: 760 CCA; w/out ISG and Turbo: 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI w/ISG or Turbo: 48; w/out ISG and Turbo: 121R · w/ISG or Turbo: 760 CCA; w/out ISG and Turbo: 550 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205/60R16, P215/55R17, P235/45R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5, 6.5, 7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length163 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height63 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb weight3289 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 62.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Soul of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.3–9.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.30 sec — 2017 !
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017! 1.6L Turbo I-46.30 sec15.00 sec201 hpFWD
2017! 1.6L Turbo I-46.50 sec15.10 sec201 hpFWD
2016EV+ Elec 27-kWh9.70 sec17.40 sec109 hpFWD
2015! 2.0L I-48.30 sec16.40 sec164 hpFWD
2015+ 2.0L I-48.50 sec16.70 sec164 hpFWD
2015Eco Electric + Elec 27-kWh9.20 sec17.00 sec109 hpFWD
2015Eco Electric + Elec 27-kWh9.30 sec17.10 sec109 hpFWD
2014! 2.0L I-48.10 sec16.40 sec164 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.8-4.7 of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidGL-4
Clutch FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity5.3-5.4
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.8-4.7
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)21.7-28.9 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)28.9-36.2 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)13.7-17.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)630 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)Turbo: 680; Without Turbo: 670 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)700 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.16-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.50-4.25 oz
Standard BCI Group Numberw/ISG
Standard BCI Cranking Performancew/ISG
Standard BCI Group Number48

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
RPM70
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum72.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum73.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 58-; Rear: 47-
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .827; Rear: .331
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .0016; Rear: .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 4 stages
1M6 Bolts52 in
2M6 Bolts104–112 in
3M8 Bolts84 in
414.0-17.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

1108.0-120.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts108–120 in
114.0-17.0 ft. lbs.14–17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0-53.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 39-4148–53 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0-54.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 43-4748–54 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply a 2.0-3.0mm patch of RTV or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake Duct (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Kia Soul arrives at the tail end of the second generation (2014–2019), a period that saw complaint and recall numbers peak dramatically in 2014 and 2015 (890 and 898 complaints, 5 and 7 recalls, respectively) before dropping sharply. By 2017, complaints fell to 269 and recalls to 1, and the 2018 model continues that improvement with only 210 complaints, 1 recall, and zero investigations—a clear sign that earlier issues were addressed. The top complaint area is the engine (94 reports), but the total count is modest, and the 2018 also records 14 crash-related and 14 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. Compared to the preceding 2017 model (269 complaints) and the following 2019 model (133 complaints), the 2018 sits in a narrow band of low-reported trouble, making it a stable, well-refined choice within its generation. **The concrete takeaway: The 2018 Kia Soul is a good year to buy, offering a significantly lower complaint and recall burden than earlier second-gen models, though buyers should still check for any engine-related service history.**

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
94
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
210
Owner complaints
14 involved a crash · 14 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 210 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine94
Unknown Or Other13
Power Train12
Power Train,Engine12
Air Bags6
Electrical System5
Engine & Engine Cooling5
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V031000Air BagsReported 25/01/2022

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 94 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2311_TSB_R42026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER…
PI2107_OWNR_5012026-04-07Electrical SystemPRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107 Flight 501) - This document is…
CS2311_OWNR_PC2012025-12-19StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is…
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
TSB_SC334_R12025-08-20StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN UNDERBODY INSPECTION &…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Soul. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Soul take?

3.8-4.7 of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Soul have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.