2018 Kia soul Plus
KNDJP3A53J7536235
Vehicle history report for the 2018 Kia soul Plus (VIN KNDJP3A53J7536235). Sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 2.0L 4-cyl 161 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 51,550 mi reported. Registered in Az. 1 open safety recall. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2018 Kia soul worth?
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What a full report checks for VIN KNDJP3A53J7536235
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 1
AIR BAGS
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.
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 March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
NHTSA Campaign #22V031000 · 25/01/2022We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 210 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia soul, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 210
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2018 Kia soul.
ENGINE
Car stalls in traffic repeatedly. Code identified crank shaft .
NHTSA ODI #11749862UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During a BBB dispute regarding warranty coverage, Kia Corporate claimed the vehicle is ineligible for safety recall repairs.
NHTSA ODI #11748805ENGINE
I am losing the engines oil every 500 miles. It is an ongoing problem and I have to check my oil on a regular basis so the engine does not seize or catch fire as my mechanic has instructed/alerted me to do.
NHTSA ODI #11747752ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine control system is STILL faulty. The engine light will not go off, even after the so called recall Software fix and the brand new engine put in my car in 2025 among other MULTIPLE brand new parts and repairs to my car trying to resolve the engine issue, oil consumption and fuel/gas consumption at rapid and alarming rate, every time after I fill my gas…
NHTSA ODI #11746423POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and jerked while accelerating and experienced severe jerking while decelerating. The failure had occurred on several occasions. On June 18, 2024, the vehicle failed to accelerate or shift properly. On January 15, 2025, the vehicle shuddered violently and ne…
NHTSA ODI #11746010POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
On [XXX], my 2018 Kia Soul (VIN [XXX] ) displayed DTC P1326 with a blinking check engine light and went into limp mode. Ray’s Automotive documented P1326 in writing, added oil, and cleared the light only to allow safe transport. At Greenway Kia (Avenues), they charged $199 and refused to create a Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) or perform the Bearing Clearanc…
NHTSA ODI #11741736UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE
The 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 accident/injury/fire. mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potentia…
NHTSA ODI #11739077ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to report safety concerns regarding my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. I have been experiencing several engine issues, including knocking noises, hesitation during acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and an active check engine light. Recently, while driving with my daughter, the vehicle began shaking and the check engine light flashed three times. Alt…
NHTSA ODI #11735537+ 202 more complaints on record.





