2018 Kia Soul EV: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2023

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Soul EV years (#5 of 5 by complaints, age-adjusted)

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 3 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Engine (engine mechanics)1 complaint

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that the electrical system had experienced power fluctuations, which reduced the charging capacity of the battery to only 8 percent. The EV warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2023

“This is for 2018 Kia Soul EV. I stopped, placed the car in park and got out. Car then rolled down a hill with no one in the car. Causing an accident.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2023

“My 2018 kia soul EV has had a significantly decreased range, inconsistent charging, and a check EV light illuminating periodically. All of these are symptoms of the recall. Kia is not only not giving a timeline to diagnose and repair the problem, they are also charging me a "diagnostic" fee for the recall. I cannot just be without a car indefinitely while Kia figures out the issue.”Owner report · Engine · May 2023

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 3 campaigns

Software (electrical system)23V724000 · Oct 2023

Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Traction battery (electrical system)23V218000 · Mar 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.

Air bags22V031000 · Jan 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 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.

How other years compare

20167 complaints · 4 recalls 201718 complaints · 3 recalls 2018 (this page)3 complaints · 3 recalls 20193 complaints · 3 recalls

Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Soul EV years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.

Check your exact Soul EV by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Kia Soul EV reliable?

NHTSA has 3 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Kia Soul EV. The most complained-about area is engine.

Does the 2018 Kia Soul EV have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.