2018 Kia Soul EV
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
2 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-13
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-05-31
Also filed under Engine
Power train
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-08-09
Engine
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.
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.
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-08-18Electrical system23V218000 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.
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I
2023-09-10Recall queryClosed 2024-01-16 Vehicle Rollaway
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2023-12-21Electrical system, power train23V724000 Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V031000 · Air bags
- Recall 23V218000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V724000 · Electrical system, power train
FAQ
- Is the 2018 Kia Soul EV reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Soul EV?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Soul EV have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.