2018 Kia Soul EV recalls and problems
The 2018 Kia Soul EV has 3 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Soul EV vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Kia Soul EV recalls
Recall 23V-724: Power Train, Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-218: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
Risk: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V-031: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
2018 Kia Soul EV problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Kia Soul EV complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Soul EV years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Kia Soul EV have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Soul EV: 23V-724 (power train, electrical system), 23V-218 (electrical system), 22V-031 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Soul EV?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.