Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2018 Kia Soul EV peaked in 2023, with 3 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2018 Kia Soul EV
SUV, electric, 4x2, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from May 31, 2023 to Nov 13, 2023.
Recall campaigns covering this model year3420k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2018 suv
Severity index33.32018 suvs average 5.2
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
67% of complaints about the 2018 Kia Soul EV name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
3 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Kia Soul EV
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-724 | Oct 26, 2023 | 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… | Electrical system | 6,262 | Software update |
| 23V-218 | Mar 29, 2023 | High-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving | Electrical system | 2,689 | Software update |
| 22V-031 | Jan 25, 2022 | Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit | Airbags | 410,619 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2018 Kia Soul EV
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Nov 13, 2023Failure Sep 1, 202366,000 milesSacramento, CAElectrical system
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.
NHTSA complaint 11554850 - Filed Aug 9, 2023Failure Aug 4, 2023East Haven, CTPower trainCrash
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 complaint 11537405 - Filed May 31, 2023Failure May 29, 2023Eugene, ORElectrical system, Engine
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.
NHTSA complaint 11524680
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on file
- RQ23005 Recall query, Powertrain
Vehicle Rollaway
Opened Sep 10, 2023, closed Jan 16, 2024 · led to a recall - DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
Pedestrian alert sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
36 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- TSB_CLI049_R2 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides informat… - SC267Z_TSB_R2 Mar 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (SC267Z REV 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the… - PS797 Dec 9, 2025 · Other
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating … - TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information re… - TSB_ELE378 Mar 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. The affected vehicle… - SC267A_OWNR1819 Jun 4, 2024 · Service Campaign
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC267A) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) software to the latest version in certain … - TSB_TRA046_R4 May 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. - SC267A_QA Jun 1, 2024 · Service Campaign
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC267A. - SC267A_DPSM Jun 1, 2024 · Service Campaign
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC267A) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) softwa… - SC267A_DP Jun 1, 2024 · Service Campaign
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC267A) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software to the latest version on certa… - SC267Z_TSB_R1 May 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (SC267Z) - This bulletin provides information to replace the high-voltage battery pack assembly (HV BPA) on certain 2015-2019MY Soul EV (PS EV) vehicles p… - SC267A_TSB May 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BMS SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SC267A) - This bulletin provides information to update the BMS with new software on certain 2015-2019MY Soul EV (PS (EV) vehicles manufactured in the dates listed below, which hav… - SC267Z_TSB Sep 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (SC267Z) - This bulletin provides information to replace the high-voltage battery pack assembly (HV BPA) on certain 2015-2019MY Soul EV (PS EV) vehicles produced from July 15, 2014 thr… - TSB_CLI049_R1 Jun 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inform… - PS748 Jun 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: SHARING KIA CONNECT CREDENTIALS WITH THIRD-PARTY APPS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT TO 12V BATTERY IN EVS - Kia is aware of reports of unexpected drainage of the 12-volt battery in some Kia electric vehicles (EVs). While Kiaâ™s investigation is ongoing, a… - TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced,… - TSB_ELE044_R3 Apr 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines … - TSB_CHA111 Oct 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noi… - TSB_CHA084_R8 Oct 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar… - TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides … - TSB_ELE044_R2 Aug 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines … - PS704 Aug 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Colli… - PS702 Jun 4, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PIT STOP: A/C DYE FOR E-COMPRESSOR EQUIPPED VEHICLES - This bulletin provides information on the proper non-conductive A/C system leak detection dye to be used in all EV, HEV, and PHEV models equipped with an electric A/C compressor. - TSB_CHA084_R7 Mar 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar… - TSB_CHA084_R6 Nov 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin a… - TSB_CHA084_R5 Nov 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin … - TSB_CHA098_R3 Aug 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the … - PS675 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly. - TSB_CLI049 Jun 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV/EV), Soul (PS EV) and Niro (DE… - TSB_CHA098_R2 Mar 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019… - TSB_ELE148 Jan 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connecto… - TSBCHA084_R4 Nov 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steer… - TSBCHA084_R3 Oct 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven P… - TSBCHA098 Aug 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TSBCHA098: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR GUIDE FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin provides the repair guide for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY Kia EV/Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid vehicles listed (see table), which may exhibit a … - TSBCHA098_R1 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TSBCHA098_R1: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY EV/Hybrid/P… - TSBELE163 May 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TSB: PARASITIC DRAW INSPECTION AND REAR DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect for a parasitic draw and, if necessary, replace one or both rear door latches on some of the following vehicles which may experience a discharge…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.