Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | −33% | 3 | Brake | Average |
| 2018 | 3 | −44% | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2017 | 18 | 2.2× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2016 | 7 | −33% | 4 | Transmission | Average |
| 2015 | 6 | −43% | 4 | Transmission | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Soul EV year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Soul EV problems
Latest Kia Soul EV recalls
Electrical system › Software
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.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
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…
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.
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.
Electrical system › Software
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Steering
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Soul EV should you avoid?
2017 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Soul EV years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2017.
What is the best year for the Kia Soul EV?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other Soul EV years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Soul EV problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (17), transmission & drivetrain (10) and brakes (7). Electrical complaints peak in the 2017 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Soul EV had?
5 recalls across 2015–2019. The model year with the most is 2015. See all Kia Soul EV recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.