Model year guide

2018 Kia soul ev

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Kia soul ev is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2018 Kia soul ev — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Kia soul ev at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints221

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Kia soul ev recalls 3

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) NHTSA Campaign #23V724000 · manufacturer #SC287 · 26/10/2023

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.

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 prev…

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery NHTSA Campaign #23V218000 · manufacturer #SC267 · 29/03/2023

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.

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 o…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #22V031000 · manufacturer #SC226 · 25/01/2022

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 Kia soul ev common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 221 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Dimensions & weight

Length
163.0 in
Width
70.9 in
Height
63.0 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
3,289 lb
Front track
61.8 in
Rear track
62.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2018 Kia soul ev. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

Vehicle Rollaway Closed

On July 2, 2020, Kia America Inc. (Kia) filed safety recall 20V-389 for model year (MY) 2015-2016 Kia Soul EV vehicles. This recall was in response to allegations of unintended vehicle movement while in Park and provided updated electronic control unit software for the electronic parking brake logic as the remedy. The updated logic, which was included during production for MY 2017-2019 Kia Soul EV vehicles, automatic…

NHTSA #RQ23005 · Power Train · opened Sep 2023 · closed Jan 2024

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 115

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 115.

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 information…

Bulletin TSB_CLI049_R2 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Aug 2026

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC334 Flight 201) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake line(s) in certain 2014-2019 MY Soul ve…

Bulletin SC334_OWNR_201 · Service Brakes · Aug 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…

Bulletin CS2311_TSB_R4 · Structure · Jun 2026

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107 Flight 501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped…

Bulletin PI2107_OWNR_501 · Electrical System, Engine · Apr 2026

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 ma…

Bulletin SC267Z_TSB_R2 · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Mar 2026

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgr…

Bulletin CS2311_OWNR_PC201 · Structure · Dec 2025

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 dis…

Bulletin PS797 · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in…

Bulletin TSB_SC334_R1 · Structure, Service Brakes · Aug 2025

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-li…

Bulletin PI2107_OWNR_401 · Electrical System, Engine · Aug 2025

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components, including inspection/replacement of the brake line(s), on c…

Bulletin SC334_TSB · Service Brakes · Jun 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SOUL EV FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia soul ev. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the heated seat could disconnect and cause the seat heaters to overheat. Safety Risk: A seat heater that overheats could create the risk of a burn injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat heater electronic control unit. The dealer will also replac…

Transport Canada #2024345 · Jun 2024

High Voltage

Issue: On certain electric vehicles, there could be a problem inside the high-voltage battery. As a result, the high-voltage battery could short circuit while driving. Note: This recall replaces recall RC180 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2023-181). Vehicles that received a software update under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit in the battery co…

Transport Canada #2024155 · Mar 2024

Powertrain

Issue: On certain vehicles, the transmission could be damaged if the driver shifts to the "P" (Park) position before the vehicle has stopped moving. As a result, the vehicle could move when the shift lever is in the Park position and the parking brake isn't used. Note: This recall replaces recall RC132 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-310). Vehicles that received a software up…

Transport Canada #2023582 · Oct 2023

High Voltage

The recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2024-155 Issue: On certain electric vehicles, there could be a problem inside the high-voltage battery. As a result, the high-voltage battery could short circuit while driving. Safety Risk: A short circuit in the battery could cause a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your ve…

Transport Canada #2023181 · Mar 2023

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not work properly, and the airbags may not inflate in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and…

Transport Canada #2022023 · Jan 2022

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Kia soul ev

The Kia Soul EV, also known as Kia e-Soul, is a battery electric subcompact crossover hatchback manufactured by Kia, produced from 2014 to 2024. It is the battery electric variant of the Soul.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2018 Kia soul ev trims & engines on record

Trims
EV/EV -e · EV+

2018 Kia soul ev vehicles on record

2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul ev EV+KNDJX3AE6J7026476 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul ev EV/EV -eKNDJP3AE9J7026553 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul ev EV/EV -eKNDJP3AE5J7033208 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul ev EV/EV -eKNDJP3AE2J7026703 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul ev EV+KNDJX3AE2J7026247 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFK7038269 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7034105 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7034726 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNDJX3AE7J7032335 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNDJR3AE6K7037828 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7036321 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNDJP3AE2J7032243 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNDJP3AE0K7038124 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7035140 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7034884 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJP81EFK7038898 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7034949 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7032591 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7032485 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNDJX3AE7K7038153 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7031974 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7032402 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7036467 2018 Kia soul ev 2018 Kia soul evKNAJX81EFJ7036157

Other Kia soul ev model years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014

2018 Kia soul ev — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia soul ev have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia soul ev. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia soul ev?

Across all 221 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, electrical system.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.