2016 Kia Soul EV

The 2016 Kia Soul EV is an all-electric compact hatchback known for its distinctive boxy design, spacious interior, and affordability. It comes with a single electric motor option producing 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally appreciate the Soul EV for its eco-friendliness, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. Common dislikes include limited range compared to newer EVs, slow charging speeds, and some concerns regarding battery degradation over time. Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by 2016 Kia Soul EV owners:

Electric Motor

Single Electric Motor Option

• Motor Control Unit (MCU) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may experience a sudden loss of power, warning lights on the dashboard, or difficulty starting. This is due to the Motor Control Unit malfunctioning, which regulates the flow of electricity to the motor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the MCU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Battery

• Battery Degradation/Reduced Range
  • Description/Symptoms: Gradual decline in battery capacity over time, resulting in a shorter driving range than when the car was new. The amount of range available depends on the use of the vehicle and the external temperatures.
  • Solution: There is no permanent fix. Driving habits and climate control usage can be modified to improve efficiency. Replacing the battery pack is possible, but very expensive.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000+ (for battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Management System (BMS) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty readings on the battery level indicator, incorrect charging behavior, or error messages related to the battery system. The BMS is responsible for monitoring and managing the battery’s health and performance.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and potential replacement of the BMS.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical System

• DC-DC Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery fails to charge, leading to various electrical issues, including difficulty starting, dashboard warning lights, and malfunctioning accessories. The DC-DC converter is responsible for converting the high-voltage from the main battery to the 12V system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DC-DC converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty connecting to charging stations, slow or interrupted charging, or physical damage to the charging port.
  • Solution: Cleaning, repair, or replacement of the charging port.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster goes blank or displays incorrect information, the lights flicker or flash erratically, or the system fails to boot up.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor ride quality, and reduced handling stability.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (for both rear shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The touchscreen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or displays error messages. GPS navigation may be inaccurate or fail to load.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heated Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heated seats stop working or provide inconsistent heating.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the heating element or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (per seat)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The tail lights crack allowing moisture to get inside.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tail light
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Kia Soul EV presents a mix of potential issues ranging in severity and cost. While some problems, like battery degradation, are common in EVs, others, such as MCU failure, can be more significant and expensive to address. Owners should be aware of these potential issues and consider them when evaluating a used 2016 Kia Soul EV. Regular maintenance and careful monitoring of battery health are recommended to mitigate potential problems.