2018 Kia Soul EV

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2018 Kia Soul EV, formatted for your website.

The 2018 Kia Soul EV is a quirky and practical electric hatchback that offers a decent range for its age. It has a single electric motor option and a single-speed reduction gear transmission. The motor produces 109 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise its spacious interior, ease of parking, and environmental friendliness. However, some common complaints revolve around limited range compared to newer EVs, long charging times, and battery degradation over time. It does lack the power of newer EVs but, it is also more affordable than them.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor (109 hp)

• Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Gradual reduction in battery capacity, leading to decreased driving range. Owners report a noticeable decline in the miles they can drive on a full charge compared to when the vehicle was new. This is often more pronounced in hot climates or with frequent DC fast charging.
  • Solution: There is no simple fix, and usually this is just a natural part of the car getting older. The fix is replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $15,000+ (depending on battery availability and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electric Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electric motor failure is rare but possible. The symptoms include the car not moving when you press the accelerator, a grinding or whining noise coming from the motor, or warning lights on the dashboard related to the electric motor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the electric motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+ (including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Single-Speed Reduction Gear Transmission

• Transmission Whining Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission, especially at higher speeds.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission or internal components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Battery System

• Charging Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging at public charging stations, failure to charge fully overnight, or slow charging speeds. This can be caused by a faulty onboard charger, issues with the charging port, or problems with the charging station itself.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the root cause. Repair or replacement of the onboard charger, charging port, or troubleshooting issues at the charging station.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ (depending on the component needing replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or failure of the rear shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy ride and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (for a pair, including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (radio, navigation, etc.) may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the infotainment system unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200 for software. $500 - $1500+ for replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure or excessive drain of the 12V auxiliary battery, which can cause starting problems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery and diagnosis of any parasitic draws.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (for battery replacement, plus diagnostic fees if needed).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2018 Kia Soul EV, while a decent electric car, is starting to show its age. The most significant concern for owners is battery degradation, which directly impacts the vehicle’s range. Other potential issues include charging problems, suspension component failures, and infotainment system glitches. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, battery replacement can be a major financial burden. The severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to significant problems that can impact the vehicle’s usability.