2020 Kia Soul EV

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul EV, formatted as requested.

The 2020 Kia Soul EV is a popular electric hatchback known for its distinctive boxy styling, practical interior space, and relatively long driving range for its price point. It comes equipped with a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed reduction gear transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Soul EV’s fun-to-drive nature, spaciousness, and eco-friendliness. Some common dislikes include longer charging times compared to newer EVs and limited availability of the model in certain regions.

Electric Motor

Single Electric Motor (201 hp, 291 lb-ft)

• Reduced Power/Turtle Mode
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power while driving, indicated by a “turtle mode” warning light. This can be caused by battery management system issues, cell imbalance, or overheating.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified EV technician is essential. The repair may involve software updates to the battery management system, cell balancing, or in severe cases, battery pack replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dependent on the issue, it could range from $100 for software updates to $10,000+ for battery pack replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Degradation/Range Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the battery’s capacity diminishes, leading to a reduction in the vehicle’s range. This is a normal phenomenon in all EVs, but some owners report experiencing more significant range loss than anticipated.
  • Solution: This issue is often addressed through software updates that recalibrate the battery management system. In extreme cases, battery replacement may be considered under warranty if the degradation exceeds specified thresholds.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically covered under warranty. Battery replacement outside of warranty could cost $10,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Single-Speed Reduction Gear Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty connecting to charging stations, failure to charge, or error messages related to charging. This can be caused by damaged charging ports or faulty onboard chargers.
  • Solution: Inspect the charging port for damage or debris. Try a different charging station to rule out station issues. If the problem persists, the charging port or onboard charger may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the part.
  • Recalls: None Found
• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V auxiliary battery, which powers accessories and electronics, can drain prematurely, leading to starting problems or electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain. Possible causes include faulty sensors, lights left on, or a malfunctioning charging system. Replace the 12V battery with a high-quality AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Solution: Try a system reset (often a specific button combination). Software updates can address many infotainment glitches. If the problem persists, the head unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for reset/update. $500 - $1500+ for head unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the tail lights, specifically the LED elements failing or flickering.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per tail light assembly.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2020 Kia Soul EV presents some electrical issues and potential for battery degradation, with the cost of resolving these problems varying significantly. The most expensive issue is potentially the battery pack, but most issues revolve around the electrical charging system of the vehicle.