Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2018 Kia Soul EV
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Kia Soul EV has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V724000 Unintended Movement Due to Damaged Park Mechanism NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V218000 High-Voltage Battery Pack May Short-Circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V031000 Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Power Train 1 complaint
Of the 3 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,000–$8,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2018 Kia Soul EV has moderate recall activity with issues in the power train, battery, and airbag systems. While complaints are few, they align with these significant recalls, indicating a need for careful attention to the electrical system and safety components.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| traction battery | 50,000–80,000 miles | $3,000–$6,000 | common |
| airbag control unit | 40,000–70,000 miles | $500–$1,000 | common |
| gear position indication | 30,000–60,000 miles | $300–$800 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Battery check and service
- Brake fluid replacement
- HVAC system inspection
- Steering and suspension check
- Air filter change
- Coolant system inspection
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Battery warning lights
- Airbag malfunction indicator
- Gear shift issues
- Burning smell from battery
- Battery charging problems
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Kia Soul EV at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.