What are the most common Kia Soul problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2017 Kia Soul has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works, First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH, Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
The 2017 Kia Soul has 6 known issues documented across 134+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works and First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV) and 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works, typically costs $0-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works?
The Soul EV's on-board charger converts AC from a wall outlet or Level 2 EVSE into DC for the pack; DC fast charging over CHAdeMO bypasses it entirely. That produces the diagnostic signature owners keep reporting across a decade of the model's life: the car refuses to charge on b… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2017 Kia Soul First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH?
The 27 kWh SK Innovation pouch cells used in the first-generation Soul EV degrade far faster than the industry norm, and — critically — the loss is not linear. Owners tracking state of health with OBD tools report long plateaus followed by cliff-like drops; one documented case lo… Repairs typically run $0-$9,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV)?
Kia recalled approximately 2,689 Soul EVs because an internal short circuit can develop between the anode and cathode inside cells of the E400 high-voltage battery pack, and that short can start a fire while the vehicle is being driven. Kia attributes it to abnormally excessive p… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure?
Souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?
The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?
The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.
