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2018 Kia Soul EV maintenance schedule

The 2018 Soul EV is part of the PS generation (2015-2019), sold as a hatchback. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Soul EV needs, and when

All 3 of these items come from Kia's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Kia's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Brake fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
EV coolant loops120,000 mi / 8 yearsManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • Electric (AC Synchronous Motor), 109 hp, 1-speed reduction gear, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2018 Soul EV owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Severe high-voltage battery degradation

high severity

60,000-100,000 mi · $14,241-$26,174 to fix

Permanent loss of capacity, dramatically reduced range, dashboard service warnings

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Kia Soul EV

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Power train

NHTSA 23V724000

October 2023

Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Electrical system

NHTSA 23V218000

March 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.

Air bags

NHTSA 22V031000

January 2022

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$267

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Soul EV model years

PS (2015-2019)

20152016201720182019

Shopping new? The Kia Soul EV guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-22. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Soul EV for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Soul EV earns before you buy it.

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