Kia Soul EV 64 kWh SK3

The single-speed reduction gearbox shares a known issue with the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric. A loosely retained internal magnet sheds metal particles into the gear oil, accelerating bearing wear on the input shaft and differential bearings. The oil turns pitch-black even at relatively low mileage. When bearings fail, a characteristic whirring or 'wheel of fortune' clicking noise appears, typically between 30-80 km/h. Kia issued TSB 234 (April 2021) acknowledging the problem. A bearing-only repair kit (SKF 6202-2RS1 input shaft + SKF 32010 differential bearings) costs around €200 plus labor, totaling €400-800 at a specialist. If the motor and gearbox both need full replacement at a dealer, costs can reach €2,500-3,000. Preventive gear oil changes every 30,000 km — especially an early change at 2,000 km — and fitting a magnetic drain plug significantly reduce the risk. Covered under Kia's 7-year/150,000 km drivetrain warranty.

One of the most frequently reported Soul EV issues. The LDO regulator that charges the 12V battery only activates under certain conditions — if those conditions are not met during normal driving, the 12V battery runs all auxiliary systems without being recharged. Additionally, the car continues to draw parasitic current when parked, and the Kia Connect telematics app accelerates the drain. When the main battery drops below approximately 20%, the car stops recharging the 12V battery entirely. The original Rocket-brand lead-acid battery is considered weak by many owners. A replacement 12V battery costs €100-200 fitted. BMS software updates have improved charging behavior on some cars. Turning on headlights can force the LDO regulator to charge the 12V. A quality trickle charger (CTEK MXS 5.0) prevents the issue during extended parking. Expect to replace the 12V battery every 3-4 years.

A batch of PTC heater elements manufactured before mid-2020 had a higher defect rate. When the PTC heater fails, the heat pump alone cannot provide adequate cabin heating below approximately 5 degrees Celsius, leading to virtually no cabin warmth in winter. Diagnostic codes B160C88 and B181588 confirm the failure. The PTC heater unit costs approximately €2,500-3,500 for the part, with labor adding several hundred euros due to dashboard access requirements. Many affected cars were repaired under Kia's 7-year warranty. Post-2020 production cars received an updated unit. If buying a 2020 model, test the heater thoroughly — set to maximum and verify hot air within 2-3 minutes. Out of warranty, this is the most expensive potential repair on the Soul EV.

The original BSC1 blue coolant used in 2019-2021 Soul EVs can form crystals inside the battery cooling pipes over time. This triggers a 'Refill Inverter Coolant' warning even when levels are adequate. The crystallization restricts flow and can cause the battery to overheat during fast charging. Kia issued a service action to flush and replace the coolant with updated BSC2 fluid, requiring four flush cycles through a specialist machine at a Kia dealer. Cost is typically €200-500 if not covered by the service action. Many dealers performed this as goodwill. Verify with the VIN whether this has been completed — it is one of the most important checks when buying a used Soul EV.

A recall affects Soul EVs manufactured between June and September 2020. The supplier Hyundai Mobis produced EPCU units with improper sealing, allowing coolant to leak onto the internal circuit board. This can cause sudden loss of drive power while driving. Kia corrected the sealing process on July 6, 2020. The recall remedy is a dealer inspection and EPCU replacement if leakage is found, at no cost. Always verify completion with Kia using the VIN before purchase. Do not buy a car with this recall outstanding.

The electrically operated charging port flap can stick due to moisture ingress and lack of lubrication on the solenoid latch mechanism. The issue is worst in freezing conditions. Applying silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40) to the hinge and latch prevents recurrence in most cases. A manual emergency release is accessible under the bonnet. If the electric actuator itself fails, replacement costs €200-350 at a dealer. Kia dealers have replaced the latch assembly under warranty. Preventive lubrication annually is recommended.