NHTSA Investigates Kia Over Soul EV Rollaway Allegations

The remedy for said vehicles consisted of an electronic parking brake module software update designed to automatically engage said EPB if the vehicle is turned off. Be that as it may, the NHTSA has recently opened an investigation into Kia Motors America following three rollaway allegations concerning the 2017 to 2018 model year Soul EV.

As per documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two of the three complaints represent the same vehicle identification number and owner. The final complaint concerns a different vehicle and owner, whose Soul EV was involved in a rollaway collision. ODI then received confirmation from Kia Motors America that 2017 through 2019 models feature the very same parking mechanism as the 2015 to 2016 Soul EV.

Rather than demanding a recall, the federal watchdog opened recall query 23005 to evaluate the causes, frequency, and scope of the alleged rollaway incidents. Given time, it's likely for the NHTSA to force Kia Motors America to issue a safety recall for the vehicles that weren't included in the first one.

Estimated recall population? That would be 6,267 vehicles produced for the 2015 to 2019 model years. Considering that the original remedy works perfectly fine, chances are 2017 to 2019 models will receive an update for the electronic parking brake as well.

Kia redesigned the Soul EV for 2020, yet poor sales led to its cancellation. 2023 is the final year of the Soul EV, which is a bit of a shame. Not only does it cost less than the EV6, but its boxy design makes it rather practical for a compact crossover.

Over in Canada, the Soul EV carries a starting price of 45,916 maple bucks or approximately $34,000 at current exchange rates. Driving range is estimated at 383 kilometers on a full charge of the 39.2-kWh battery pack, which means 238 miles combined.

As far as the US market is concerned, only the internal combustion-engined Soul is available in this part of the world. Starting at $19,990 for the 2024 model year, the quirky crossover is available in four grades: LX, S, GT-Line, and range-topping EX.

All four come with a 2.0-liter engine of the naturally-aspirated variety, a four-cylinder lump that belts out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet (nearly 180 Nm) of twist at full song. By comparison, the front-mounted electric motor of the Soul EV is good for 132 horsepower and 291 pound-feet (395 Nm).

From January 2023 through August 2023, the Soul moved 44,781 units in the United States market. As for the brand's most popular sport utility vehicle in the US, that'd be the Sportage with 96,022 units.