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Kia · Supermini · 2019–2024

Kia Soul SK3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Soul SK3 is available with one engine variant at 110 hp.

EV 64 kWh · Elektro· 204 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Kia EV 64 kWh (Elektro, 204 PS) has the KIA-SOUL-EV (Elektro Soul EV) — rated: "Be Careful".

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: electronic parking brake does not activate

39,606 Soul EV vehicles worldwide (including 11,760 in Germany) were recalled because the electric parking brake cannot be activated when the vehicle is ready to drive. The vehicle may roll unintentionally when the gear selector is in P.

Symptoms: No direct driver warning; vehicle rolls away even though gear selector is in P; EPB warning light may illuminate.
Ad Kia Soul EV SK3 Feststellbremse EPB
 Low
✖Recall e-Soul: high-voltage battery — fire risk

Kia recalled approx. 23,000 Soul EV because the battery management system (BMS) does not reliably detect short circuits in the high-voltage battery. A short circuit between anode and cathode can cause a thermal event (fire).

Symptoms: No visible symptom for the driver; BMS warning light may appear; battery diagnostics show fault.
Ad Kia Soul EV SK3 BMS control unitKia Soul EV SK3 Hochvoltbatterie
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
788 complaints · 2019–2024
Engine
439 ⚠ 7
Powertrain
127 ⚠ 3
Other
114 ⚠ 7
Electrical
75 ⚠ 3
Engine & Cooling
65

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (439 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (127 complaints)
⚠ Other (114 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Soul SK3 (2019–2024). Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Kia Soul? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Soul SK3 have? +
No known weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Soul SK3.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Soul SK3? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: KIA-SOUL-EV (Elektro Soul EV). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the KIA-SOUL-EV (Elektro Soul EV).
Which Kia Soul SK3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Soul SK3 — rated: "Decent". {description} 110 hp in the boxy first-generation Soul EV — pioneering spirit meets urban charm. Revolutionary for its time, today a charming classic.
Is the Kia Soul SK3 worth buying used? +
The Kia Soul SK3 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Soul SK3? +
The Kia Soul SK3 is available with engine variants from 110 to 204 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee