Kia Soul EVs Under Investigation for Rollaway Incidents

When you put your car’s transmission lever into Park, you generally assume it’s going to still be parked in that same spot when you get back. But that might not be the same story for some owners of Kia’s Soul EV. Kia has already recalled one batch of cars over rollaway fears, and now an investigation has been opened to see if there’s still a problem and if later models are also at risk.

Recall and Solution

Back in July 2020, Kia recalled 2015-16MY Soul EV models following reports that some of them were moving of their own accord despite being in Park. The problem stemmed from damage caused to the parking lock mechanism by drivers engaging Park before the car had fully come to a stop. That could lead to Souls rolling away if the driver then engaged Park in a damaged car but didn’t also manually activate the parking brake, which few people do in an automatic or EV.

Kia’s solution was to update the software in the electronic parking brake of recalled 2015-16MY cars to engage the brake automatically when the Soul was placed in Park, a mod that was also applied to new-build Soul EVs from the 2017 model year.

Investigation and Complaints

But now the NHTSA is investigating that recall after receiving complaints that Soul EVs were still running away. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has heard of three incidences of Park-averse Souls built for the 2017-18 model year, though two of those complaints are from the same owner about the same SUV. In one of the reports, a Soul was involved in a collision after the driver had exited the car.

Current Status and Potential Recall

So far, there’s no new recall; the NHTSA is simply gathering information about the alleged rollaway incidents and assessing the effectiveness of the original recall. But if it finds a problem, Kia will have to get in touch with affected owners about a fix. Until that happens, Soul EV drivers might want to take precautions and ensure their vehicles are properly secured.

Safety First

Rollaway incidents can be dangerous and lead to accidents, injuries, or property damage. It is crucial for car manufacturers to address any potential issues promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of their customers. Kia’s initial recall was a step in the right direction, but it seems that there may still be some lingering concerns.

Owners of Kia Soul EVs should stay informed about the investigation and any updates from the NHTSA or Kia regarding the potential need for another recall. In the meantime, it is advisable for Soul EV drivers to take extra precautions when parking their vehicles. Engaging the parking brake manually, even if the software update has been applied, can provide an additional layer of security and prevent any unintended movement.

Conclusion

The investigation into rollaway incidents involving Kia Soul EVs highlights the importance of addressing potential safety concerns in vehicles. While Kia has already taken steps to rectify the issue with a software update, it is essential to ensure that the fix is effective and that later models are not at risk. The NHTSA’s investigation will shed light on the situation and determine if further action, such as another recall, is necessary.

In the meantime, Soul EV owners should prioritize safety by utilizing the parking brake and staying updated on any developments regarding the investigation. By taking these precautions, drivers can minimize the risk of rollaway incidents and ensure their peace of mind while operating their vehicles.