2017 Kia Soul: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Kia Soul has 285 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption — very frequent across 2010-2020 models. linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.

Safety record for the 2017 model year

285
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
17
Crash reports
15
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Kia Soul vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
190
electrical system
30
power train
20
fuel/propulsion system
17
service brakes
17

Recalls affecting the 2017 Soul

air bags

Campaign 22V031000

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 an…

electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

Campaign 23V218000

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.

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 23V724000

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…

What owners say across generations

Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical trans

  • Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption — very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
  • Excessive oil consumption/burning — recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
  • Transmission problems — includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Intermittent starting issues — strong crank but failure to start, or stalling immediately after starting, not consistently linked to battery or starter. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Theft/Break-in attempts — particularly for models without factory immobilizers (pre-2022), leading to smashed windows and attempted theft. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Soul.

Typical used price

Used Soul listings typically run $11,800–$19,709 across 2014 to 2025 model years.

Other Soul model years

2022 Soul2020 Soul2019 Soul2016 Soul2014 Soul
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