2017 Kia Soul EV
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Original factory installed driver's side seat heater shorted out, caused fire and burned a hole in the seat back. This thermal event was reported to Kia Customer Service on March 16, 2023.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230523
The 2017 Kia Soul EV+ vehicle turned off coming down a steep hill (at the bottom of the steep hill is both a school bus stop and and entrance/exit to a condominium community).
NHTSA ODI report, 20240127
This is an update of the below. I have had several email exchanges with Kia Customer Service. They contacted the dealer and report that they could not get a response from their own dealer! They said I could try another dealer if I want.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231201
3 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
MY ALL ELECTRIC HAS A B MODE TO SHIFT IN. SIMPLY PUT IT ENGAGES THE GENERATOR FULLY WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL SO YOU CAN GENERATE ELECTRICITY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170911
2 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SOUL EV. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191104
2 of 17 total reports mention: engine.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022.
Campaign 22V031000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected.
Campaign 23V218000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287.
Campaign 23V724000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V218000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V724000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2017 Kia Soul EV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Soul EV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul EV have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.