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 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul EV have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2017 Kia Soul EV

○ Not enough data

2017 Kia Soul EV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:38:49.290Z

Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 18
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2017: 18 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	2
2015	6
2016	7
2017	18
2018	3
2019	3
2020	0

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

12 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE

Show 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, 2023-05-23

Also filed under Seats

My car has had intermittent faults of codes P1B25 and P1CF2 and are showing check EV system on the dash. This happens after about 30-45 minutes of driving and then restarting the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-25

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

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, 2024-01-27

Service brakes

3 of 18 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, 2017-09-11

Power train

2 of 18 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, 2019-11-04

Engine

2 of 18 total reports mention: engine.

Visibility/wiper

1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

2023-08-18Electrical system23V218000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-09-10Recall queryClosed 2024-01-16 Vehicle Rollaway
R

2023-12-21Electrical system, power train23V724000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2017 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 22V031000 · Air bags
Recall 23V218000 · Electrical system
Recall 23V724000 · Electrical system, power train

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 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul EV have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.