2017 Kia Soul
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 272
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
70% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 272 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
70% · 191 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH on the interstate, black smoke emanated from the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-26
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke under the hood. The contact noticed that there was a fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28
This car since I had it burns alot and I mean alot of oil between oil changes i have to keep oil on hand and constantly checking the oil I have alot of friends with this car and the same issue I had my soul for over 5 years and it's still burning...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-22
Power train
7% · 19 reportsElectrical system
7% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing sensors.
Show complaint excerpts
2017 Kia Soul bluetooth. Doesn't work with android
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-21
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 18 reportsAir bags
6% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2017 Kia Soul. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle t-boned another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck, shoulders, and back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-04
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 191 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V031000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Soul is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.