2017 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model

2017 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2017: 270 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	135
2011	193
2012	514
2013	660
2014	895
2015	896
2016	802
2017	270
2018	213
2019	135
2020	372
2021	228
2022	88
2023	49
2024	29
2025	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 70%

70% of complaints: engine — 190 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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, 20231026

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, 20230928

One day I noticed my oil light flashed on and off about three times during a drive down the road, simultaneously a loud knocking started in my engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260723

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensors.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

2017 KIA SOUL BLUETOOTH. DOESN'T WORK WITH ANDROID

NHTSA ODI report, 20170921

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 18 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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, 20180404

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220321 — air bags

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