MYRModel Year Report

2017 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model
2017 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-08-02

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

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2017 highlighted. 2010: 134 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 512 complaints 2012 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 888 complaints 2014 2015: 891 complaints 2016: 793 complaints 2016 2017: 268 complaints 2017 2018: 209 complaints 2018 2019: 131 complaints 2020: 357 complaints 2020 2021: 220 complaints 2022: 87 complaints 2022 2023: 48 complaints 2024: 26 complaints 2024 2025: 11 complaints 2025
2017: 268 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010134
2011193
2012512
2013657
2014888
2015891
2016793
2017268
2018209
2019131
2020357
2021220
202287
202348
202426
202511

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 70%

70% of complaints: engine — 188 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

I PURCHASED MY 2017 KIA SOULS BASE MODEL ON JUN 28 THIS YEAR FROM QUIRK KIA IN BRAINTREE, MA. AFTER JUST 2 WEEKS THIS ISSUE HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171006

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

2017 KIA SOUL BLUETOOTH. DOESN'T WORK WITH ANDROID

NHTSA ODI report, 20170921

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 17 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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (188 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.