VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Soul Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2017 Kia Soul Ev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

23

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Soul Ev years?

Soul Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted23 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 23 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 0 complaints
Soul Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Soul Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1148%
Brakes313%
Engine29%
Transmission29%
Other29%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Seats14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2017 Kia Soul Ev have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V724000TransmissionOctober 26, 2023 · 6,262 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

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. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.

23V218000Electrical SystemMarch 29, 2023 · 2,689 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

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. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.

22V031000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2022 · 410,619 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. Kia has not responded back for over 2 months, to address this issue. Kia case no. 15394468. Same problem with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 14, 2023 · fire

“When I apply brake the vehicle doesn’t stop it jumps out (as if someone has crashed hitting the rear of the vehicle) and the vehicle shuts down. Then I have to park the vehicle in the middle of the road and restart the vehicle. Luckily I avoided many accidents by defensively driving. Talked with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 12, 2024

“The car rolls with the transmission gear placed in PARK. Kia USA has repeatedly failed to acknowledge the problem or respond to my multiple communications regarding this issue. Kia USA has failed to offer an inspection of the problem. There are no warning lights, messages or other symptoms.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 21, 2022

“Power failure going high speed decreasing from 45mph. Had disengaged cruise control and attempted to change lanes and prepare to turn at intersection after exiting off highway. Also happened a week prior in town in neighborhood. No cruise control was involved and going low speed under 35mph. Had to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 9, 2022

“When I apply brake the vehicle doesn’t stop it jumps out (as if someone has crashed hitting the rear of the vehicle) and the vehicle shuts down. Then I have to park the vehicle in the middle of the road and restart the vehicle. Luckily I avoided many accidents by defensively driving. Talked with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 2024

2017 Kia Soul Ev — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Soul Ev reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 Soul Ev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Soul Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Soul Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul Ev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.