VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Kia Soul sits mid-pack among Soul years: 351 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 290, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (198 of 351), far ahead of other at 33. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

351

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine19856%
Other339%
Electrical System206%
Fuel System185%
Transmission185%
Airbags165%
Brakes144%
Steering103%
Speed Control82%
Suspension41%
Tires & Wheels41%
Body & Structure31%
Seat Belts21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Lighting10%
Seats10%

Does the 2017 Kia Soul have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

“The car engine made a clamoring noise and sudden seized up and stopped in the middle of traffic. The hood started smoking and a good Samaritan passed by and alerted me to get out of car. I did and noticed puddle of liquid was in flames and soon the front of the car was also in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 17, 2023 · fire

“The car engine made a clamoring noise and sudden seized up and stopped in the middle of traffic. The hood started smoking and a good Samaritan passed by and alerted me to get out of car. I did and noticed puddle of liquid was in flames and soon the front of the car was also in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 17, 2023 · fire

“After multiple recent services at the dealership, the car caught fire while idle in the driveway. The fire was under the hood in the front part of the engine compartment, just behind the latch mechanism. Fire was extinguished and verified by the local fire department. The parking spaces are close…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 3, 2026 · fire

“On 11/07/22 my car started to sputter & lose power while going up a hill, the incident only lasted a few seconds with no warning lights. Later that same day my car wouldn't start and when it finally did start it started sputtering, had no power with no warning lights, plus there was a strong smell…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 17, 2023 · fire

“GOT IN MY CAR SEPTEMBER 2020 AND HEARD KNOCKING UNDER HOOD. DRIVE IT TO THE PENZOIL LESS THAN 15 MINUTES AWAY AND I KNOCK GOT FASTER AND LOUDER. PENZOIL TOLD ME PARK IT AND TOW TO NEAREST KIA. EXTREMELY DISHEARTENING I'M 23 Y/O SINGLE MOTHER. NOW WITH A BROKEN CAR. 16000 IN DEBT FOR A YEAR AND HALF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 18, 2020

2017 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Soul reliable?

It is close to typical for the Soul: 351 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (198 complaints), other (33 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2017 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.