2017 Kia Soul Problems
Compared with other Kia Soul years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
21/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Kia Soul year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 34 of its 272 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Engine knock, oil loss and engine failure (181 complaints, median 80,806 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 272filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles, 117 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Kia Soul (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Soul report engine problems far more than anything else: knocking noises, oil that disappears between changes, stalling and loss of power, and in many cases an engine that had to be replaced. These reports cluster in the 60,000-120,000 mile range and often begin with a knock or a low-oil light, though some complaints describe sudden failure with no warning at all. Smaller groups of complaints cover electrical and starting issues, brake and steering behavior, and air bag concerns.
- Engine
Engine knock, oil loss and engine failure
- 181 complaints (67%)
- median 80,806 mi at 5.0 yrs old (85 state mileage)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $6,985 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe a knocking or ticking sound from the engine that grows louder, often along with oil disappearing between changes or a low oil light. In many cases the engine then stalls or loses power while driving, and mechanics report rod bearing damage, a rod through the block, or simply that the engine must be replaced. Owners describe dealers performing oil consumption tests, flushing the engine, or declining repairs, with several noting their VIN was not covered by a related campaign. Reported mostly between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles, at highway and city speeds alike, with several failures described as sudden and without warning lights.
What to check: Ask whether the knock sensor detection software update was applied and whether any engine replacement or oil consumption test is documented. Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, listen for a knock at idle and on revving, and review service records for repeated oil top-offs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 worth of driving less than 80000 on odometer jeeeshhh Kia . Hopefully we get recall soon”
NHTSA complaint #11415299, filed 2021-05, 79,477 miles“I was driving down the highway about 65 when I heard a loud knocking noise coming from the motor. No check engine light no over heating nothing. Loud knock car goes dead.I've only had this car for 1yr. Got it at 52.000 miles is now at 84.000. Still under Kia 100.000 mile warranty. But they won't cover it . And there main thing is I put 30.000. Miles on it. I have kids. I travel. Kept up on oil changes everything”
NHTSA complaint #11338523, filed 2020-07, 84,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption
- 96 complaints (35%)
- median 84,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (37 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $8,000 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe finding the dipstick dry shortly after an oil change, adding multiple quarts between services, and a low oil level message appearing even when maintenance was current. Some complaints note oil around the exhaust or leaking from the piston rings, and dealers responded with oil consumption tests or by replacing the engine in some cases. Usually noted from around 60,000 miles upward, sometimes within days of an oil change.
What to check: Check the oil level before and after a test drive and ask for records of oil consumption tests. A service bulletin describes excessive oil consumption on these engine families, so ask whether that diagnostic procedure was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“No codes kicked but when I swerved to miss something in road oil light came on and went right back off got home checked oil it was 2 qt l0w I had just had the oil changed I added oil and same thing happened again shortly after the next oil change. Then on imy way home one night the engine blew!!! All this started at between 60 and 70 thousand miles engine blown at 112,000 miles. I had the engine replaced and had to get a new catalitic converter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11496193, filed 2022-12, 112,000 miles“I was waiting in the drive-thru of fast food restaurant, when my oil light started to flicker then came on solid. This is the first time the oil light had ever come on. I drove directly across the street to a gas station and shut the car off. I checked the oil level, but no oil registered on the dip stick. I added 2 quarts of oil, it now registered almost full and drove it home (approx. 1 mile). When I got home I noticed the engine was knocking. The next day I changed the oil adding one quart of lucas oil additive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340016, filed 2020-07, 69,000 miles - Engine
Stalling or loss of power while driving
- 92 complaints (34%)
- median 82,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (43 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $6,300 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle hesitating, jerking or losing acceleration, sometimes followed by a stall at speed or at a stop. Owners report difficulty restarting, warning lights coming on, and towing to a dealer or independent shop, where diagnoses ranged from fuel pump failure to engine replacement. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 to over 120,000 miles, at both highway and low speeds.
What to check: During a test drive, note any hesitation on acceleration or rough running when cold, and ask whether the fuel pump or throttle-related repairs have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car feels like it steers sideways down the road,it bounces,hard to control,it loses power in 3rd gear,the brakes don't work well at all,engine pings loudly constantly.I took my car to carfax in modesto california whom I purchased from and they couldn't find anything wrong,th s ir lieing,living, car was wrecked and painted over ,its full of over spray,the car is dangerous to drive,I want it replaced with a new kiasoul”
NHTSA complaint #11362960, filed 2020-10, 19,990 miles“The engine started making a ticking noise. Which got louder and faster as I drove. I went 20 minutes down the rode and the car stopped and started rolling forward with no power as if I was in neutral. I tried to jump the car and did not succeed, the oil was bone dry. I added oil and the same noise arose and the car stopped again. Lastly. I could not get my car to go 2-4 min without it turning off. I will be able to provide a video of this happening, I do could not load the file choosen”
NHTSA complaint #11319605, filed 2020-03, 73,000 miles - Electrical system
Intermittent no-start and electrical faults
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the vehicle failing to start on several occasions with the cause not reproduced at the dealer, along with interior lighting behaving unexpectedly with the switch off and battery or warning light issues. Some owners also report a burning smell traced to rear wiring. Reported from very low mileage up to around 100,000 miles, often as intermittent faults.
What to check: Start the car several times from cold, check that all interior and exterior lights work, and ask about any battery management software updates or prior no-start diagnoses.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Something is knocking or ticking in the motor feels like under my feet of drivers floor board. Have kept regular oil changes nd it started off by spitting and sputtering when I would come to a stop to now ticking. Went to start it the next morning to go too work and it sounded awful so I didnt drive it. Now when I start it the battery light is on and check engine light is on and it will start for about 3 sec an shuts off.”
NHTSA complaint #11343375, filed 2020-08, 105,654 miles“My vehicle has the speaker lights package... For the past few months, I have noticed that when im driving my speaker lights will sometimes flash even with the switch set to off. Other times it will cycle through the mood setting...again while the switch is off. Some times it will do both...mood lighting and flashing to beat of the music...while swtiched to off. On 2/6/2021, I brought my car in for servicing. I mentioned the issue to my service advisor. Told me they would look at it...cool. I'm okay with that. …”
NHTSA complaint #11395317, filed 2021-02, 52,300 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal feel and stopping delay
- 18 complaints (7%)
- median 35,061 mi at 3.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor with a delay in stopping, requiring repeated pumping to slow the vehicle, and in some cases clicking noises when the pedal is pressed. Complaints also mention the vehicle feeling difficult to control while braking. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 75,000 miles, typically at low speeds in traffic.
What to check: Test the brakes firmly at low speed and check pedal firmness and fluid level; ask for brake service records and whether any hydraulic components were replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine failure due to same issue the 2016 SOUL has a recall for. Traveling on highway with a sudden loss of acceleration followed by power steering loss. Was able to get off highway but it took pressing hard on brakes and pulling e-brake to get the vehicle stopped. Service center says it's the same problem found in 2016 SOUL but Kia won't approve claims for 2017 SOUL as they aren't officially part of recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11406963, filed 2021-04, 92,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that there was a continual clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle while making a left or right turn. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, there was a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, when the brake pedal was depressed, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that after the brake pedal was released, the warning light disappeared. …”
NHTSA complaint #11521109, filed 2023-05, 74,000 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a large share of engine-related complaints, so service history matters more than cosmetic condition: confirm the knock detection software update was done and that oil level and consumption have been checked. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a compression or leak-down check and a scan for stored codes is worth the cost on this vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 272 consumer complaints for the 2017 Kia Soul. 117 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 74,000 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 14 a fire, 19 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 102 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Kia Soul model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 21 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine191 70%
- Other or unknown32 12%
- Electrical system19 7.0%
- Fuel system19 7.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain19 7.0%
- Air bags16 5.9%
- Brakes14 5.1%
- Steering10 3.7%
- Engine cooling9 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control8 2.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (4), Suspension (4), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Mileage 75,000 and the engine threw a rod through the bottom of the engine block and through the oil pan. I purchased the car with about 22,000 miles. I've driven the car less than 2 years and have put about 50,000 miles on it. I have maintained the vehicle according to manufacturer specifications with regular oil changes every 5000 miles. I have never had the check engine or oil lights come on since I've owned the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320360, filed 2020-04, 75,000 milesOther or unknown: “Just purchased fist keyless entry vehicle. Dealer told me if the car is running and I walk away with keys in my pocket that the engine would shut off. At work next day got out of car with hands full, went into building and exprected car to shut down three hours later co-worker tells me car is running out in parking lot. Went out to investigate without my key, got into running vehicle and drove away with no key. …”
NHTSA complaint #11011914, filed 2017-08, 300 milesElectrical system: “While car was in motion backing in my driveway, I was able to pull drivers handle while lock engaged and door opened while vehicle was still moving. Although I planned on opening the door as car came to a rest I was surprised how easy it was to open while car is moving, and door had done so prematurely then I expected. Concerned I tested while driving forward like 20 MPH & door opens when grabbing on handle. My concern is while the vehicle is in motion one should be required to manually unlock any door before it opens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11181605, filed 2019-02, 20,000 milesFuel system: “Purchased this car used with 16k miles in sept 2018. Stopped at an intersection and when trying to pull out the engine would not respond to the gas pedal. Engine remained at an idle even after flooring the gas pedal several times. Almost got hit!! I recycled the key several times and finally it worked. I took to the dealer and got the no problem found now I experience a rough idle and a strange feeling in the brake pedal when braking. Today I started the car and the engine would not go over 3000 rpms. Cycled the key and it was ok. I'm afraid to drive this car for fear it may kill me! …”
NHTSA complaint #11210386, filed 2019-05, 17,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
31% of the 117 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,000 and 93,705 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Kia Soul. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Kia Soul version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Soul FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Soul FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Soul FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Soul Electric FWD | Electric | single-speed | 120 | 92 | 105 MPGe | $700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V031000Jan 25, 2022Air bagsCovers: Kia Soul 2017–2019, Sedona 2017–2019, Soul EV 2017–2019 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2017 Kia Soul → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 102 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036313Aug 25, 2026Brakes. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC334 Flight 201) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if…
- 11033803Jun 9, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11031846Apr 8, 2026Electrical system, Engine. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107 Flight 501) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to…
- 11026989Dec 19, 2025Body and structure. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a…
- 11026698Dec 9, 2025Back-over prevention (rear camera). PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The…
- 11022353Aug 20, 2025Body and structure, Brakes. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11021858Aug 12, 2025Electrical system, Engine. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software…
- 11019786Jun 26, 2025Brakes. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: UNDERBODY INSPECTION & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC334) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional anti-corrosion material to underbody…
- 11019717Jun 23, 2025Brakes. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC334) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace…
- 11019658Jun 21, 2025Brakes. VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC334) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if…
Other model years of the Kia Soul
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | — | 0 | 4 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 30 | 6,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 18,500 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 95 | 62,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 239 | 65,000 | 2 | 4 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 388 | 13,450 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 138 | 50,000 | 1 | 5 | 28 | 6 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 220 | 54,100 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 25 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 272 | 74,000 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 817 | 82,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 902 | 87,596 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 903 | 88,000 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 667 | 91,000 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 515 | 87,000 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 194 | 52,500 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 135 | 20,000 | 3 | — | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
All Kia Soul model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Soul?
Owners of the 2017 Soul report engine problems far more than anything else: knocking noises, oil that disappears between changes, stalling and loss of power, and in many cases an engine that had to be replaced. The issues reported most often: Engine knock, oil loss and engine failure; Excessive oil consumption; Stalling or loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA recorded 272 consumer complaints for the 2017 Kia Soul as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Kia Soul is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 191 complaints (70% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 32.
Has the 2017 Kia Soul been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Kia Soul do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Kia Soul 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Kia Soul (Soul, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Kia Soul reported?
Among the 117 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 74,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,000 and 93,705 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.