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Electrical systemPart report

2017 Kia Soul Electrical system Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
7%of 272 total for the year
Median mileage
20,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Kia Soul, 7% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“My Kia was driving normally until I stopped at a red light at a busy intersection. When the light turned green, without warning, the oil and battery light simultaneously came on and the car stalled. I eventually was able to get the car to move; however the car would not accelerate and a horrible knocking noise was coming from the driver's side. My vehicle travelled another 100 feet before shutting off again. No check engine light present. I had it towed to stokes Kia in goose creek sc, where I was informed that my engine threw a rod, and would cost nearly $8,000 to replace. …”

NHTSA complaint #11408011, filed 2021-04, 60,000 miles

“The front door on the drivers side doesn't latch or lock completely when the door is closed/shut from inside. Many times when exiting the vehicle from the drivers seat I discover the door hadn't been latched at all because I can open the door without using the door handle, it will open with a slight push from my arm. I worry the door will open when it's moving causing an accident and injuries from falling out of the vehicle. A second safety issue with my Kia SOUL is the hesitation and slowness of acceleration when entering the freeway and merging into traffic. …”

NHTSA complaint #11244074, filed 2019-08, 600 miles

“My kia has been having a issue with the check engine light on blinking after driving it over 30 miles... The car then slows down to 2rpm and I'm really concerned about this after 2other people I know are having that same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11505285, filed 2023-02

“My air bag, ABS and Brake Lights all gave warnings at about the same time, as well as my speedometer going haywire on a cold start. I got a recall notice about my airbag (electrical problems) and took it in to Parkway Kia, and was told that the airbag was not part of the recall, and that it would cost $1000 to repair the lights, as several different sensors had gone out at the same time. Included was 5 or 6 repairs that had already been verified that I didn't need. …”

NHTSA complaint #11462240, filed 2022-04

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024930%
20231426%
20221011%
2021156%
2020287%
20191410%
2018209%
2017197%
2016567%
2015758%
20149811%
20137111%
2012387%
20113015%
20102418%

Other parts of the 2017 Kia Soul

Engine
191 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Kia Soul

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology