Severe Issues

2017 KIA SOUL Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Kia Soul. This model year has 261 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

261
Complaints
17
Crashes
12
Fires
19
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
1
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2017 Kia Soul Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
191
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:11
Injuries:3
#2
32
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#3
17
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Considering a 2017 Kia Soul?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems191111β€”
Uncategorized Issues3212β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain17β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System17β€”1β€”
Electrical Faults1711β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1611β€”β€”
Brake System144β€”β€”
Steering Defects91β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration8β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems3β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues21β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”1β€”
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility11β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 261 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesApr 10, 2026

The paint is continuing to peel off and its getting worse. When I called Kia they said it is not covered. Apparently this is a manufacturing defect. I would really like this to be corrected if possible. T;hank you, Gail LeBrun

Engine ProblemsMar 31, 2026

We heard a ticking noise, and took it to the autoshop. After investigating, they found that it was a total engine failure. The mechanics encouraged us to check the vin number, because total engine failure for the 2017 Kia Soul was very common. Our vin did not appear in this rec…

Engine ProblemsMar 21, 2026

Driving on busy highway with one passenger. Vehicle began losing power and acceleration, but no warning lights came on. Kept driving for 20 miles and oil warning light came on, but temp vuage registered fine. I parked, checked fluid amounts, and oil was extremely low (even thoug…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 5, 2026

While driving under normal conditions, the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. Acceleration was severely limited, making it difficult to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle was later diagnosed with diagnostic trouble co…

Engine ProblemsFeb 4, 2026

While driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and total engine seizure and loss of power (stalling), creating a life-threatening hazard in traffic . A certified Kia technician diagnosed a seized short block, multi-cylinder misfires (P0300-P0304), and a hole in the exhaust valve. T…

Electrical FaultsJan 21, 2026

I’ve had to get three oil changes in just five months of owning my vehicle. Honda of Brandon sold it to me with a clean Car-Fax report, but I’m now facing a possible manifold and catalytic converter replacement costing $4,200. When the service department called the warranty compa…

Engine ProblemsJan 21, 2026

The engine failed while driving on the highway, putting myself and others at risk. First the car started shaking, then the check engine light flickered. Fortunately, I was able to get off the highway, but I was far from home. The engine failure was confirmed by an independent ser…

Engine ProblemsJan 18, 2026

We had a new engine installed because of a recall. The dealership told us we needed a new catalytic converter because they were clogged due to the faulty engine. There is no recall and I am now in fear for my safety and my children's safety. I can smell exhaust extremely bad whil…

Uncategorized IssuesJan 6, 2026

Owner of 2017 White Kia Soul that has peeling paint. I've never owned a vehicle that paint peeled like this. I understand there are other owners with the same issue. This issue first started in May 2025 on driver's side near roof that I paid out of my pocket to repair. Now I ha…

Uncategorized IssuesDec 5, 2025

I have a white 2017 Kia Soul. I bought it new in 2017. The paint is peeling off really badly. Something is not right. This is not wear and tear paint peeling it is massive all around the car, especially the hood. The whole hood is peeling. My friend has an old 2011 Kia and his…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a judder coming from the transmission. Additionally, while decelerating to come to a stop, the vehicle shook abnormally before accelerating while continuing to drive. The failure was i…

Uncategorized IssuesNov 18, 2025

The car lurches/judders upon startup and at low speeds. It has been serviced eight times for this issue by two authorized Kia dealers with no resolve.

Engine ProblemsOct 8, 2025

Engine Failed Mid Drive. Started with knocking sound then went into limp mode and then shut off and did not want to start. Car failed in the middle of traffic and could of injured me and others. I've read of other failures of the same models but for some reason the 2017 model isn…

Engine ProblemsSep 27, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report that a Kia dealership of garden grove, ca falsely recorded a safety recall as β€œcompleted” on my 2019 Kia Soul Upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair β€” essential to prevent engine…

Engine ProblemsSep 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic detected a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine rod bearing and camshaft failures. The contact was infor…

Engine ProblemsSep 23, 2025

Perform check engine light diagnosis. Heard knocking noise at any speed even at idle. Added 2 quarts of oil. P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 1. The engine is consuming too much oil and has a noise coming from the valve train. Also, a slight rod bearing knoc…

Engine ProblemsAug 25, 2025

While driving on June 30, 2025, the engine gave a loud clunking noise, shuttered and shut down. I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely and not impede traffic, however this happened on a public roadway and had the potential of causing different results. I had no wa…

Engine ProblemsAug 24, 2025

I was driving and all a sudden my engine light came on and the car started like stuttering with no power very scarey. The mechanic said the 3 power train warranties on my car would not fix he said I need a new engine and I still owe like 12000 ugg.

Engine ProblemsAug 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also became aware of excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local …

Engine ProblemsAug 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after an independent mechanic started the vehicle, there was an abnormal kno…

Page 1 of 14

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Kia Soul.

Recalls for 2017 Kia Soul

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

22V031000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS

2017 Kia Soul β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2017 Kia Soul reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2017 Kia Soul has 261 NHTSA owner complaints, 17 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (191 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (191 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (32 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2017 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

The 2017 Kia Soul has 17 crash-related complaints and 12 fire reports out of 261 total NHTSA complaints. 19 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Kia Soul have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Kia Soul. The largest issue: AIR BAGS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2017 Kia Soul?β–Ύ

The 2017 Kia Soul has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2017 Kia Soul

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.