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2017
New 2025
Used 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Kia Soul

EPA MPG: 27 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Kia Soul has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Gravelly sound when starting."

Anonymous, WI (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"Leakage noticed in 07/2023. After multiple trips to dealer and independent shop and 3 attempts to reseal problem seems to be resolved. Still have to occasionally add oil but dealer claims the loss is from consumption vs. leaking. cost for the three sealant repairs plus rentals was well over $2000"

Anonymous, WI (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"had to replace a leaking oil pressure switch that was not covered under warranty"

Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"After oil change it was hard to get drain plug on correctly it leaked in garage I took it back to service provide and problem was resolved"

Anonymous, UT (2017 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
Other minor engine problem

"oil warning light from a leaking oil pressure switch"

Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Full replacement. Lost use of car for three weeks"

Anonymous, IL (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

""Approximately 2000 miles and 4 months after purchasing vehicle (used-from dealership), at highway speed this vehicle blew an engine without warning. Every mechanic we spoke with stated that it was a common occurrence that a Kia engine failed.""

Anonymous, OK (2017 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

""Spring 2024. Reduced drive power; eventually getting only half power-30 MPH max, barely able to climb hills. Drove direct to dealership and pleaded emergency to get service. They worked on it two days; but I dont remember what the issue was (I think I am avoiding it). Finsal cost was between 500 and 1000 dollars. Now has a minor oil (leak? Burn?) issuemaybe one quart per 1500 miles.""

Anonymous, WA (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"began getting check engine light, code p0420. cat converter was cracked inside. Repaired early 8/2025"

Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Soul EV 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"KIAs are easy to steal that's a worry !"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Soul Unsure Unsure)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

""ABS + Antiskid yellow lights; diagnosed as ABS Control module. $1,000+ for new part; $300 labor.""

Anonymous A., RI (2017 Kia Soul EV 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
Calipers

"Breaking was not normal"

Anonymous, CO (2017 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

""At 40,000 miles the clearcoat began fading in blotchy circles. I was told by the dealer that the warranty expired at 36,000. I would have to pay to repaint.""

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

""At 24,000 as I approached a stop the shift down to 1st gear was rough/jerky. A computer reset at the dealer for $200 resolved the problem. At 42,000 it happened again and same repair steps and fees. Despite the so-called 10 year 100.000 drivetrain warranty.""

Anonymous A., CA (2017 Kia Soul Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Coolant leaked due to lack of us of air con. Replaced coolant and seals and now fine."

Anonymous A., AZ (2017 Kia Soul Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Cylinders carbon build up"

Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Soul Plus 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"there was a tie Tok challenge- punch hole in door handle s. 1 door then a week later passenger door. Kia sent metal bar to lock steer. I discarded it. NOT SATISFIED."

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Soul Unsure Unsure)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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03
04
05
06
07
08
09
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11
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15
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20*
21
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25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Oct 26, 2023
Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V724000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6262
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 29, 2023
A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V218000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2689
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Jan 25, 2022
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V031000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 410619
Hide Recall Details
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