2017 KIA SOUL

5 recalls — 339 complaints

22V031000 Jan 25, 2022
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
410,619 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
22V031000 Jan 25, 2022
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
410,619 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
22V031000 Jan 25, 2022
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
410,619 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
22V031000 Jan 25, 2022
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
410,619 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
22V031000 Jan 25, 2022
AIR BAGS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
410,619 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

339 total complaints 21 crashes 16 fires 21 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE182
UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17
POWER TRAIN17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
AIR BAGS16
SERVICE BRAKES12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
STEERING8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
ENGINE Mar 31, 2026
Incident date: Feb 16, 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 recall, but all the sym... Read more
ENGINE Mar 21, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 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 though it had been checke... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 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 code P1326, which is a... Read more
ENGINE Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 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 code P1326, which is a... Read more
POWER TRAIN Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 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 code P1326, which is a... Read more
ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 23, 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. This failure is ident... Read more
ENGINE Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
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 service center and a de... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
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 company, they claimed... Read more
ENGINE Jan 21, 2026
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
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 company, they claimed... Read more
ENGINE Jan 18, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
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 while driving and contin... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
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 have same issue on the... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 5, 2025
Incident date: Dec 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 paint is fine. Plea... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 18, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
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.
POWER TRAIN Nov 18, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
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 intermittent. There w... Read more
ENGINE Oct 8, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 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't eligible for the ... Read more
ENGINE Sep 27, 2025
Incident date: Aug 29, 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 “completed” on my 2019 Kia Soul Upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair — essential to prevent engine failure — w... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 25, 2025
Incident date: Aug 12, 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 informed that the engine ... Read more
ENGINE Sep 23, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 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 knock. Our auto mechanic... Read more
ENGINE Aug 25, 2025
Incident date: Jun 30, 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 warning lights on the ... Read more
ENGINE Aug 24, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 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 Aug 15, 2025
Incident date: May 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 dealer to be diagnos... Read more
ENGINE Aug 11, 2025
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
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 knocking sound coming f... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Aug 5, 2025
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Backup camera no longer works; when in reverse, the screen is totally blank, no image and no guide lines.
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
2017,Kia soul plus brakes failed with no warning and we crashed into an intersection and hit a dump truck. I suffered severe broken bones including a compound femur fracture and broken arm. I was trapped in the car for over a hour. Both my arm and leg have rods and pins now. I also suffer from seve... Read more
Crash 2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact st... Read more
AIR BAGS Jul 22, 2025
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact st... Read more
ENGINE Jul 16, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The issue involves the engine’s piston rings, which appear to be malfunctioning and causing excessive oil consumption. This has led to oil entering the combustion chamber and likely damaging the catalytic converter. The engine began consuming oil rapidly between oil changes — far more than norma... Read more
ENGINE Jul 10, 2025
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact called on behalf of her neighbor who owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic replaced the starter. The contact stated while the neighbor was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to pul... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 9, 2025
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
My car is losing oil and the light does not come on to tell me when oil runs low I have been to Coral Springs Kia in the Coral Springs automall many times and they have all my records.
ENGINE Jul 8, 2025
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
My 2017 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing piston ring failure, which has led to excessive oil consumption and the failure of my catalytic converter. The engine is a 2.0L Nu MPI—the same engine type covered under Kia recalls SC176 and SC200—but my VIN is currently excluded. This is a known ... Read more
ENGINE Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Engine is running very rough. At a low idle, the engine turns off. Today the car turned off 11 times. A diagnostic reading shows all four cylinders misfiring.
ENGINE May 19, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
- Engine failure/seizure with rod bearing failure! Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - Myself and my wife were driving through a busy intersection light when the engine failed and went into limp mode (Engine Control System) causing an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersectio... Read more
ENGINE May 19, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Vehicle shut off on the highway and engine no seized however oil change was recently completed
POWER TRAIN May 19, 2025
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Vehicle shut off on the highway and engine no seized however oil change was recently completed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 Kia Soul.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 Kia Soul.
ENGINE Apr 23, 2025
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Car stalls when at a stop. Restart ignition stalls again when placed into drive and accelerator is pressed. Restart, brake pedal and accelerator pressed at same time, while put into gear, and then it will move. The oil light and battery light comes on when it stalls.
ENGINE Mar 27, 2025
Incident date: May 15, 2024
After driving about 2,000 miles after an oil change, the oil warning light comes on. This happens regardless of whether I use 3,000-mile or 5,000-mile oil. When I check the oil, it is completely gone. This issue started about a year ago, and now I always carry extra oil because I am worried. My ca... Read more
ENGINE Mar 9, 2025
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
I purchased my car new from the dealer in August of 2017; at 40,000 I started having an excessive oil consumption issue. I took it repeatedly to the dealer for remedy under the warranty. They examined and performed services that failed to remedy the issue. From my research I learned that this proble... Read more
ENGINE Feb 26, 2025
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
My husband was travelling down the highway in our car with my [XXX] in the back seat. Suddenly the motor seized up and the car started the rattle. The car came to a stop. We had the car towed to a Kia dealership and was told that the engine had seized up and would need to be replaced. I also found ... Read more
ENGINE Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. Additionally, the contact stated that there was oil accumulating around the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered t... Read more
ENGINE Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The crank shaft failed and is costing me 2800 to repair it.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION Dec 23, 2024
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine failure due to excessive pumping of engine oil. The local dealer was conta... Read more
ENGINE Dec 19, 2024
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
09/06/2024 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE BROKE DOWN TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND DETERMINED IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, DUE TO A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BEFORE MY OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. KIA DECLINES DOING THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER THE 150,000 WARRANTY, DUE TO THE RECALL NEVER BEING TAKEN CARE OF. SPOKE TO THE... Read more
ENGINE Nov 29, 2024
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The Kia Soul is burning engine oil. I have to add an extra pint of oil every month. This known engine defect will one day damage the engine and may cause an accident.
ENGINE Oct 14, 2024
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Hi Nikki - This vehicle has an engine issue as of [XXX] when my car broken down on the road. The engine sputtered and the car was inoperable. I was told to call the Wynn’s Extended Warranty, however it was late and there was no one available to answer the call. So then my car was taken by AAA to... Read more
ENGINE Oct 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaini... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaini... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Oct 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaini... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 1, 2024
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Multiple stations failed emission inspection in texas for fuel not completed and evap not completed. Tried multiple things to fix. Took it to shop that kept for days and diagnosed with logic lock with the ecm/ecu. Basically bad ecm which is common problem with kia soul and there are recall for mo... Read more

Showing 50 of 339 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2017 KIA SOUL

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive) 25.0 30.0 27.0 Regular $2,200
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive) 25.0 30.0 27.0 Regular $2,200
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 24.0 30.0 27.0 Regular $2,200
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive) 26.0 31.0 28.0 Regular $2,150

CO2 Emissions: 330.0 g/mile (Small Station Wagons)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA SOUL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE10030 Opened: Aug 12, 2010 — Closed: Dec 14, 2010
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2010
Steering Shaft Separation
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of a single complaint on the subject vehicles that alleges the hand wheel became mechanically de-coupled from the road wheels when the intermediate steering shaft universal joint separated from the upper steering column.It appears that the intermedi... Read more

KIA SOUL — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SOUL across all model years (2010–2023).

66 Total Recalls
7,233 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
405 Reported Crashes
460 Reported Fires
29 Reported Deaths

KIA SOUL — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 0 14 View
2024 0 32 View
2023 13 81 View
2022 1 115 View
2021 3 259 View
2020 2 458 View
2019 5 180 View
2018 5 268 View
2017 (current) 5 339
2016 3 1,108 View
2015 5 1,200 View
2014 7 1,204 View
2013 5 850 View
2012 5 663 View
2011 4 270 View
2010 3 192 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View
FORTE 56 3,494 View