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2017 Kia Soul

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Kia Soul do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 225.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 154 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 190 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports14 fire reports13 injury reports

Suspension complaints

4 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 7, 2026
EngineSteeringSuspension

The vehicle experiences major engine performance issues following a replacement engine installation (approximately 8,000 miles on the new engine). Additionally, the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, the steering exhibits significant pulsation during braking, and the suspension system is malfunctioning. These combined defect…

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The vehicle experiences major engine performance issues following a replacement engine installation (approximately 8,000 miles on the new engine). Additionally, the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, the steering exhibits significant pulsation during braking, and the suspension system is malfunctioning. These combined defects create an unsafe driving condition and pose a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.

NHTSA ODI #11736438

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2022
Service BrakesSuspension

My struts we’re going through my dash board and I had it repaired and my engine light is just constantly on.

NHTSA ODI #11485618

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2022
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

When I bought my car in 2018, I didn’t like the way it drives. I had to take it back the next day to return it, but the dealer in North Aurora Gerald Kia said they wouldn’t take it back & I paid cash. I’ve been taking it back and forth from Gerald North Aurora to Bob Rohrman in Schaumburg Il. They have been been telling me every…

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When I bought my car in 2018, I didn’t like the way it drives. I had to take it back the next day to return it, but the dealer in North Aurora Gerald Kia said they wouldn’t take it back & I paid cash. I’ve been taking it back and forth from Gerald North Aurora to Bob Rohrman in Schaumburg Il. They have been been telling me every time, there’s nothing wrong. I’m hearing several noises in the Suspenion. So finally I told Bob Rohrman dealer to check everything before my warranty runs out. So far nothing didn’t happen until after my warranty. So I paid for 4 tires, front brakes, rotors. They finally said that I needed an Arm Control & a Strut, with low mileage, but Im steady hearing noises. I know know what to do. After I paid cash & had start going to find out what’s wrong with my car, the service dept was never friendly or professional. I always was told there’s nothing wrong with my car and that I know better. I’ve been driving since 17 yrs old and I’m 68.

NHTSA ODI #11480868

121,000 miles · Feb 5, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringSuspension

FAILURE TO ACCELERATE,JURKING,STALLING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS TOLD THERE A RACK AND PINION TIE ROD SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND STEERING PIN. CAR DOES DECELERATION, OIL BURNS UP IN A WEEK.

NHTSA ODI #11394762

Official recalls

1

22V031000 · Air Bags

Jan 25, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.