Verdict
2017 Kia Soul: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2017 Kia Soul — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most hatchback.
Owners filed 285 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 89% of 2017 hatchbacks. Engine leads the reports (53%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2017 hatchbacks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
285
Reports to NHTSA, 2017
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
27
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 89% of 2017 hatchbacks
The bar is this car's percentile among 2017 hatchbacks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (53% of 285 reports), followed by electrical system (11%).
+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 285 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11536968, ODI 11552007, ODI 11547063, ODI 11541818, ODI 11519124.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Air Bags · 22V031000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2017 Kia Soul SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 | 31 | 28 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 24 | 30 | 27 |
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| Soul | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2017 Kia Soul: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Kia Soul?
Owners filed 285 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 Kia Soul — more complaints than 89% of comparable 2017 hatchbacks, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2017 Kia Soul?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (53% of complaints) and electrical system (11%).
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2017 Kia Soul, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Kia Soul between 27 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.