2017 Kia Soul recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Kia Soul and 272 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (191), unknown or other (32), power train (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–105 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2017 ranks #8 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (376). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Kia Soul. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
This car since I had it burns alot and I mean alot of oil between oil changes i have to keep oil on hand and constantly checking the oil I have alot of friends with this car and the same issue I had my soul for over 5 years and it's still burning oil I take care of my car im still paying on it and it has less than 70,000 miles and 8m having problems with it. I'm disabled, one i…
The paint is completely failing on this kia soul. The eroded paint is a well known issue with Kia, nothing is being done about the paint failing and chipping across the whole body of the car, which will lead to inevitable rusting. It has been inspected, they are aware of the issue, and are doing nothing to resolve it.
One day I noticed my oil light flashed on and off about three times during a drive down the road, simultaneously a loud knocking started in my engine. Although I had gotten my oil changed just a couple months prior and always practiced appropriate maintenance I decided to pull over and check my oil, it was empty. No warnings, the oil light had never come on, the engine light ha…
Safety ratings
2017 Kia Soul SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Kia Soul.
Soul
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Soul
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L
Regular
Soul Electric
Auto (A1)
Electricity
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Kia Soul, most recently for air bags (01/25/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Soul?
Based on 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (191), unknown or other (32), power train (19).
Is the 2017 Kia Soul safe?
The 2017 Kia Soul earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Kia Soul?
The 2017 ranks #8 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (376). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Kia Soul range from 27 to 105 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Kia Soul in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SOUL, Soul.