2017 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 190 1 crash 12 fire 3 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, knocking noise would emit from the engine without warning. The contact notified the dealer and they informed him that the knocking noise was normal vehicle operation. The contact then stated that while driving at 60 MPH as the knocking noise persisted, the noise grew increasing louder without warning. The contact looked out of his rearview mirror and saw a cloud of white smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. As he pulled over, he inspected the hood and saw flames encroaching towards th…”
NHTSA complaint #11470607, 2022 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH said she heard a clicking sound coming from the engine as she depressed the accelerator. The contact heard a loud bang coming from the engine, smoke began to emit from under the hood. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off to the left side of the highway and jumped over the highway divider and twisted her left ankle. The police and fire department was not called. The contact did not seek medical attention. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The conta…”
NHTSA complaint #11466736, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“I reported the issue yesterday, but we have additional information. Here is a timeline of the incident as recorded by the doorbell camera: 2026-05-03 085400 Car parked 101423 Car is already trying to start by itself 101713 Car still starting, starter slowing down 101734 Starter sounds overheated 101740 Starter slows to stop 101835 First visible smoke 102304 Neighbor notices 102338 I was notified 102452 Used extinguisher 102600 Fire out 102744 Called the fire de…”
NHTSA complaint #11735880, 2026 · fire

Unknown Or Other 32 1 crash 2 fire

“The car engine made a clamoring noise and sudden seized up and stopped in the middle of traffic. The hood started smoking and a good Samaritan passed by and alerted me to get out of car. I did and noticed puddle of liquid was in flames and soon the front of the car was also in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11528205, 2023 · fire

“On 11/07/22 my car started to sputter & lose power while going up a hill, the incident only lasted a few seconds with no warning lights. Later that same day my car wouldn't start and when it finally did start it started sputtering, had no power with no warning lights, plus there was a strong smell of gas from inside the car. I had the car towed to a local shop. The shop cleaned the injectors, put a fuel treatment in the tank and replaced a bad O2 censor. 8 Days later on another hill it happened again. A hard sputtering followed by loss of power, still no warning lights but also no smell of gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11504333, 2023 · fire

“I was in the right lane, of two lanes, proceeding north. I had waited at a red light, the second car back from the cross street. The light turned green and I was slowly proceeding, maybe going about 15-20 mph. Suddenly, the car engine raced and the front of the car veered left. There were cars in front of me, in the lane to the left of me, and behind me. I had both of my hands on the steering wheel the entire time. I, of course, took my foot off the gas pedal and applied the brakes. The brakes were not stopping the car. The car took off and was uncontrollable. I hit the car in the…”
NHTSA complaint #11468560, 2022 · crash

Electrical System 19 1 crash 3 fire

“I reported the issue yesterday, but we have additional information. Here is a timeline of the incident as recorded by the doorbell camera: 2026-05-03 085400 Car parked 101423 Car is already trying to start by itself 101713 Car still starting, starter slowing down 101734 Starter sounds overheated 101740 Starter slows to stop 101835 First visible smoke 102304 Neighbor notices 102338 I was notified 102452 Used extinguisher 102600 Fire out 102744 Called the fire de…”
NHTSA complaint #11735880, 2026 · fire

“After multiple recent services at the dealership, the car caught fire while idle in the driveway. The fire was under the hood in the front part of the engine compartment, just behind the latch mechanism. Fire was extinguished and verified by the local fire department. The parking spaces are close to other cars and townhouses.”
NHTSA complaint #11735549, 2026 · fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. While the contact was asleep, they were awoken by an abnormal burning smell. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the rear end of the vehicle had caught fire. A neighbor called the authorities and the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical wiring failure in the rear taillights. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The vehicle had yet to be inspected or diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11610986, 2024 · fire

Power Train 19

“The engine has structural manufacturer defect causing extreme internal engine oil consumption with zero external leaks, creating a severe risk of sudden oil starvation catastrophic mechanical engine failure. The severe oil consumption problem was confirmed by a certified national corporate service center (Firestone Auto Care). An intermittent P0420 catalytic converter warning is actively appearing on the dashboard, which is a documented consequence of internal engine oil burning. When attempting to get this mechanical defect diagnosed and repaired under the class-action parameters, manufacture…”
NHTSA complaint #11750111, 2026

“2017 KIA SOUL, at approximately 87,000 miles began to show intermittent oil warning lights under regular G-loads pointing to oil starvation issues.Vehicle was taken to KIA Dealer for oil change. Dealer stated that possible oil consumption would trigger a need to return to dealer before the 1000 mile marker for second round of warranty checks per TSB 222 rev 8 Excessive Oil Consumption Nu/GAMMA/theta/kappa engines. Dealer is claiming that PN Oil Pressure Switch 94750 37100 is culprit and wanting to charge for service and parts. Existing TSB 237, Oil Pressure Switch Replacement, which outlines t…”
NHTSA complaint #11737896, 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 associated with engine rod bearing failure. This caused an unexpected loss of engine power and created a safety risk while driving. The vehicle had to be taken to a dealership for inspection due to the severity of the power loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11715878, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 18 1 fire

“On 11/07/22 my car started to sputter & lose power while going up a hill, the incident only lasted a few seconds with no warning lights. Later that same day my car wouldn't start and when it finally did start it started sputtering, had no power with no warning lights, plus there was a strong smell of gas from inside the car. I had the car towed to a local shop. The shop cleaned the injectors, put a fuel treatment in the tank and replaced a bad O2 censor. 8 Days later on another hill it happened again. A hard sputtering followed by loss of power, still no warning lights but also no smell of gas…”
NHTSA complaint #11504333, 2023 · fire

“The engine has structural manufacturer defect causing extreme internal engine oil consumption with zero external leaks, creating a severe risk of sudden oil starvation catastrophic mechanical engine failure. The severe oil consumption problem was confirmed by a certified national corporate service center (Firestone Auto Care). An intermittent P0420 catalytic converter warning is actively appearing on the dashboard, which is a documented consequence of internal engine oil burning. When attempting to get this mechanical defect diagnosed and repaired under the class-action parameters, manufacture…”
NHTSA complaint #11750111, 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 associated with engine rod bearing failure. This caused an unexpected loss of engine power and created a safety risk while driving. The vehicle had to be taken to a dealership for inspection due to the severity of the power loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11715878, 2026

Air Bags 16 11 crash 13 injury

“I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE SUN VISOR AND EDGE OF WINDSHIELD. BASICALLY SCALPING ME. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED YES BUT AFTER I WAS BLEEDING AND REACHING TO UNDO MY SEATBELT. HITTING MY HAND WHICH BROKE MY WRIST HAVING TO HAVE SURGERY TO PUT A PLATE AND PINS IN IT. ALSO HITTING ME IN THE CHEST SO HARD IT KNOCKE THE BREATH OUT OF ME. IT WAS SMOKING REALLY BAD TOO LIKE IT WAS GOING TO CATCH FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11161067, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“On August 20, 2022, I was driving my 2017 KIA Soul and was slammed into in the front of my car, at full speed, by a KIA sedan which had sped across my path in an attempt to make an illegal U-turn across a highway. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED in my KIA OR in the other errant KIA's car! I suffered physical injuries upon impact to the chest and sternum and was removed from the scene by ambulance. Since that awful crash, I have read a number of articles that KIA is in the process of issuing recalls for airbag malfunctions in their cars, beginning with the year 2017. This must be made known and corrected…”
NHTSA complaint #11487073, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Severe front end damage in accident and airbags never deployed on 4/7/2022. Airbag light was never illuminated on the dash. Never received notification of recall before accident. Both driver and passenger taken to emergency room.”
NHTSA complaint #11460157, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 14 4 crash 3 injury

“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 severe ptsd and nightmares. I hospitalized from 6/25-7/4, and in a nursing home until 7/4-8/1, learning to walk again. I received the voluntary recall letter on 7/11when I was in the nursing home. It was sent too little too late. I’m contacting an attorney and Kia deserves to pay. Kozlowski towing took…”
NHTSA complaint #11677994, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THE BRAKES NEVER TOOK EFFECT TO MAKE ME SLIDE SKID OR STOP. SEATBEAT NEVER HELD ME BACK FROM SLAMMING INTO STEERING WHEEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11242840, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was in the right lane, of two lanes, proceeding north. I had waited at a red light, the second car back from the cross street. The light turned green and I was slowly proceeding, maybe going about 15-20 mph. Suddenly, the car engine raced and the front of the car veered left. There were cars in front of me, in the lane to the left of me, and behind me. I had both of my hands on the steering wheel the entire time. I, of course, took my foot off the gas pedal and applied the brakes. The brakes were not stopping the car. The car took off and was uncontrollable. I hit the car in the…”
NHTSA complaint #11468560, 2022 · crash

Steering 10 1 crash

“THE STEERING WHEEL GO LOCKED WHEN IN CURVE RESULTING IN A CRASH WHERE I HIT A POLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET.”
NHTSA complaint #11150083, 2018 · crash

“While driving car began shaking, which lead to a puff of white smoke then blac smoke followed by car locking up in highway. Break petal would not move and when put in neutral power steering was gone every though car was on and everything else besides break worked. Turn on and off and car drive off again with strong shaking. When taken to mechanic I was told a spark plug melted into the engine and the shaking caused one of the ignition coil to become loose and oil to seep in. Now I am being told I need a new engine, all fluids where fine and oil had just been changed Thursday prior to incident,…”
NHTSA complaint #11546981, 2023

“The power steering fails while driving. Steering suddenly and without notice becomes very difficult when the power steering stops working. STEERING FAILURE must be a serious safty issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11512549, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“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 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11689724, 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 stated the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil every 2-3 days. The oil warning light was illuminated with an abnormal clacking sound coming from the engine. The dealer was contacted and claimed that the vehicle was repaired. The contact sought confirmation from the manufacturer and was informed tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11675313, 2025

“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 contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,…”
NHTSA complaint #11632169, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“While sitting in line with brake applied the idle speed suddenly jumped up and car accelerated forward despite application of brakes. Without any change from me the RPMs suddenly dropped and car stopped again. The car moved a total of a quarter car length, which had I not been angled away from car in front of me would have caused a collision, and had I been at an intersection could have caused an accident or struck a pedestrian.”
NHTSA complaint #11507744, 2023

“Sudden Acceleration (SUA--3 times same day); almost went through storefront, almost hit by truck @ stop sign, almost hit fence in parking lot twice, had difficulty in highway traffic jam. Vehicle currently at dealership. Car and brakes became uncontrollable at slow attempt to park and in traffic jam; had to turn off ignition. Dealer and independent service shop have not been able to recreate condition, the manufacturer was advised but only test driven by the independent shop and the dealership. No warnings; independent service shop advised that the problem appeared to be in the electronic th…”
NHTSA complaint #11502455, 2022

“My air bag, ABS and Brake Lights all gave warnings at about the same time, as well as my speedometer going "haywire" on a cold start. I got a recall notice about my airbag (electrical problems) and took it in to Parkway Kia, and was told that the airbag was not part of the recall, and that it would cost $1000 to repair the lights, as several different sensors had gone out at the same time. Included was 5 or 6 repairs that had already been verified that I didn't need. If the dealership is using recall opportunities to push $1000s of unnecessary "maintenance" repairs on their vehicles, no one…”
NHTSA complaint #11462240, 2022

Suspension 4

“My struts we’re going through my dash board and I had it repaired and my engine light is just constantly on.”
NHTSA complaint #11485618, 2022

“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 complaint #11394762, 2021

“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 complaint #11736438, 2019

Structure 3

“Paint on the car is delaminating and chipping off and the vehicle is becoming compromised due to the paint coming off the car. This has been confirmed by my dealership where I take the vehicle for service. Kia dealership has inspected the vehicle No, there are not warning lamps to tell me the paint is coming off the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11535317, 2023

“The paint on my 2017 Kia Soul is peeling (delaminating) on the hood of the vehicle. The paint color is Pearl White, mileage is 81k, photos taken August 13, 2022.”
NHTSA complaint #11479327, 2022

“THE FRONT DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESN'T LATCH OR LOCK COMPLETELY WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED/SHUT FROM INSIDE. MANY TIMES WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT I DISCOVER THE DOOR HADN'T BEEN LATCHED AT ALL BECAUSE I CAN OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT USING THE DOOR HANDLE, IT WILL OPEN WITH A SLIGHT PUSH FROM MY ARM. I WORRY THE DOOR WILL OPEN WHEN IT'S MOVING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES FROM FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A SECOND SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY KIA SOUL IS THE HESITATION AND SLOWNESS OF ACCELERATION WHEN ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. WITH THE GAS PEDAL PRESSED TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11244074, 2017

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA RECALL MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THE BRAKES NEVER TOOK EFFECT TO MAKE ME SLIDE SKID OR STOP. SEATBEAT NEVER HELD ME BACK FROM SLAMMING INTO STEERING WHEEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11242840, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY KIA SOUL WAS MANUFACTURED 11/16 & HAS 8,643 MILES ON IT AS 10/8/19. I STARTED MY CAR THE MORNING OF 10/719 & THE AIR BAG AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS WENT ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THIS MORNING THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LIGHT WAS FLASHING ALSO. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE ITEMS FOR MY VEHICLE?”
NHTSA complaint #11267017, 2019

Tires 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SOUL EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS TIRES, SIZE: P205/65R16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE BUBBLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE TIRE COULD BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN SLOWLY TO CAR PROS KIA (18835 BEACH BLVD, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648, (714) 274-4632) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11243280, 2019

“MY COMPLAINT ODI # IS 11243280. REGARDING KUMHO TIRES SAFETY AND BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11243373, 2019

Wheels 2

“WE DROVE THE CAR FOR 5900 MILES WHEN WE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL FOR ONE OF THE TIRES. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SOLUS TA31. WE CONTACTED THE USA REP AND WERE DIRECTED TO A SEARS AUTOCENTER FOR AN INSPECTION. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SEARS CENTRE WILL OPEN THE CLAIM FOR US. TE SERAS CENTER DID NOT OPENED THE CLAIM AND ISSUED A REPORT WITHOUT ANY DETAILS ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE TIRE. WE MADE A SECOND CALL TO THE KUMHO REP AND GOT THE RUN AROUND ABOUT GOING TO THE CENTER WITHOUT A CLAIM OPENED. THEY OPENED FINALLY A CLAIM AND THEY SUGGESTED TO GO TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. WE VOICED OUR CONCERN…”
NHTSA complaint #11092780, 2018

“TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM RIM WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, NO WARNINGS, HAS LESS THAN 1000 MILES , 70MPH HEARD A THUMPING NOISE THEN A LOUD EXPLOSION TYPE SOUND, VEHICLE WAS HARD TO CONTROL AFTER GETTING OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD THE TIRE SEPARATED AT RIM ALL THE WAY AROUND, NOTHING WAS HIT”
NHTSA complaint #11074612, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“MY KIA SOUL WAS MANUFACTURED 11/16 & HAS 8,643 MILES ON IT AS 10/8/19. I STARTED MY CAR THE MORNING OF 10/719 & THE AIR BAG AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS WENT ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THIS MORNING THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LIGHT WAS FLASHING ALSO. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE ITEMS FOR MY VEHICLE?”
NHTSA complaint #11267017, 2019

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to park on an incline, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration which resulted in a crash. The contact crashed into a handicap ramp. The vehicle then unintended accelerated in reverse where the vehicle crashed into a cement pole and a bush. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence pending another tow by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11562157, 2023 · crash

Exterior Lighting 1 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. While the contact was asleep, they were awoken by an abnormal burning smell. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the rear end of the vehicle had caught fire. A neighbor called the authorities and the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical wiring failure in the rear taillights. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The vehicle had yet to be inspected or diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11610986, 2024 · fire

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while either stopped at a stoplight or while making a turn, the vehicle would lose motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel system failure due to trash in the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. The VIN was invalid.”
NHTSA complaint #11445270, 2021

Seats 1 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A BRUISE AROUND THE TAIL BONE AREA. THE CONTACT HAD AN X-RAY PERFORMED AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE HAD SUSTAINED A FRACTURED TAIL BONE. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED FOR THE FRACTURED TAIL BONE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CLOTH SEAT FABRIC COVERING WAS EXTREMELY THIN. ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO SUMMIT PLACE KIA WEST (4575 PLAINFIELD AVE NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525, (616) 323-1400) NEAR ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11065921, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 1

“Backup camera no longer works; when in reverse, the screen is totally blank, no image and no guide lines.”
NHTSA complaint #11678407, 2025