2017 KIA Soul problems
Owners have filed 355 complaints about the 2017 KIA Soul with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 53.5% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 5.4%.
Complaints355
Crashes21
Fires19
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 53.5% · 190
Unknown or other 9.0% · 32
Electrical system 5.4% · 19
Power train 5.4% · 19
Fuel/propulsion system 5.1% · 18
Air bags 4.5% · 16
Service brakes 3.4% · 12
Steering 2.8% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 19 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 13 model years of the KIA Soul in this data, 2017 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2014 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 100 in the last three years against 171 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 73,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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 had told us to check with Kia Dealership because it is a known issue on this vehicle. But the Kia declined to repair. Engine
I was driving down the highway about 65 when I heard a loud knocking noise coming from the motor. No check engine light no over heating nothing. Loud knock car goes dead.I've only had this car for 1yr. Got it at 52.000 Miles is now at 84.000. Still under KIA 100.000 Mile warranty. But they won't cover it . And there main thing is I put 30.000. Miles on it. I have kids. I travel. Kept up on oil changes everything Engine · reported at 84,000 miles
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 settlement even though the same issues are present in the 2017 Kia Soul Models. Had to have my vehicle towed home. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…