10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2017 Kia Soul:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #152

Sep 042024

Soul

  • miles
Engine burns oil. Losing over 1 quart per 500 miles. Kia says it is normal.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #151

Sep 062024

Soul

  • miles
Vehicle is consuming oil far before service is due. Easily a quart or more before 1000mi. Read about a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding engine failure due to this.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #150

Feb 152024

Soul

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle shut off on an exit and blocked traffic. The vehicle was pushed out of the roadway by bystanders. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was linked to an unknown recall campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.

- Stoughton, MA, USA

problem #149

Jul 262024

Soul

  • miles
Unknown

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #148

Sep 012023

Soul

  • 111,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered metal shards in the oil pan. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that an engine flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

- Lake Geneva, FL, USA

problem #147

Jul 132024

Soul

  • miles
Burning oil and engine failure! According to Kia this is "a common issue" unbeknownst to consumers. This is VERY dangerous. The vehicle has been been sitting at a repair shop waiting for warranty approval.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #146

Jul 022024

Soul

  • miles
I was driving down a freeway after changing my oil when my car began backfiring, which was strange so I pulled over and checked my engine but I saw nothing wrong, so I went back to driving so I could get home, but as I was driving home, the engine made a loud clang and then the engine completely died. I had come to find out later after paying to have my car towed home that it had infact overheated, and blown a piston straight through the engine block.

- Wimauma, FL, USA

problem #145

Jun 262024

Soul

  • miles
Just had an oil change done a couple months ago, the two previous oil changes I had, the merchanics advised me that the engine had less oil than it should for how little miles had been put on it. took it in today since it started making a "ticking" noise, and was informed that there was hardly any oil in the engine, and that was the cause. it had only been driven 2000 miles since the last change. they informed me of a TSB that was out for the 2017 souls that have a 1.6L engine (reference number PS739) that basically says that a defect is causing an engine oil leak due to a dowel pin. contacted a dealership per their advice and they told me that it is not covered by Kia even though it is a known issue by them, looking at several of the other complaints against this vehicle it seems to be a very common issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer, and not have to be paid out of pocket by the consumer. This should be recalled immediately to prevent people's engines from being burnt up due to the engine over consuming oil

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #144

Dec 292022

Soul

  • miles
The engine failed and the car just stopped running. The safety of me and my family was put at risk. I barely could get the car off the road as I'm disabled. I had to call for help.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #143

Apr 092024

Soul

  • miles
The engine failed on an Arizona highway, at night, while my daughter was driving from Arizona to California. My daughter's safety, and that of her friend who was also in the car, was put at risk due to the near inability to move the vehicle off of the highway and onto the shoulder. This route [XXX] ) is a major highway used by truckers and regular vehicles. Her hazards lasted just long enough for the tow truck to arrive. Her hazard lights were dying just as the tow truck driver pulled up. I can't imagine what could have happened if she was sitting on the side of the road, in a black car at night, with no functioning hazard lights. We were able to get the vehicle towed back to San Tan Valley, Arizona. I called several Kia service departments and was told that there was an engine recall up to the 2016 models, but the 2017 models were not included. No inspection has been done on the vehicle up to this point. The check engine light did come on and was flashing at the time of the failure. We have since pulled the plugs in the vehicle and are seeing metal shaving on one of the plugs. Codes checked on the vehicle indicate multiple misfires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

problem #142

May 182024

Soul

  • miles
05/18/2024 (Saturday) I was driving home from my parents house. After approximately 7 miles from leaving their home the check engine light came on. The car became sluggish and seamed to not have a lot of power. I drove the car approximately another 7 miles straight to the dealership for it is be examined. On Monday 05/20/2024 they called to tell me that I needed a new engine because the car had metal shaving in the engine. I asked the service rep how this was possible they she replied she did not know. I explained to her that I could not pay $7,800 + tax for a new engine. She asked me to wait and see what she could do. She called me back the next day 05/21/2024 to inform that she spoke with the manager and that they would be able to complete the work for $5,100 + tax. On 05/22/2024 I explained that I be picking up the car and having it towed to my house, I paid Kia Palmdale $220 for the diagnostic. My concern is that how can my car have no oil, never did any warning light come on. If the error code listed on their paperwork, they list p1326. There are many Kia cars with this problem listed as a faulty engine. Listed this the past 2 oil changes: 12/12/2023 Jiffy Lube 156,293 miles 03/28/2024 Jiffy Lube 160,692 miles 05/18/2024 car breaks down at 163,498 miles with no oil. this makes no sense. I would also like to add that ever since the car was purchased at Kia Palmdale every single maintenance was done at their location, even to the point of paying $1,059.69 for their 120,000 miles check-up on 01/31/2022. Kia Palmdale has all these records for again, there should be no reason the car not to give a warning and go to engine failure.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #141

Dec 102023

Soul

  • miles
Last year check engine light came on & It was time to get my oil change, So you know when they connect the car to that reader well it came back It was my catalytic converter And so I was like that's really expensive, check engine light ended up going off then on. Now mind you I always keep up the maintenance on this vehicle. So let's fast forward A little bit My next oil change comes around This establishment put my car on the reader again catalytic converter comes up again. I get the oil change And then 1 month later my car gives me a notice telling me I need oil I take it back to my establishment And there was no oil in there Had to get another oil change to put new oil instead of stuff and then they told me that Issues which is causing the catalytic converter to fail which is sucking up oil causing oil issues the Gentlemen informed me I can Replace my catalytic converter but This issue is still gonna happen because my motor is going bad So in other words I can replace my catalytic converter And later on down the line I'm gonna have to replace it again because of the motor now this does pose risk to my family because I put myself my grandchildren my children in this vehicle We could be driving back from vacation or what have you and stall in the middle of nowhere because the motor quit on us or the oil runs low causing Engine trouble Which is not acceptable. So wondering Why isn't there a recall Or 1 that I'm aware of Then I looked this stuff up and there's a lot of people with the same issue as myself

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

problem #140

Mar 222024

Soul

  • miles
On 3/22/24, my 2017 Kia Soul started making a backfiring noises while I was on the interstate. Then I heard a loud noise and the car starting losing speed and finally just quit after about a 1/4 of a mile. I had to have car towed to repair shop. I called for roadside assistance from AAA. (They couldn-??t, of course, get the car started). Mechanic said motor seized and now has to be replaced. I-??ve always kept up with oil changes on time. The car had never used or leaked oil since I-??ve owned since August 2017. There were no warning lamps on before the car died. I was at high risk during this incident in heavy interstate traffic, barely able to get off the interstate to the median before it shut down. Never had issues or repairs before this. Car has 106,000 miles. Motors should last way beyond this. Mechanic stated that he-??s worked on several Kia souls where motor seized up like this. I have tow receipt from this date. I had to purchase a short block motor and cylinder head from Kia. Took the new motor to the owner/mechanic at repair shop. I-??m still waiting on this motor change out to be completed. I-??ve had to get rental vehicles and ask for rides for over 5 weeks now. This has been a monumental hardship on me, my family and friends. Vehicle rentals run about $100 per day. I-??ve had to spend $1,000 on car rentals when I wasn-??t able to borrow a car or get a ride.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

problem #139

Mar 092024

Soul

  • miles
The Kia has been using oil sind 78000 miles I've been going to dealership now going on 2 years for issues with the engine. Feb 2024 they put a catalytic converter on. On [XXX] I called told them check engine light was flashing and was rattling and running rough Nick Sheets told me to bring it back on Saturday the [XXX] at 10:00 am. On way to bring it in on the highway [XXX] bypass the car quit and there was a tractor trailer behind me blowing his horn and throwing his hands up air but I couldn't do anything. I turned my emergency flashes on and tried to motion for people to go around me. My friend came and helped me get car off road until wrecker came to tow it to the dealership. Upon arrival they did a combustion test or whatever and said engine was blown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Archdale , NC, USA

problem #138

Mar 222024

Soul

  • miles
Engine failed - active codes P0300 and P0303 Cylinder 3 spark plug coated in oil. Only had 10PSI of cylinder PSI. Russ Darrow Waukesha Kia - Wisconsin concluded that a new engine is needed, quoted $9,000. Kia declined to cover the cost, the codes above aren't covered by engine warranty. Before the engine failure, I reported an unusual oil consumption for the vehicle. I researched and found many other 2017 Kia Soul owners who experienced the same incident (engine failure). I believe Kia needs to be held accountable for this engine scam. It's not isolated incidents.

- Waukesha , WI, USA

problem #137

Mar 172024

Soul

  • miles
Car has been giving me problems using oil going on 3 years. The Kia dealership keeps having me do different test and repair different stuff. Finally on Saturday March 16,2023 the car broke down right off exit of highway at the light. I was so scared and frustrated people were blowing horn. A man helped me after about 30 minutes get car off road onto shoulder. Had to have it towed to Kia. The did test yet again told me engine is shot. Now waiting approval for a new engine from Kia. This whole time I always check for recalls and stuff on this car but nothing ever shows up. But clearly there is a problem. I bought this car brand new. I have tried all this time with the dealership to make it right I even reported to y'all once before and started a case with Kia corporate. I am at my wits end.

- Archdale , NC, USA

problem #136

Jan 202023

Soul

  • miles
I am reporting the problem with the starters used in the Kia Soul. My starter went out with no warning. My vehicle had less than 25,000 mi. This occurrence happened 1 yr ago. January of 2023. The temp outside was a blistering 13?below 0. I was stumped by this occurrence. After searching the web for answers- I found myself viewing Utube videos for the problem I was experiencing. I found several about the symptoms, sounds and the behavior of the dash lights that verified the fact That my STARTER has gone out. Upon arrival at Dealership garage, I was told "the manufacturer is aware of the problems with these specific starters but are not willing to do anything about it because of cost" I feel this is a true safety issue. Being January in MN winter, the temperature can be very devastating. I contacted Roadside assistance (their headquarters being in Florida) Stated I needed to stay with my Vehicle for assistance. Finally after 2 days- a tow truck showed up and towed it the Whole 2 miles to the nearest Dealership garage. I can't imagine what could have occurred if I had been further from home with my vulnerable mother or very young Grandkids. This did take place last year, but with further a due I was encouraged to file a complaint about this experience. Hoping enough complaints will inspire an investigation, so others will not have to experience this problem or have this unsafe occurance happen to them or their loved ones.

- West St Paul, MN, USA

problem #135

Dec 192023

Soul

  • miles
Burning oil in 1,000 miles blowing blue smoke out exhaust

- Tarentum, PA, USA

problem #134

Dec 092023

Soul

  • miles
Had oil changed and noticed car was stalling. Went to get car checked out and there was no oil. Replaced oil and car still had the same issue. Was notified that there was an issue with these cars and burning oil. Engine was replaced but car still has issues.

- Miami , FL, USA

problem #133

Jan 022024

Soul

  • miles
The car gave no warning, no lights or anything to tell me that there was something wrong with the engine. The engine started to knock very loud while I was driving on the freeway and completely failed. The car could have caught on fire or blew up while I was driving it or I could have gotten into a very bad accident. As soon as I had heard the knocking I immediately pulled over on the freeway dangerously while cars were speeding by me. There was no warning and the car was driving completely fine. I also saw that there was a recall for other years for the kia soul that had the same engine failures that mine had except that my car did not have a recall.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »