2017 Kia Soul Safety Report
2017 Kia Soul: Excellent crash ratings, but high risk of engine failure and airbag recall concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Soul
Reliability Score
The 2017 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Soul
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Kia Soul:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Seizure/Failure Numerous reports of sudden engine seizure, knocking sounds, loss of power, and excessive oil consumption, often leading to complete engine replacement. Some incidents occurred at highway speeds. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Vehicles consuming oil rapidly between changes, sometimes without warning lights, leading to potential engine damage and catalytic converter issues. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Air Bag Control Unit (Acu) Malfunction Recall issued for ACU cover potentially contacting a memory chip, which could prevent airbags from deploying as intended in a crash. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Transmission Judder/Lurching Vehicle lurches or judders upon startup, at low speeds, or when decelerating, with some reports of abnormal shaking and unintended acceleration. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Peeling Paint Reports of paint peeling off, particularly on the hood and roof, despite the vehicle being relatively new. |
Low | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Kia Soul:
The most prevalent issue, with 144 out of 259 complaints, involves engine failure, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and sudden power loss, often leading to dangerous driving conditions.
12 complaints related to airbags, including a significant recall for the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) that could prevent deployment.
9 complaints specifically mentioning power train issues, often linked to engine problems or transmission judder.
14 complaints categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', some of which describe general vehicle malfunctions or issues not fitting other categories, including paint peeling.
4 complaints related to service brakes, including one severe incident of brake failure leading to a crash and serious injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Soul
Is the 2017 KIA SOUL safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Kia Soul received excellent crash test ratings (5 stars overall, frontal, and side, 4 stars rollover). However, it has a high number of complaints (259 total), with a significant pattern of severe engine failures (144 complaints) and a critical airbag recall. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, the risk of mechanical failure, particularly engine-related, is a notable safety concern.
What are common problems for the 2017 KIA SOUL?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Kia Soul are overwhelmingly engine-related, accounting for 144 out of 259 complaints. These include sudden engine seizure, knocking sounds, excessive oil consumption, and loss of power. Other reported problems include transmission judder, airbag system malfunctions (subject to recall), and peeling paint.
Has the 2017 KIA SOUL been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Soul has been subject to one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000) concerning the AIR BAGS. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip, potentially preventing airbags from deploying as intended in a crash.
How does the 2017 KIA SOUL perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Kia Soul performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there any issues with the 2017 KIA SOUL's engine?
Yes, engine issues are the most significant concern for the 2017 Kia Soul, with 144 complaints specifically about the 'ENGINE' component. Common problems include sudden engine failure, knocking noises, excessive oil consumption, and the vehicle entering 'limp mode' or stalling, sometimes at high speeds. Some complaints mention diagnostic trouble code P1326 and issues with piston rings.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the high incidence of severe engine problems and ensure all recall repairs, especially for the airbags, have been completed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine health and oil consumption is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Kia Soul
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Kia Soul. The data includes 259 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 17 reported crashes, 12 fire incidents, 19 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.