2017 Kia Soul: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Engine complaints remain significant and the GDI fire/seizure recall and settlement apply; budget-friendly but confirm the recall work was completed. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Kia Soul ranged from $16,100 to $22,800 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Engine complaints remain significant and the GDI fire/seizure recall and settlement apply; budget-friendly but confirm the recall work was completed.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
Known issues
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1.6L Gamma and 2.0L Nu GDI engine failure and fire risk: catalytic-converter overheating can damage pistons and connecting rods, leading to stalling, engine seizure or fire (recall SC176 on the 1.6L; the 2.0L is covered by the engine settlement). Excessive oil consumption is also widely reported.
widespread · 442 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Exterior-lighting and electrical complaints: headlight and daytime-running-light failures reported, heaviest on the 2014 model year.
occasional · 81 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/news/more-consumers-allege-recall-of-hyundai-tucs…
- asburyauto.comhttps://www.asburyauto.com/kia-soul-engine-recall
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Easy to drive with good visibility; comfortable around town.
- Affordable and practical, with a roomy boxy cabin and lots of cargo room for the size.
- Generous standard features and a long Kia powertrain warranty for the class.
Cons
- No all-wheel drive and only modest power from the base engine.
- Coarse and noisy at highway speeds.
- GDI engine failure and fire-risk recall history (1.6L and 2.0L) is the defining concern for this generation; confirm recall completion and engine health.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $16,100 | discontinued | — | — |
| + | $19,800 | discontinued | — | — |
| Turbo | $22,800 | discontinued | — | — |
| ! | $22,800 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-kia-soul-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($16,100). Higher trims started higher (up to $22,800), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-soul-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2017 Kia Soul have?
Documented issue patterns include: 1.6L Gamma and 2.0L Nu GDI engine failure and fire risk: catalytic-converter overheating can damage pistons and connecting rods, leading to stalling, engine seizure or fire (recall SC176 on the 1.6L; the 2.0L is covered by the engine settlement). Excessive oil consumption is also widely reported; Exterior-lighting and electrical complaints: headlight and daytime-running-light failures reported, heaviest on the 2014 model year. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2017 Kia Soul reliable?
Engine complaints remain significant and the GDI fire/seizure recall and settlement apply; budget-friendly but confirm the recall work was completed.
How much did the 2017 Kia Soul cost new?
Between $16,100 and $22,800 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Soul expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.