2017 Kia Soul power train problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2017 Kia Soul — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 13, 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…”
filed May 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 2 | 7% |
| 2023 Soul | 4 | 8% |
| 2022 Soul | 12 | 14% |
| 2021 Soul | 26 | 12% |
| 2020 Soul | 88 | 24% |
| 2019 Soul | 5 | 4% |
| 2018 Soul | 31 | 15% |
| 2016 Soul | 61 | 8% |
| 2015 Soul | 60 | 7% |
| 2014 Soul | 56 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 14 | 2% |
| 2012 Soul | 21 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.