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Kia · Known Issues

2017 Kia Soul Problems: 6 Known Issues

2017 model year · 134+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2017 Kia Soul has 6 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works ($0-$3,000 repair), 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure ($300-$6,000 repair), Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering ($500-$1,500 repair), First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH ($0-$9,000 repair) and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV) with 134 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Soul Electrical3
  • Soul Transmission1
  • Soul Exterior1
  • Soul Drivetrain1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical3
  • Transmission1
  • Exterior1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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On the 2015-2019 Kia Soul Soul EV on-board charger (OBC) / high-voltage junction box, the Soul EV's on-board charger converts AC from a wall outlet or Level 2 EVSE into DC for the pack; DC fast charging over CHAdeMO bypasses it entirely. That produces the diagnostic signature owners keep reporting across a decade of the model's life: the car refuses to charge on both the Level 1 cord and the Level 2 station, throws a charging fault, and yet fast-charges normally. Some cars announce it first with repeated clicking from under the hood and blinking charge-port lamps for weeks or months before the unit dies outright. Failures cluster in cold climates and were still occurring on 2018 builds, four years after launch, so this is a design-life problem rather than an early-production defect. One frequent false alarm is worth knowing: a blown 40A fuse in the high-voltage junction box mimics OBC failure exactly and costs almost nothing to fix.

Common Symptoms

  • Will not charge on Level 1 or Level 2, but DC fast charging works
  • Charging fault message on the cluster
  • Repeated clicking noise from under the hood when plugged in
  • Charge port indicator lamps blink then charging aborts

How to Fix

Before condemning the charger, have the 40A fuse in the high-voltage junction box checked — it produces identical symptoms. If the OBC itself has failed it is replaced as an assembly; it is covered under the EV component warranty, but plan for a long parts wait (owners report one to two months) and arrange DC fast charging in the meantime, since the car remains drivable and CHAdeMO-chargeable. Do not attempt DIY work in the HV bay without proper isolation training.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2015-2017 Kia Soul 27 kWh SK Innovation lithium-ion pack, the 27 kWh SK Innovation pouch cells used in the first-generation Soul EV degrade far faster than the industry norm, and — critically — the loss is not linear. Owners tracking state of health with OBD tools report long plateaus followed by cliff-like drops; one documented case lost 15 percentage points of SOH in three months over roughly 4,000 miles. The practical result is a car that quietly stops being usable for its original commute: indicated range falls well below the 93-mile EPA figure, the guess-o-meter becomes erratic, and DC fast-charge sessions taper early. Because Kia's capacity warranty triggers at below 70% SOH, the shape of this degradation curve matters — cars sitting at 72-75% can drop under the threshold quickly, and owners near the end of the warranty term should be measuring, not guessing.

Common Symptoms

  • Usable range far below the original EPA rating
  • Sudden step-drops in indicated state of health
  • Range estimate fluctuates widely between charges
  • Charging tapers early / pack will not take a full charge

How to Fix

Log actual SOH with an OBD-II dongle and a Soul EV-aware app (Soul Spy / Torque with EV PIDs) and keep dated screenshots. If SOH is below 70% while inside the 10yr/100k HV battery warranty, request a warranty pack replacement — Kia replaces the cells while reusing the case, BMS, and harness, and replacement packs have shipped with later-MY cells that hold up better. Out of warranty, third-party EV battery specialists can replace individual failed modules for far less than a full pack. Slow degradation by charging to 80% for daily use and avoiding repeated DC fast charges in hot weather.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $9,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2015-2019 Kia Soul 81.4 kW electric motor, E400 high-voltage battery pack, kia recalled approximately 2,689 Soul EVs because an internal short circuit can develop between the anode and cathode inside cells of the E400 high-voltage battery pack, and that short can start a fire while the vehicle is being driven. Kia attributes it to abnormally excessive precipitate forming inside the cells; three thermal incidents were reported. The population is unusual and easy to miss: it covers 2018-2019 Soul EVs built 7/3/2017 through 9/28/2018 with the factory E400 pack, AND 2015-2017 Soul EVs that had their original pack replaced under warranty with an E400 unit — so a first-generation car that already got a 'good' battery can be the affected one. Warning signs owners see before anything dramatic are charging that never completes, range that fluctuates or drops, and the EV warning lamp.

Common Symptoms

  • Charging never completes / stops short of full
  • Range drops or fluctuates unpredictably
  • EV system warning light illuminated
  • Reduced power / limp-home mode
  • Burning or chemical odor from under the vehicle

How to Fix

Have the dealer install the recall software free of charge. The software monitors for abnormal cell voltage; if it detects the pre-short condition it lights the EV warning lamp, caps charging at 80%, and puts the car in limp-home mode, at which point Kia replaces the entire high-voltage battery assembly at no cost. Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall page — cars with warranty-replacement packs are frequently unaware they are included. Until the software is installed, avoid charging to 100% and do not park in an attached garage overnight after a full charge.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 1.6L Gamma T-GDI (Turbo), souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis is a creep-driving test: if the body vibrates without steering-wheel shudder, it is clutch judder. TSB TRA083 first applies a TCU anti-judder logic update, then replaces the dual-clutch assembly if hardware is glazed/worn.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder/judder accelerating from a stop
  • Harsh or delayed shifting
  • Hesitation and slipping in traffic
  • Morning shudder after rain

How to Fix

Kia creep-test diagnosis; first step is a TCU/software anti-judder logic update via KDS, then dual-clutch assembly replacement per TSB TRA083 if judder persists.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $6,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2014-2020 Kia Soul, the optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without finding a safety-related defect, citing possible road-debris contribution. A long-running class action alleged a manufacturing/tempering defect; after roughly a decade it was ultimately dismissed in Kia's favor.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte

Common Symptoms

  • Loud bang/pop from roof
  • Sunroof glass shatters into small pieces
  • Occurs without impact, often at speed
  • Glass falls into cabin

How to Fix

No recall; sunroof glass is replaced out of pocket or via insurance/goodwill. Aftermarket ceramic film is sometimes applied to help contain fragments if it shatters again.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
134 owners

On the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric, the Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has replaced drive motors under warranty for some owners.

This issue also affects: Kia Niro, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70

Common Symptoms

  • Whining noise from front of vehicle at low speeds
  • Grinding sound during acceleration
  • Noise increases with speed but masked by road noise above 30 mph
  • Vibration felt through floor

How to Fix

Have dealer inspect electric drive motor bearings. If worn, the drive motor assembly is replaced under powertrain warranty. Aftermarket repair involves pressing new bearings into the motor housing ($400-800 at an EV specialist). OEM motor replacement is $2,000-4,000 if out of warranty.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave the dealer document the noise on the work order even if not yet severe enough for replacement. This creates a warranty claim trail if it worsens
Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

Research This Issue

Based on 134 owner reports

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerified134 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

Campaign #21V25900013/04/2021

AIR BAGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Campaign #22V03100025/01/2022

ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

Campaign #19V120000
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Other Kia Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2017 Kia Soul has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works, 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure, Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2017 Kia Soul has 6 known issues documented across 134+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works and 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering and First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works, typically costs $0-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works?

The Soul EV's on-board charger converts AC from a wall outlet or Level 2 EVSE into DC for the pack; DC fast charging over CHAdeMO bypasses it entirely. That produces the diagnostic signature owners keep reporting across a decade of the model's life: the car refuses to charge on b… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 134+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

22/02/2019

STEERING

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

Campaign #17V60800029/09/2017

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2017 Kia Soul First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH?

The 27 kWh SK Innovation pouch cells used in the first-generation Soul EV degrade far faster than the industry norm, and — critically — the loss is not linear. Owners tracking state of health with OBD tools report long plateaus followed by cliff-like drops; one documented case lo… Repairs typically run $0-$9,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV)?

Kia recalled approximately 2,689 Soul EVs because an internal short circuit can develop between the anode and cathode inside cells of the E400 high-voltage battery pack, and that short can start a fire while the vehicle is being driven. Kia attributes it to abnormally excessive p… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.