TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Soul engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Soul have filed 161 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 87,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
161
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Soul | 231 |
| 2014 Soul | 458 |
| 2015 Soul | 525 |
| 2016 Soul | 466 |
| 2017 Soul (this page) | 161 |
| 2018 Soul | 108 |
| 2019 Soul | 68 |
| 2020 Soul | 169 |
| 2021 Soul | 143 |
1crash
9fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 161 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 60% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 161 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2107Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (PI2107) titled “Nu 2.0L GDI - Knock Sensor Detection System ECU Logic Improvement”. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Kno
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2107) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2019 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU").
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: NU 2.OL GDI SULEV ECU EMISSIONS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC251) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Electronic Control Module (ECM) with an improved version on certain 2017-2019MY Soul (PS) vehicles equipped with the Nu 2.0L GDI SULEV engine, produced from July 29, 2016 through December 19, 2018. To ensure compliance with emissions regulations, apply the improved software update to the Engine system using the KDS ECU upgrade function as described in this bulletin
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Kia Soul accumulates complaints centered on premature engine failure across multiple failure modes. The most frequent is rod bearing failure: the engine suddenly knocks loudly, metal shavings appear in the oil, and the vehicle loses power on the highway or stalls completely. Oil pressure sensors light up at the moment of failure, or show no warning before collapse. Some owners find the oil dipstick bone-dry despite no external leak and recent oil changes; the engine burns oil internally through failed piston rings or valve seals, sometimes consuming a quart every 300 to 2,000 miles. Dealers acknowledge these failures are "widely reported" and "happen all the time," yet routinely deny warranty coverage by claiming owners failed to install a manufacturer software update (issued as a "product improvement campaign," not a recall) or by citing second-owner mileage exclusions.
Engine fires have been reported: vehicles catch flame under the hood during highway driving or immediately upon dealer restart, with one owner suffering severe burns. Complete engine seizure occurs without warning lights in many cases—the car simply stops on an interstate or highway exit, stranding families for hours. Catalytic converters fail secondary to oil consumption, adding thousands in repair costs. One 2017 Soul had two engine replacements within months, the second engine failing immediately. Kia has issued recalls for 2012–2016 model year Souls for identical engine defects but has excluded 2017+ models despite owners showing the same engine part numbers and failure patterns. Class action litigation is ongoing.
Same Kia Soul engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Rod Bearing Failure / Rod Knock
Connecting rod bearings fail prematurely, causing metal-on-metal contact inside the engine. Metal shavings appear in oil. Engine makes a characteristic knocking sound (rod knock) and may seize suddenly. Can occur with or without prior warning signs.
When: Typically 60,000–113,000 miles; often within first 2-3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or banging from engine; Metal shavings in oil; Oil pressure light flickering or coming on; Sluggish acceleration, loss of power; Engine stalling or shutting down without warning; Check engine light (often delayed or absent before failure)
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor), Multiple misfire codes, Low oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; costs reported $5,100–$13,000+. Some owners report metal shavings found during diagnostics; compression tests show failed cylinders at 80 PSI while others normal at 150 PSI. Aftermarket warranty programs often refuse to pay, citing manufacturer defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage citing 'product improvement campaign' (software update) rather than recall; claims owners must have installed software update to qualify for warranty. Dealers report this is a 'known issue' but refuse coverage. Class action lawsuits filed; recalls exist for 2012–2016 models but 2017+ excluded despite identical engine design.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Engine burns oil rapidly internally due to faulty piston rings or valve seals. Oil enters the combustion chamber, burning away between oil changes. No external leaks visible, but oil level drops sharply. Damages catalytic converter from oil buildup.
When: Can begin as early as 20,000–30,000 miles; worsens progressively over time
Symptoms owners cite: Oil light flickering or coming on (especially on sharp turns); Oil dipstick reads low despite recent changes; Engine knocking; Check engine light; Sluggish acceleration; Catalytic converter codes appearing
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter efficiency codes, Knock sensor codes, Misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test performed by dealers; owners report Kia claims consumption is 'within spec' despite burning 1 quart per 300–2,000 miles. Engine replacement $5,100–$7,800+. One owner reports burning 1+ quart every 1,000 miles after 40,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially deny issue, claim consumption is normal. Later, some agree to engine replacement under warranty if vehicle is within powertrain window (3 years/60,000 miles for second owners). California emissions warranty may apply but not always honored. No recall issued for 2017 model.
Sudden Engine Seizure / Loss of Power
Engine abruptly loses all power and stops, sometimes with no warning. Vehicle goes into limp mode or stalls completely on highway, creating immediate safety hazard.
When: Across wide mileage range: 20,000–130,000 miles; most commonly 70,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power suddenly while driving at highway speed; Engine goes into limp mode (reduced RPM limit, ~30–60 MPH max); Check engine light comes on (sometimes flashing); Engine stalls and will not restart; Oil light may come on just before or during failure
Codes mentioned: P0128, P0300 (multiple misfires), Knock sensor codes, Oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Often results in total engine loss requiring replacement. Tow trucks unable to reach during night hours or remote areas; some owners stranded for 3+ hours. One owner notes hazard lights died while waiting for tow.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealers acknowledge issue is 'widely reported' but deny warranty coverage citing software update requirement or second-owner status. One dealer admits 'these engines fail all the time.' No nationwide recall for 2017 model; owner recalls for 2012–2016.
Engine Fire
Engine catches fire, either while driving or immediately upon restart at dealership. Smoke visible from under hood or from exhaust. Can occur shortly after repairs or during normal operation.
When: 61,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: White or black smoke from under hood; Knocking or loud noise from engine; Check engine light comes on; Flames visible in engine bay; Smell of burning/hot odor
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles become total loss; no repair possible. One owner suffered severe burns (hair loss on arms, legs, head, face) retrieving cell phone. Fire department required to extinguish. One incident damaged highway signage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offers no assistance. Manufacturer notified but takes no responsibility. Vehicle destroyed.
Turbo / Exhaust System Failure (Welded Turbo)
Turbocharger becomes overheated and fuses/welds to the exhaust manifold, causing severe power loss and forcing vehicle into limp mode.
When: Approximately 65,000 miles on second trip; recurred within weeks after first repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; maximum speed drops to 30 MPH; Vehicle enters limp mode; No warning lights initially
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement turbo on back order; one owner waited 7 weeks for first repair, then experienced same failure within 65 miles of leaving dealership. Part shortages reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty; dealership completed repair. However, recurrence on second trip indicates design defect. CEO reportedly aware but no recall issued.
Catalytic Converter Failure / Detachment
Catalytic converter either overheats excessively, clogs from oil buildup, or physically detaches from exhaust system. Detachment can cause hot exhaust to scald engine firewall.
When: Various stages; often secondary to oil consumption or rod bearing failure
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for converter efficiency; Loss of power / deceleration; Stalling after converter clogs; Hot smell from exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0430 (catalyst system efficiency), Catalytic converter-related codes
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement costs $6,000+ in some cases. Often damaged as result of oil consumption (burning oil damages converter). One mechanic noted converter is damaged due to oil entering combustion chamber.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not typically covered; considered secondary failure resulting from engine defect. Owners left responsible.
Oil Leaks / Oil Filter / Sensor Issues
Engine loses large quantities of oil rapidly through loose oil filter, faulty oil pressure sensor, or dowel pin defect. Can leak entire quart+ in 30 minutes while parked.
When: Varies; one incident at 64,100 miles, another after routine oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Puddle of oil under vehicle; Oil level drops dramatically between services; Oil pressure sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Loose oil filter or failed sensor replaced; one mechanic notes risk of 'blowing engine within a few miles' if driven. TSB PS739 exists for 1.6L engines citing dowel pin defect causing oil leak; not covered under Kia warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB PS739 acknowledges dowel pin defect but repair not covered by manufacturer. Owners must pay out-of-pocket.
Check Engine Light / Limp Mode (Undiagnosed Root Cause)
Check engine light comes on and vehicle enters limp mode or runs poorly. Dealership unable or unwilling to identify actual cause; replaces spark plugs, coils, or other components without resolving underlying problem.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle limited to 30–60 MPH max speed (limp mode); Poor acceleration, hesitation; Rough running
Codes mentioned: Knock sensor codes, Misfire codes (P0300, etc.)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace spark plugs, coils, or oxygen sensors without diagnosing root cause. Problem recurs. One owner paid $1,200 for rental car while dealer investigated; refused to divulge actual problem, citing warranty concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships perform diagnostics but refuse to disclose actual failure mechanism to avoid repair obligations. Warranty denied citing missing oil change records or lack of software update completion.
Synthesized from 161 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
My Kias engine had been burning oil i learned at an oil change. I was informed the engine was burning a lot of oil and i had to replace it myself.. i then decided to do an oil consumption and engine test. Kia dealership checked my engine said it looked great but i was burning more than a quart of oil every thousand miles so i had to add it but that it was fine. 1.5 week later while i was…
The oil light flickers at idle.... weak oil pressure. Blowby issues. Oil consumption an usage excessive...only has 130.000 miles. taken consistent care of it on oil changes. Motor louder than normal. Ticking sounds an loud tacking. I think the engine going south. The date shows it to be 12/16 model.but the serial numbers show it to be 17/17 what's up with that.... I believe the engine was left…
My vehicle check engine came on and it went into limp mode, and I was unable to accelerate over 60mph on my trip from Greensboro, NC to Wilmington, NC. I drove the entire 200 miles in the right lane with my flashers on. To have it towed would have cost me over $600, so I decided to drive. This was the third time this has happened to this vehicle in the past 12 months and each time Coastal Kia…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine failure due to excessive pumping of engine oil. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated…
09/06/2024 my Kia soul engine broke down towed to a mechanic shop and determined it needed a new engine, due to a recall that was issued before my ownership of the vehicle. Kia declines doing the engine replacement under the 150,000 warranty, due to the recall never being taken care of. Spoke to the dealer I bought the vehicle from and at the time of purchase they had no record of a recall being…
When cranking my vehicle on monday evening, 12/14, approximately 40 degrees outside, I noticed a noise after initial startup that sounds like when you put a card or a soda can on the tire of your bike. The noise didn't continue so I drove it home, approximately 17 miles from where it was parked initially. I didn't hear it on the drive home, until I rolled down my window slightly as I came to a…
I was told the clicking sound in the engine was normal for my car. I brought it in 1 yr and 9 months later because mechanic said it is not normal. They diagnosed my car , said I needed a whole new engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine. Vehicle is currently at the dealership. No idea when we'll get it back, but we'd be more than willing for it to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Any time a car engine is at risk of dying or seizing, it's a risk. Has the problem been reproduced or…
While driving I hear a popping sound -- thinking that I rolled over something with my tire but that's not it then my car starts smoking in the front and my windshield gets fogged up I use the defroster to try to clear my window but the smoke keeps coming up from the front . This happens anytime driving, parking, highway, city streets or just sitting at a light and I park in the garage I don't…
No codes kicked but when I swerved to miss something in road oil light came on and went right back off got home checked oil it was 2 qt l0w I had just had the oil changed I added oil and same thing happened again shortly after the next oil change. Then on imy way home one night the engine blew!!! All this started at between 60 and 70 thousand miles engine blown at 112,000 miles. I had the engine…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 161 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 65 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 70,000 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 87,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 109,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.