TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Soul powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Kia Soul have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Soul | 13 |
| 2014 Soul | 53 |
| 2015 Soul | 59 |
| 2016 Soul | 61 |
| 2017 Soul (this page) | 19 |
| 2018 Soul | 30 |
| 2019 Soul | 5 |
| 2020 Soul | 87 |
| 2021 Soul | 21 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - 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 replace Dual Clutch Assembly and upgrade the TCU on some 2016-2020MY Kia vehicles listed in the table below, equipped with the 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which might exhibit clutch judder when accelerating from a stop.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace Dual Clutch Assembly and upgrade the TCU on some 2016-2020MY Kia vehicles listed on the table below, equipped with the 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which might exhibit clutch judder when accelerating from a stop. If the vehicle body vibrates without the steering wheel shuddering when performing creep driving test (driving the vehicle up to 3mph), the vehicle is exhibiting clutch judder. The creep test can be conducted by driving at a speed slower than 5 mph after releasing the brake.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Kia Soul report a cluster of powertrain failures centering on internal engine damage. The most common pattern is excessive oil burn—up to 4 quarts per 1,000 miles—followed by rod knock or bearing failure. Failures occur between 75,000 and 94,000 miles, often without adequate warning. Oil pressure lights come on late, and knock sensors fail to detect the problem; when owners do reach the dealer, they face $6,600 to $9,000 engine replacement bills out of warranty. Second-owner buyers are denied coverage under Kia's powertrain warranty despite the recurring nature of the defect. One owner notes a prior recall (19V120000 for 2012–2016 models with 1.6 GDI engine) that does not cover the 2017 model year. Separately, transmission juddering at startup and during deceleration, catastrophic fuel pump failure causing mid-traffic shutdown, and excessive smoke with burning smell have also been reported. No warning lights alerted owners before total engine seizure in several cases.
Same Kia Soul powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Catalytic converter failure / P0420 code
Check engine light triggered by catalytic converter defect, occurring at mileage where 2012–2016 models with 1.6 GDI were affected. Recall 19V120000 (NHTSA) / SC 176 (Kia) covers 2012–2016 but not 2017 model. Owner alleges this is a recurring defect pattern and safety issue, as overheating can lead to internal engine damage and catastrophic failure.
When: 87,659 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; P0420 code
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer determined defective catalytic converter; not covered under warranty due to mileage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V120000 (NHTSA) / SC 176 (Kia) dated 04/17/2019 covers 2012–2016 Kia Soul 1.6 GDI; 2017 model year was not included at time of recall
Engine misfire under load
Engine misfired during highway driving at moderate speed, causing violent shaking. Owner reports this happened with family on board, creating acute safety hazard (rear-end collision risk). Dealer recommended complete engine replacement.
When: Mileage not stated; occurred during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; Violent shaking; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $6,600 for new engine replacement; no warranty offered
Oil burn / low oil pressure leading to catastrophic engine failure
Multiple complaints of excessive oil consumption and low oil pressure events resulting in total engine failure. Owners report oil light came on, but warning system failed to activate until catastrophic internal damage (bearing failure, rod knock) occurred. Oil pressure sensor and knock detection both failed to warn of imminent engine failure. Failure occurs between 75,000–94,000 miles with ongoing consumption over 20,000-mile period.
When: 75,000–94,000 miles; ongoing over 20,000+ mile periods
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil burn (4 quarts per 1,000 miles); Low oil light illuminated but delayed; Engine stalling; Rod knock / bearing failure; Engine shut-down without warning; Loud knocking under hood; Engine piston ejection; Engine seizing
Codes mentioned: P1326
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report bearing replacement or complete engine replacement quoted at $6,600–$9,000; extended warranty expired in some cases; second-owner vehicles denied coverage under manufacturer powertrain warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage for second-owner vehicles and claims no VIN-specific issues; one owner reports two other Kia owners had motors replaced free of charge under different circumstances
Transmission juddering / jerking on acceleration and deceleration
Intermittent juddering felt from transmission during startup and abnormal shaking during deceleration-to-stop events. No warning lights illuminated. Two dealers diagnosed the vehicle and recommended transmission replacement but did not perform repairs. Failure is reproducible but unresolved.
When: 51,986 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission judder on startup; Abnormal shaking during deceleration; Jerking on acceleration; Whole vehicle shakes
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealers recommended transmission replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure but no action taken
Smoke / burning smell from engine
Vehicle produces smoke that fogs windshield when defroster is activated, accompanied by burning smell. Owner reports this is a daily occurrence on short commute. Owner mentions 2.0 engine variant and references reports of fires associated with this engine. Includes popping sound from engine.
When: Daily occurrence during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine; Burning smell; Windshield fogging when defroster activated; Popping sound from engine
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Engine shut down completely while traveling in traffic with loss of steering and braking assist. Kia dealer diagnosed high-pressure fuel pump failure and replaced the pump.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shut-down in traffic; Loss of steering assist; Loss of braking assist; Complete power loss
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced by Kia dealer
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My situation is happening everyday with my Kia soul 2017 it constantly smokes, if fogs up my whole windshield when I turn the defroster on it smells like it's burning it is very fearful I don't go far I only have a eight mile drive to work and I go through this everyday and night.my worries are valid I feel because I have the 2.0 engine and from what I've been reading this is the engine that has…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Kia Soul?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 51,986 and 82,509 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,986; a quarter make it past 82,509. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.