2021 Kia Soul
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 235
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
58% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 235 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
58% · 136 reportsShow complaint excerpts
We were going south on [XXX] about 25 mph intending to make a left turn onto [XXX] My wife said âslow down or you wonât make the turnâ to which I replied âI am trying but it wonât slow downâ As I applied the brakes to slow down to...
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-19
Also filed under Service brakes
Engine and engine cooling
20% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing crank/camshaft position sensor.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine oil warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
Power train
11% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
In April 2023 I purchased a 2021 Kia Soul. I had no issues at all with my Used Kia Soul. In Nov 2023 I was in an accident. I hit a deer and that did cause damage. My insurance company fixed it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-08
Electrical system
6% · 15 reportsService brakes
4% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was going to get my mail attempting to park where I always park. I hit the brake and the car sped up and hit two mailboxes. I couldn't get it to stop. I do not know how fast it was going when I hit the…
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-11
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2021-06-11Engine21V259000 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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021.
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R
2025-04-04Engine and engine cooling25V099000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025.
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I
2025-08-06Audit queryClosed 2025-12-18 Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 136 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 26 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V259000 · Engine
- Recall 25V099000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Kia Soul is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.