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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 134 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 512 |
| 2013 | 657 |
| 2014 | 888 |
| 2015 | 891 |
| 2016 | 793 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 357 |
| 2021 | 220 |
| 2022 | 87 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
58% of complaints: engine — 127 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20250219
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 41 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20240208
7% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20250219
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 MAILBOXES
NHTSA ODI report, 20210111
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V259000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V099000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (127 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V259000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V099000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.