MYRModel Year Report

2021 Kia Soul

● Typical for this model
2021 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2010: 135 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 514 complaints 2012 2013: 660 complaints 2014: 895 complaints 2014 2015: 896 complaints 2016: 802 complaints 2016 2017: 270 complaints 2018: 213 complaints 2018 2019: 135 complaints 2020: 372 complaints 2020 2021: 228 complaints 2021 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2025
2021: 228 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010135
2011193
2012514
2013660
2014895
2015896
2016802
2017270
2018213
2019135
2020372
2021228
202288
202349
202429
202512

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 57%

57% of complaints: engine — 129 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

We were going south on [XXX] about 25 mph intending to make a left turn onto [XXX] My wife said “slow down or you won’t make the turn” to which I replied “I am trying but it won’t slow down” As I applied the brakes to slow down to...

NHTSA ODI report, 20250219

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 47 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20260810

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, 20260805

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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 MAILBOXES

NHTSA ODI report, 20210111

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210611 — 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.

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

R 20250404 — engine and engine cooling

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

I 20250806 — AQ (closed 20251218)

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (129 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (47 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

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 57% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.