VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Kia Soul sits mid-pack among Soul years: 297 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 291, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 57% of all reports (168 of 297), far ahead of transmission at 26. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

297

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine16857%
Transmission269%
Other248%
Electrical System155%
Fuel System114%
Driver Assistance103%
Brakes103%
Steering93%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Lighting52%
Suspension41%
Airbags41%
Body & Structure31%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2021 Kia Soul have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V099000EngineFebruary 17, 2025 · 137,256 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

21V259000EngineApril 13, 2021 · 147,249 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving and car started to lose power,the service engine light came on less than a minute before the boom.l tried to speed up and then there was a big boom and it was loud, so I went to the shoulder of the road and the car stalled ,I tried to restart the car and it just engulfed into flames.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2023 · fire

“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. I got my car back in Dec [XX], 2023 with approximately 96,000 miles on it. A few days later on my way to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2023 · crash

“On May 15, 2022 my house burned and all my belongings and the home were a total loss. The fire origination specialist brought in by my homeowners Insurance Company reported the back left of the garage was the origination spot and that my 2021 Kia Soul was parked face in on the left side of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 15, 2022 · fire

“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 turn, instead the car started to speed up and I could…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2024 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 21, 2020 · crash

2021 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?

It is close to typical for the Soul: 297 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (168 complaints), transmission (26 complaints), other (24 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.