2021 Kia Soul problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 233 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Soul, filed between 2020-10-28 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the engine (133, 57%), engine and engine cooling (47, 20%) and power train (26, 11%). Owners reported 12 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Kia Soul complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 133 | 57% | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 47 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 26 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 26 | 11% | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 4% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Steering | 9 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2% | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Structure | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 133 complaints
- 133 complaints of 233 (57%) name the engine.
- 13 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Kia Soul; the latest, campaign 25V099000, says: “The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.”
Engine and engine cooling: 47 complaints
- 47 complaints of 233 (20%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Kia Soul; the latest, campaign 25V099000, says: “The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.”
Power train: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 233 (11%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Soul covers this system.
Electrical system: 15 complaints
- 15 complaints of 233 (6%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 6 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Soul covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 233 (4%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 8 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Soul covers this system.
Service brakes: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 233 (4%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 3 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 6 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Kia Soul covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 92 |
| 2026 | 72 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SOUL, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Kia Soul recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Kia Soul's most common problem areas are the engine (133 of 233 complaints), engine and engine cooling (47 of 233 complaints) and power train (26 of 233 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA has 233 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Soul, including 12 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Soul's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.