2021 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 234 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalFeb 17, 2025
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.
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
Campaign 25V099000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineApr 13, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V259000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
180 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated causing the contact to depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled with the message “Auto STOP Off” and to shift to park to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light, battery failure, and low oil light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle remained with the dealer for a month and the contact was informed that the recall repair had been completed. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the recall repair was on hold. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Tempe Kia (8005 S Autoplex Loop, Tempe, AZ 85284); and the contact was informed that the first dealer had reported that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall even though the VIN tool indicated that the VIN was still under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,600. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
Engine overheating and leaking oil due to faulty piston ring, kia will only check the vehicle when its cold and claims its passes their tests. The car only acts up when runing for 30 mins or so
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the recall repair was denied by the dealer due to poor maintenance record. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired to his expectations. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the completion of the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the piston oil rings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that on three occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shuddering mildly and then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, May 21, 2025
In late 2024 my vehicle, a 2021 KIA SOUL, stalled 3 separate times as I was driving, one of which I was driving in traffic, going about 10 mph, about mid-December. There were no warning lights that came on. I made an appt. with a KIA Service Dept. for Jan. 2025 (earliest available) I did not drive the vehicle in the interim. The KIA Service Dept. said that the problem could be low oil pressure, and performed an oil change. In April of 2025 I received the safely recall for a piston oil ring defect in my vehicle. I promptly called "Ron Bouchard KIA" in Leominster, MA, and brought the vehicle there April 16. They performed their tests which my vehicle failed. They initially said a new engine is being ordered for my vehicle, and it could take 2 to 3 weeks. Now, after 5 weeks, It appears they may not replace my engine after all. (!?!?) They stated that KIA Corporate sent out a directive that these recalled vehicles be retested. My concern is a real safety concern, especially with the stalling in traffic, which is a real danger for all. My experience of stalling in traffic, is just as described in the safety recall itself, and I do not wish to drive a vehicle that may catch on fire some day!!!
Power train, Engine, May 20, 2025
Our 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure without warning. The engine suddenly lost power and became inoperable while driving. The dealership's diagnostic testing identified a camshaft sensor code, but no definitive cause for the catastrophic failure was provided. We believe the failure is related to internal engine damage potentially caused by defective piston oil rings, consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 25V099000. Kia has not conducted a full internal engine inspection to rule this out. The vehicle is in Kia's possession and is available for inspection upon request. The sudden engine failure occurred without warning and caused a complete loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. This could have led to a serious accident had the incident occurred in heavy traffic or on a high-speed roadway. The inability to accelerate or maintain control of the vehicle poses a serious safety risk to both the driver and others on the road. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Kia dealership. While they identified a camshaft sensor code, they did not perform a full inspection to determine the internal cause of the engine failure. They declined to attribute the issue to the known piston oil ring defect and refused to repair it under the recall. Instead they want to submit it to the TechLine for the power train warranty. We had to spend hours calling places and collecting information of all oil changes and maintenance on the vehicle over the last 4 years. We can show a CLEAR pattern of regular maintenance of the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership. No inspections have been conducted by the police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or performance issues prior to the engine failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained and had been operating normally up to the point of the incident.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 19, 2025
I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall service was performed at an authorized Kia dealership on May 12th, and I was informed that the engine passed the inspection and was operating properly. However, on [XXX] after the recall service was completed, I noticed oil deposits on my spark plugs. Upon removal and inspection, the spark plug tips (combustion side) show clear evidence of oil contamination, which suggests that oil is entering the combustion chamber—exactly the type of problem SC060 was meant to address. My car is definitely damaged, and my recall passed the inspection. That doesn't make sense. Kia Dutch Miller didn't give me proof of inspection of my car; they only gave me the invoice for the work done on the car. I have photo evidence of the oil-contaminated spark plugs, and I am concerned this may lead to increased engine wear, misfires, or even total engine failure. Please investigate whether recall SC060 is being resolved properly by dealerships, and whether additional remedies or extensions should be provided to affected owners like myself. My car hasn't been fixed yet. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of recall service: 41,365 Date of recall service: [05/12/2025] Location of dealership: Dutch Miller, South Charleston, WV Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 17, 2025
Hi, I had my car tested for recall SC336, and it initially failed, indicating the engine needed replacement. The dealership ordered a new engine from Kia. However, a few days later, they called to say that after retesting, the engine was fine and didn't require replacement. Now, I'm experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light shows code P0420, indicating a faulty catalytic converter. This issue is likely due to the car burning oil, clogging the converter, and pointing to a problem with the piston rings – the same issue covered under recall SC336. Given the recall's warning of potential engine stalling and fire risk, I'm extremely uncomfortable driving this car.
Engine and engine cooling, May 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, May 7, 2025
The engine is using too much oil
Engine, May 5, 2025
I was told that my engine failed the test for the recall for the incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings and that they would have to replace my engine. It has been turned in at the Shawnee-Mission KIA dealership since April 23rd and they said it would only take 2 weeks. I called again today at 5/5/2025 and now they are saying that repair is held indefinately and I have chemotherapy appointments that I have to show up for and they told me they do not loan cars out so I can have a means of transportation. I am given no specifics as to why this is happening. This is unacceptable.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that it was determined that the recall remedy test was substandard, and the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
On [XXX] Car stopped during traveling home on [XXX]. Had car towed to Stapleford Auto in St. Georges, Delaware. The mechanic found that the motor had seized. I Called KIA Customer Care and was advised to tow to the KIA dealer in Felton, Delaware. Dealer had the car from 2/26/25 and did not inspect the car until approximately 3/11/25. During the interim I discover a recall for model year 2021 due to faulty piston rings which was shown to cause engine seizures. When contacted by KIA dealer they claimed the problem was due to lack of Maintenace. I have documentation detailing the Maintenace of the car. I have contracted KIA customer care on several occasions stating that Maintenace was done and expected KIA live up to the recall notice. So far, no response. I contacted the Delaware Attorney General, and they told me to contact you folks. KIA Case#: [XXX] I appreciate any assistance in the manner. Thanks, [XXX] Email: [XXX] Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
Vehicle idles low and stalls. This has happened very often while at stop lights and in turning lanes almost causing an accident. Took to the dealership and was told it was because it’s a small engine. The engine sounds like it is low on oil even though oil levels are good. Have had oil consumption and was told it was “within range”. Back hatch will not open from outside and the lights above the license plate no longer work even though we have replaced bulbs and checked fuses. Despite taking the car to the dealership multiple times since purchase and letting them know the issues they continue to tell me there is nothing wrong with the car and have not fixed the issue.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
My car has been recalled for faulty piston oil rings which can lead to engine fires. I took my car to the Kia dealership on 4/14/25. It is still there and the engine replacement still has not been approved. I was told by the dealership that my car did fail the vibration test. I was told by a Kia technician at another location that since the vibration test failed that is an automatic approval for a new engine per Recall Flow Chart. The only time it should go through Kia Techline for assistance is if it passed the test and needs additional investigation. NOW, Kia Corporate is stating I need to provide oil change receipts. THIS IS IRRELEVANT. If I drive that car off the lot with the current engine and have my engine cleaned out to their satisfaction and then a week later my engine catches fire because they refused to replace the engine, that's a lawsuit whether I live or die in that scenario. Oil change receipts and maintenance records should play no part in this. I did buy my car used, but all the original parts are still inside. There have been no modifications. The dealership can attest to this. Bottom line is the Kia manufacturer owes me a new engine because this is a safety issue. I am attaching a copy of the Flowchart that was sent to me by the Kia tech at another location. There is no reason that this should not have already been approved and ordered for my vehicle 2 weeks later. I want this done and I need your help, please! I do not feel safe driving a car around that could at any time burst into flames.
Engine, Apr 25, 2025
Bought the car used with around 30k miles on it from a dealership. Since then have only needed to get 2 oil changes done. Engine stalled while driving one day and noticed weird noises coming from under the hood. Had the car towed to the Kia dealership on Mon. 4/14. Car has been sitting at the dealership waiting on the manufacturer to approve replacement of the engine due to the recall. It should not take this long to get an approval for a safety issue. They're asking me for oil change documentation which I supplied them. Secondly, I shouldn't have even had to do that. This is a RECALL, not a warranty issue. A recall should get approved as soon as the engine failed the test. It seems like I'm having to jump through hoops to get this done and its not right.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled and seized to function. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was able to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to an O’Reilly to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with failure in the solenoids, which the contact fixed herself. The check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the contact thought the sensor was faulty. The vehicle was taken to various independent mechanics to be diagnosed and was diagnosed with timing belt failure; however, the contact was informed to first get the vehicle repaired under the recall and then get the timing belt replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a multipoint inspection was performed. The contact was informed there was no fix for the vehicle presently. The vehicle was taken again to be diagnosed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with the cam shaft actuator and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was connected with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston oil rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer, and the vehicle remained at the dealer for several weeks awaiting a diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and was awaiting the inspection. The contact then towed the vehicle to a second dealer, and the vehicle was awaiting an inspection. The contact stated that the dealer requested documentation for oil change services performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, consuming 2 quarts of oil in a short time. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included; however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 14, 2025
I dropped off my 2021 Kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “The piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk.” My vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°F, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.
Engine, Apr 14, 2025
Engine failure I have had it inspected already by Koons Kia of Owings Mills and State Farm. My vehicle 2021 Kia Soul stalled while driving. I received a recall letter by mail from Kia on April 12, 2025 letter was dated for April 4, 2025. The oil light illuminated when the vehicle stalled on October 21, 2024. The recall issue has still not been resolved.