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: other or unspecified
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 5, 2021
TWO MAJOR ISSUES. I HAVE HEARD A VERY LOUD TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH STARTED ABOUT THREE DAYS AGO. BEFORE THEN THE CAR RAN SILENT. CAR IS IT APPROXIMATELY 8000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CLICKING STARTED GETTING LOUDER AND THEN THE CAR STALLED TWICE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING! ONE WAS ON A STREET GOING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR! THE OTHERWAS ON A SIDE STREET GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES AN HOUR. THE EC OH MODE WAS ON IN THE CAR. ALSO' WHEN YOU TURN ON THE HEATER FAN ON HIGH IT STARTED MAKING A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEALING SOUND. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW AS IT WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.