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
234 reports, newest first.
Engine, Mar 17, 2026
DEALER ADMISSION OF NON-COMPLIANCE: I am updating my complaint to document that Kia of Streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by Recall SC336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "Loss of Motive Power" (stalling in traffic) and "Abnormal Engine Noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March 17: "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else." The dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help." TECHNICAL VIOLATION: The dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB SC336, Step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a PASS result," the dealer MUST open a Techline Case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the Federal Recall Protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "Early Warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). SAFETY RISK: This is a documented Ineffective Remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "Consumer Affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and Techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.
Engine, Mar 17, 2026
My 2021 Kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in Recall SC336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("Loss of Motive Power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at Kia of Streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "Pass" result from the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software diagnostic. As the TSB SC336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "Pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a Kia Techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 16, 2026, crash
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
Steering, Engine, Mar 16, 2026
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of Problem Symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle Inspection The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning Lamps / Symptoms Clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional Notes The vehicle is a candidate for Kia engine piston/piston ring recall (SC209 / SC336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.
Engine, Mar 10, 2026
Vehicle consistently stalls at complete stops in traffic. After the engine stalls, it requires a manual restart to resume operation. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle becomes immobile at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership is refusing to perform the necessary diagnostic for the engine stalling issue under the Havis v. Kia Settlement/KSDS recall protocols, claiming maintenance gaps, despite the vehicle having 0 open campaigns and the KSDS software update previously installed. This stalling issue is a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation (Audit Query AQ23-001) for this specific model and engine.
Engine, Mar 6, 2026
Check engine light on due to catalytic converter, took it to Kia motors in Bakersfield, California due to recall let them know that there was a check engine light on after buying the vehicle and only having it for one month and I thought it was due to the recall, which was on oil, piston rings, the dealership stated I could give all my paperwork that I had in regards to that, and if the engine failed, they would take care of it. After the test for the recall was done the engine failed and then a few days later a new updated recall, came out where the engine had to be running hot for the test to be done and then my recall passed so nothing was ever fixed with my vehicle. I believe that the catalytic converter is bad due to oil running into or around the catalytic converter. I also believe due to the malfunction of the oil, piston rings being bad/malfunction or whatever the recall was on is a determination of why my check engine light is on stating it’s a catalytic converter I believe if I continue driving my vehicle in the condition that it’s in it eventually will catch fire due to the issue.
Engine, Mar 4, 2026
My 2021 Kia Soul is having the same piston issues leading to engine failure as other previously recalled Kia Soul vehicles but for some reason my VIN is not part of any recall. Now it has been determined there is heavy scoring in my engine and I will need a new engine. My car is only 5 years old and there should be no reason for such major engine damage. My car has stalled on me while driving and other very similar issues as described on previous recalls. How does NHTSA determine when a certain model/year of car needs to be part of a national recall?
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Feb 26, 2026
The entire car is dead from the engine to the key function completely dead. The car broke down 3 time in the middle of the street which could've caused a serious crash putting my safety and others at risk. The problem has been addressed to two different dealers and Kia corporate without resolution. I did make a police report about the mold infestation inside the car. I did now see any warnings prior to the complete reck. The cars been dead from the past 3 months. Both dealers are refusing and/or delaying any type of resolution in fact they gave me even more pressure. Causing me more anxiety than tranquility. Elevating my emotional health.
Engine, Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that nearby drivers assisted with pushing the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started; however, it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the engine seizing, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 3 to 4 quarts of oil needed to be added between oil changes. In addition, the contact stated that in 2021, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed, the excessive oil consumption started. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,200.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 18, 2026, crash
Description of Incident: On February 13, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) on Calvine Road in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 16, 2026
We are the 2nd owner of 2021 Kia Soul bought in July 2025. Took to a dealership for open recalls shortly after purchase. After supposedly passing the piston ring recall (NHTSA 21V259) for the next several months after it had severe oil consumption but other wise drove fine. Then immediately after our last oil change on Feb 13, 2026, less than 10 miles later the car stalled and was knocking badly. Towed to nearest dealership and after diagnostic was told engine needs replacing. Wants us to pay for it. The software update (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System or PNSS) installed during the recall visit did not fix the faulty piston rings and also failed to give any warning for the impending engine failure. We never had any check engine or oil pressure lights come on until this incident.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 13, 2026, crash
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed, rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency.
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2026
The transmission on the vehicle has gone bad twice since we purchased it used. The car has 34,400 miles on it. The problem puts the driver in an unsafe situation as the problem causes the car to lose power while at high speeds. The piston rings have also been replaced as part of the recall. Kia just keeps replacing these parts with more defective parts. I have videos if you want them.
Engine, Feb 5, 2026
I own a 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ). It is under Safety Recall SC209. The engine has failed TWICE due to this defect (stalling in traffic). The dealer (Ourisman Kia) and Manufacturer (Kia America) are refusing to provide a safe loaner vehicle while they inspect it, leaving a 100% disabled veteran stranded. I am reporting a failure to remedy a safety defect in a reasonable time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2026
Owner was driving home at the normal posted speed limit when the car stalled out. The check engine light was on along with the oil Light, the car cranked back up in time before owner was rear ended. No accident occurred but a close call. The vehicle made it about another 1 mile before stalling again this time losing all control in steering as well and was towed home.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. While depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was topping off the engine oil bi-weekly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) for which the VIN was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine, Jan 24, 2026
My Kia Soul had a recall for the Pistons to be replaced due to faulty pistons. Now they are saying my engine is needing replacement, even with regular scheduled oil changes being done. They said the top was full of sludge. The said it's not covered so I have to pay 6900 plus to get it replaced
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was running rough, and there was a significant amount of air and oil when the oil cap was opened. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that no repair was needed, and the recall was marked as completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was advised that there would be a charge for fuel sampling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was also associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Jan 22, 2026
vehicle is consuming over 2 quarts of oil in less than 1000 miles and it causing the oil light to come on and loss power.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle failed the inspection test for the recall. The contact was informed that the PNSS software was installed, and the check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine failure was caused by the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine, Jan 13, 2026
On 01/12/2026, I had my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) inspected by a technician at J&K Automotive after discovering a significant drop in oil. The technician found the engine oil dipstick completely dry. A review of service records shows the last oil change was on 09/18/2025 (Odometer: 20,862), meaning the engine consumed nearly its entire oil capacity in just 3,699 miles. The technician confirmed there are no external leaks and no dashboard warning lights (oil pressure or check engine) were illuminated prior to or during the inspection. This lack of warning creates a severe safety risk of sudden engine seizure and stalling at highway speeds. The billing summary noted that the Kia Soul with my engine had a potentially defective piton ring design. This failure is consistent with Recall 25V-099 (SC336) regarding defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing. I am reporting this to document that the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) failed to provide an early warning of this safety-related oil consumption. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence and then was towed to the dealer, who refused to repair the vehicle under recall because the vehicle had failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2026
Paint chipping and peeling in several places
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2025
Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Contact: Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] •Location: Hawaii Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2021 Kia Soul S •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 133,000 miles Recall Reference: •Verified NHTSA recall for VIN: [XXX] Kia Consumer Affairs Case Number: XXX ⸻ Complaint Description 1.I received a notification of an NHTSA safety recall for this vehicle. In February 2025, I responded to that notification by contacting Kia. My husband followed up in March 2025 with the dealer, but we did not receive any follow-up regarding inspection or repair. 2.On Tuesday, 12/16/2025, I contacted the dealership again; I was told someone from the service department (believed to be named Colton) would call me back. I have not yet received a callback. 3.Today, I visited the dealer in person. The service department did not document the symptoms reported in my Kia Consumer Affairs case #XXX. 4.The earliest the dealer can see the car is Friday at 9:30 a.m., despite confirming that the car is part of an active safety recall. 5.Current symptoms include: •Engine overheating •Excessive oil consumption (1 quart lost in days) •Check engine light illuminated •Blue smoke from the exhaust •Engine rattling / vibration •A/C inoperable 6.The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to these symptoms. 7.Kia Consumer Affairs, via Gina, stated: •The dealer does not have loaner vehicles available •If I rent a vehicle, Kia will only reimburse $43.19 per day, and I must go through a reimbursement process 8.Given the known safety concerns of the recall and the severity of current symptoms, the dealer must be responsible for providing a safe vehicle immediately while inspection and repairs are addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road as possible, and the vehicle was able to restart after an extended time. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that oil was added every two days to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the dealer deployed the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software on the vehicle; however, no further service was performed, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer should repair the vehicle; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had advised to deploy the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software and to only replace the engine if an abnormal sound was present. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.