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, Jan 30, 2023
On or approximately January 6, 2023 my 2021 Kia Soul with ISG technology began to display Check Engine Light. Took to AutoZone where they hooked to analyzer and came up with P0017 code. Notified local Kia dealership (Galeana in Columbia, SC) and was told could not get appointment until 01/24. Told if engine light no blinking could continue driving. No overt issues when driving at that time. Reset light by disconnecting negative battery terminal but immediately reappeared. On 01/19/23, engine began cutting out and running rough, turning off when brake applied. Was able to crawl home. Had towed into local dealership. Now told my "engine is bad" and that it has been escalated to "tech case" with KIA central. All maintenance up to date and no current recalls active. Noted that case very similar to those for which class action lawsuit was filed. This could have caused a real issue in traffic with it stalling at lights and ultimately stopping.
Engine, Jan 12, 2023
On 12/29/2022, the check engine light came while driving to work on my 2021 Kia (25k miles). I called the dealership right away and made an appointment for inspection the next day. At lunch time the same day, I got into my car and went through a local drive thru. On the way back, the vehicle stalled out WHILE driving. It stalled out repeatedly driving the 3 blocks to my office. Knowing the vehicle was unsafe, I had it towed to the dealership. The dealership has had my vehicle for two weeks. Changing all the emission parts, and tried to tell me I had no oil in the car (regular maintenance through them is up to date). Now they keep telling me, they are waiting for the Kia hotline to contact them. I do know this, the car was burning excessive oil. Parts of the engine were gunked up from this. Engine started stalling out. It's the exact description of the recalled 2021 Kia problems, yet they claim not mine it was not part of the recall. These engines are dangerous. Kia is doing NOTHING to resolve the issue.
Engine, Jan 7, 2023
On 12/28 at approximately 5:00 pm my vehicle shut off 2 times within a span of 30 minutes while I was driving it. It happened on approach to a highway. It was NOT the Stop-Start System. My car was moving while it happened. My car lost all power, and every warning indicator flashed in my dash and I even lost my power steering. I took my car to KIA and they categorized this as my car “stalling”, but I wouldn’t say that is accurate. My car’s computer seems to have malfunctioned or was hacked. Indeed KIA’s repair document shows that they performed a software update on my car to solve this. My car’s engine was certainly malfunctioning while driving on 12/28 after both events of losing all power to my car. It sounded like my engine was in the wrong gear after these events. I didn’t drive my car after that episode and KIA refused to tell me what was wrong after they “repaired it” and performed a software update. This article yesterday about KIA/other auto’s breached is unnerving. I don’t feel safe driving the car and wish I had the ability to cut off KIA’s API to my car while driving. They should only be allowed to perform software updates or access the car’s computer remotely while the car is stationary and the driver should be alerted that KIA or a third party is accessing the car’s computer and/or engine, etc. I just want to make sure if I get in a serious accident that this is on record. https://www.cyberscoop.com/car-hackers-vulnerabilities-research/
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 5, 2023, crash
While crossing an intersection a Jeep Gladiator ran a red light causing my vehicle to hit it broad side. Front and side airbags did not deploy. The frontend was damaged is buckled, hood about 6", fenders crushed and the grill was destroyed. Driver's door wouldn't open. The seatbelt didn't restrain my wife enogh to keep her from hitting the steering wheel. This caused bruises on her leg , abdomen and chest areas.
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2022
Horn fails to operate. 2nd time for this car. 1st time was repaired by dealer as warranty. Now failed again. Car only has 14000 miles on it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 21, 2022
The engine is consuming increasingly high amounts of oil with no leaks, far surpassing the one quart per 1000 miles. Oil pressure lamp has illuminated on 1-2 occasions, only briefly, and shortly before I took it to the dealership. Unusual noises coming from the engine while accelerating and also after I stop. I had my oil changed 1 week ago, unusual noises have not improved. Currently awaiting inspection at the dealership for manufacturer warranty coverage for repair of this issue, but seems to have all the earmarks and the production date (9/20) that line up with the piston ring recall, though they say my vehicle is not covered by the recall.
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
I believe my specific vehicle should also be assigned the recall no. 21v259000. My vehicle experienced engine stall, loss of power and leaking oil onto hit components which could have resulted in fire. I was stalled and in traffic and could also have been in hit by another vehicle. The engine is now having to be replaced at the dealership. I am told my car is not part of the above mentioned recall even though the motor in my vehicle matches the motor on the recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 21, 2022
When exiting the highway, I pushed on brake to slow down and car accelerated at fast speed and had to use emergency brake.
Engine, Jul 9, 2022
good day my kia soul consumes excessive oil. I have noticed it since the last three oil changes and when you turn it on you can hear a slight knocking in the engine. I took it to the dealer but they demand a deposit of 300 dollars to check it and they do not guarantee original parts. I think it is unfair that they demand three hundred dollars to check it when my kia soul has 25,600 miles and has a guarantee and I demand that my guarantee be honored and my safety be guaranteed. thanks for your attention
Engine, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2022, fire
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 garage. The car was charred and the Chrysler 300 parked next to it was also damaged but recognizable. The Kia had been unused for 24 hours plus. Both the auto and home owners insurance companies are investigating the Kia as the source at a salvage company in Lumberton, NC.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2022
After stopping on a grade and after the engine shuts off, and you take your foot off the accelerator pedal to move forward, there is a lengthy pause (sometimes) before the engine restarts and proceeds forward. If there is a vehicle behind you it can be unnerving and if they are real close it could cause an accident. I had the dealer check it and they could not find any service bulletins on that issue. This has happened on multiple occasions.
Air bags, Jun 9, 2022, crash
Airbags didn't deploy with hard frontal contact. Vehicle is being held by insurance company so it can be looked at. Vehicle has been inspected by insurance company as total loss. Front end is destroyed and frame is bent.
Engine, May 23, 2022
I was driving into work and when I got off the expressway my car started rattling loudly. I finished my drive into work and parked the car. I asked a co worker to see if he could see if my muffler was still connected and he mentioned that the noise was coming from my engine. The two weeks previous to this my car would shut off if I slowed down or was pulling into a parking space. I just thought it was my auto shut off when the engine was on low idle.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 21, 2022
I am very concern with the 2021 KIA Soul that I drive presently. The vehicle is in my son’s name; however, I pay the monthly payments and I am the primary driver for this automobile; this is also listed on my insurance policy as well. I have been experiencing some dangerous mechanical conditions with the car. Please find a copy of my uploaded document summary. I have an appointment tomorrow, Tuesday, on March 22, 2022.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. The dealer replaced the piston rings; however, the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software was not updated as it was not available during the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and she was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the next day. A warning message illuminated, indicating that the Auto Collision was about to be deactivated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the next availability was in April. The contact also called several unknown dealers who advised that the next availability was in April or May. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the completion of the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,100. Parts distribution disconnect. Kia’s lack of ability/failure to address and fix the vehicle’s recall in a timely manner.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021, crash, fire
My daughter was driving her 2021 KIA Soul S and a Chevy Silverado suddenly pulled in front of her. The crash report says impact was at 50 mph. My daughter survived the crash; however, the vehicle immediately caught on fire and flames entered the cabin from what was left of the engine compartment. Her airbag inflated, but did not deflate. She punched the airbag to make enough room for her to try and exit the vehicle, but her driver's door would not open using the handle even after manually unlocking the door. Only after repeated Black Belt level martial arts' kicks and elbow thrusts did the door open and my daughter was able to exit before the car was consumed by flames. A police report and picture will be sent. Please investigate - no one should have to suffer fate of burning to death.
Power train, Nov 27, 2021
The vehicle started loosing power. the engine would rev up but the car wouldn't go. the car had to be towed to the dealership because the vehicle would not engage into drive or reverse. the dealership is replacing the transmission. It is the IVT transmission
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2021, crash
The Plastic Ignition Switch for my vehicle is an invitation to steal my car. Which is exactly what happened. I could have been harmed had I seen this happening. Many people on the streets of Milwaukee could have been harmed as well, because my stolen vehicle ended up in a Police car chase and caused almost $9,000 worth of damage. Kia knows this is happening to their customers. This component have been inspected by the police and insurance company. Their was no warnings of this known problem with the ignition. I would not have bought that problem. I wasn't aware of this until my car was stolen. This is not fair and something should be done. People could die because so many of these Kia car thefts end up in a Police Chase through the City. Also, I could have been hijacked or worse. This is not a safe car to be on the road.
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2021
I put my car in park, turned off my car, and it lit up with an alarm saying that my car was not in park. It doesn't happen every time but it has happened twice.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2021
Over the course of 24 hours car would not accelerate when depressing the pedal, although the engine was revving. This occurred 3 times at intersections when the car was stopped at a light. The car only has 3,500 miles on in it; it was purchased in April 2021. On the way to the dealer it was also bucking and stuttering. Very concerned about the safety of the car.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2021
Car was stolen using a known design flaw. Now both of my cars are in the shop because of this
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The engine failure message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in vehicle. Additionally, the contact was informed of an oil flow failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that soon after purchase of the vehicle, she discovered both low coolant and low oil levels upon inspection of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two separate occasions. On her second visit, the contact stated that the dealer informed her to bring the vehicle back in 1,000 miles to check both oil and coolant levels to monitor the issues. The contact called the dealer back the next day to inform them that the coolant level had already begun to run low. The contact also stated that the auto start feature failed to operate by stalling upon depression of the accelerator after coming to a complete stop, without warning. The dealer offered the contact a trade-in. The contact was placed in another vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact no longer owns the vehicle. The failure mileage was 2,416.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2021
My vehicle has stalled several times. I was speeding up to merge on the freeway, pressed my foot hard on the gas, it went slow and a lot of smoke came from the back of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership and was told that has nothing to do with the recall. I was there less than 30 minutes and feel like my issues were not taken seriously.