How the 2021 compares
One of the better Soul years
Owners filed about 46% fewer complaints than a typical Soul year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 72,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Soul years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Soul. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (189, 78% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 8th of 13 Soul years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 2 recalls.
Complaints243filed with NHTSA
Recalls2for this model year
Crashes125 injuries reported
Fires3reported in complaints
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 Kia Soul before you buy.
Engine and cooling
189 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped at a red light, the engine seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 66,000 miles
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Kia Recall SC336, Excessive Oil Consumption, and Engine Knocking I am filing this complaint against Valley Kia regarding its handling of Recall SC336 on my 2021 Kia Soul S. I was informed by Valley Kia that the recall repair was completed in May 2025. However, on September 17, 2026, I returned the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
took to kia of jackson for recall sc209a they said they would not do recall because i was a dealer ,called customer service and they said do to the fact that i was a dealer it would not be covered kia of jackson [XXX] kia customer service case [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The car rpm fluctuated from 1000 to 5000 rpm while in cruise control going 65 mph. At a stop, thr transmission took 30 seconds to engage to low speed. The car was stuttering and bucking at 10mph to 45mphOwner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
15 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz de la engine, lo lleve a checar y salió en la computadora que era un problema de Power Train system, que era secondary DTCs P1C28 Y P1C28000, lo busque en Google y salía que era un problema muy recurrente en Kias souls y sorentos. Que podría causar incendiosOwner complaint, filed 2026
Fuel system
11 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My car has never had the gas mileage that is advertised; it’s always been about 3-4 mpg less than the 28 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Recently, I had multiple engine system failures with the plug-in check devices at places like AutoZone saying my ignition coils were misfiring, and after bringing it to the dealership twice for about 1.5…Owner complaint, filed 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
11 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Nothing happened - YET. I'm reporting a manufacturing error. Refer to my upload. I wouldn't be suprised that this defect has been the root cause of some accidents though.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Manufacturer defect: Massive paint delamination/adhesion failure on the roof. Large sheets of paint are flaking off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a debris hazard for following drivers and distracting the operator. The failure has exposed the bare metal structure, which may lead to premature rusting.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
10 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving, slowing down for a stop light. Put the brakes on, they did not work. Push the all the way to the floor. Hit the vehicle in front of me. Luckily going slow between lightsOwner complaint, filed 2025
At my last six month servicing the service person neglected to notice my annual inspection was due. He did, however, tell me my brake pads needed replacing. I asked how that was possible since the car had less than 10,000 miles on it. He went to check with the manager after which he came back and said my brakes were fine. I got a ticket…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Steering
9 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 5,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
I purchased vehicle in Nov 2025 from Autonation. It drove well for awhile, but once I drove steadily for several miles, the steering wheel started drifting back and forth, rather like it was driving itself. I was in on the 2025 recall for the piston issue, and failed the first test; apparently passed Kia's "new test". While at the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on and off, there was a knocking sound coming from the dashboard. After pulling into a parking lot, a red exclamation point illuminated the instrument panel, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to coast out of the way by driving forward.…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 53,000 miles
Driver assist systems
6 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving 75 MPH speed limit on I-19 (4 lane divided) northbound near green valley az. Dry clear. Is new car with 400 miles on it and I was using the lane keeping assistance hands free. Clearly visible painted lane lines. Worked fine until lane markings diverged at slight curve and at off ramp. The car drove directly into/onto the "v"…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 400 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspension
5 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Turned my wheel to pull out of a parking spot. I heard a grinding noise as I moved forward and then lost the ability to steer my car. I was able to get my car off the street and upon inspection found my left front tie rod had snapped in half.Owner complaint, filed 2023
My vehicle at three months had transmission failure like many 2021 Kia souls after the repair I began to experience, mini electrical issues and steering issues which are very common for this model year. Most recently I have taken it in for electrical issues. My rear brake lights are not working the fuses burn and the wiring has burned.…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
4 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I had a crash that severely impacted the front end of this vehicle and the airbags did not deploy. I have minor injuries.Owner complaint, filed 2023
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.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Body, doors and structure
3 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
My car 2021 Kia Soul S, with 28, 000 miles has a water leak issue in the passanger side. The water accumulates on the floor causing mold issues so severe that it has infected the back seat. There is too much condensantion inside the car. I cannot drive the car because i am allerguc to mold, it is hazardous to my health. Please help. I…Owner complaint, filed 2023
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Wheels and tires
2 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle keeps pulling. Vehicle pulled to the right. Performed a steering angle relearned, and wheel alignment. Cross rotated tires and now the vehicle pulls to the left. Told nothing else can be done at this time. Car is constantly. Fighting itself with steering assist.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 631 miles
Kia Soul complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 small SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Soul | One of the better years | 2 |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | About average | 1 |
| 2021 Honda HR-V | One of the better years | 4 |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | One of the better years | 0 |
2021 Kia Soul recalls
This is every recall issued for the 2021 Kia Soul, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.
Engine and cooling Hard parts internal / mechanical
- Risk
- Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2021 Kia Soul questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Soul are the engine and cooling (189 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (26 complaints) and the electrical system (15 complaints).
Is the 2021 Kia Soul a good year to buy?
One of the better Soul years. Owners filed about 46% fewer complaints than a typical Soul year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 72,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Soul years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul. The most recent, from Feb 2025, covers the hard parts internal / mechanical. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Soul problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 72,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 8,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Kia Soul years should I avoid?
The Soul years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2021 Kia Soul?
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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model