2021 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 77% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 Kia Soul
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2021 Kia Soul recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Soul. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Details 25V099000
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.
Fix: 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.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 21V259000
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.
Fix: 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.
2021 Kia Soul safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Corrosion: Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the horn assembly in certain 2020-2025 MY Soul…
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Kia Soul safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
232 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Kia Soul years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024
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