2021 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 200 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Kia Soul trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Kia Soul has 200 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 200
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Kia Soul?
The 2021 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine performance and check for any known issues or service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine performance and check for any known issues or service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of reports. Transmission and electrical issues also appear as recurring themes, though the overall confidence in this data is low due to the limited sample size and single model year analyzed.
- Engine problems dominate complaints with 150 out of 200 total reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component with 24 complaints.
- There are 12 crash-related complaints, though no direct causation is established.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 150 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 24 | 1 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | 2 | 2 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 1 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 10 | 6 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 4 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 4 | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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 26005862 [XXX] [XXX] [XXβ¦
On [XXX], the check engine light illuminated. No other warning indicators activated β no low oil pressure warning, no low oil level warning, no driver alert of any kind regarding engine condition. On [XXX], at approximately 53,845 miles, the vehicle began running rough. I checkeβ¦
My 2021 Kia Soul experienced repeated overheating despite replacement of major cooling system components including the thermostat and water pump. The vehicle continued to overheat and was later diagnosed by a Kia dealership with engine damage requiring full engine replacement. Thβ¦
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 lightsβ¦
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 45mph
the engine is consuming a quart of oil per thousand miles.
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V099) on my 2021 Kia Soul that was marked as completed, but the defect was not properly repaired. On 3/17/26, I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership to have the recall addressed. The dealership performed only a softβ¦
Hi my vehicle was stolen and the police found the vehicle. The car was damaged part of the damages was a broken ignition. I am unable to fix the damages until I get paid from the kia classaction lawsuit. The car still starts and stays running. I have the key for the car but I havβ¦
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, whichβ¦
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving uphilβ¦
Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz de la engine, lo lleve a checar y saliΓ³ en la computadora que era un problema de Power Train system, que era secondary DTCs P1C28 Y P1C28000, lo busque en Google y salΓa que era un problema muy recurrente en Kias souls y sorentos. Que podrΓa cβ¦
I am writing to formally report a failure by Classic Kia of Streetsboro to provide the federally mandated safety remedy under Recall SC336 for my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ). I have reason to believe the dealership has bypassed the mandatory safety protocols by intentionally omitβ¦
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT: RECALL SC336 (CAMPAIGN 21V-301) NON-COMPLIANCE VIN: [XXX] I. PATTERN OF RECALL EVASION Vehicle (2021 Kia Soul) was towed to Classic Kia [XXX] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes P0014/P0017 (VVT/Timing failure). The dealership β¦
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle idled abnormally rough, and the engine was pulsing. The oil levβ¦
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The message that the engine was overheating warning was flashing on the instrument panel with an audible chime. The contact pulled over but wβ¦
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 sβ¦
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 "β¦
My car experienced engine stall, fire risk, and piston ring failure while returning from a family road trip. Myself, my son, [XXX] old, and [XXX] pup was left in a ditch on a very busy road as the car stalled while driving. My VIN is excluded, however car experienced exact sympβ¦
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (βmarbles in a canβ) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanβ¦
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward CollisionβAvoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brakβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Kia Soul.
2021 Kia Soul Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Soul. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 200 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (150 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (24 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (22 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Soul?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Soul?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 200 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Soul?βΎ
The 2021 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.