2021 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul. This model year has 200 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2021 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 200 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Soul
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Kia Soul β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2021 Kia Soul has 200 NHTSA owner complaints, 12 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (150 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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
The 2021 Kia Soul has 12 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 200 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia Soul. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Soul?βΎ
The 2021 Kia Soul has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.