2021 Kia Soul recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul and 238 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (138), engine and engine cooling (47), unknown or other (26). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #7 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (376). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Kia Soul. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanical
Problem: 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.
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. 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
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
My kia's soul was part of a major safety recall for oil piston ring. The reason it's not showing on a recall list is because they claim to have fixed the issue. And it was removed. The issue is still persistent, and now the car has suffered catastrophic engine failure due to this recall issue. Kia corporate is refusing to rectify.
The car was constantly burning through large amounts of oil. One night I was driving and the car started slowing down and lost power completely. This put my safety at Risk because I was on the freeway and came to a complete stop. I brought the vehicle to the dealership and they said it would be 4k to fix and did not fix the recall.
Burning oil and piston failure in my 2021 Kia soul. But it’s not the 1 percent under recall. More than just the 1 percent
Safety ratings
2021 Kia Soul SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Kia Soul.
Soul
Auto (AM-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Soul
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Soul Eco dynamics
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul, most recently for engine and engine cooling · engine · hard parts internal/mechanical (02/17/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
Based on 238 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (138), engine and engine cooling (47), unknown or other (26).
Is the 2021 Kia Soul safe?
The 2021 Kia Soul earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Kia Soul?
The 2021 ranks #7 of 14 Soul model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (376). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Kia Soul range from 29 to 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Kia Soul in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SOUL, Soul.