2 recalls and 239 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Soul.
2
recalls
239
owner complaints
12
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2021 Kia Soul recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · reported February 17, 2025 · Kia America, Inc. · 137,256 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The risk
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 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
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · reported April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 147,249 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Engine139
Engine and engine cooling47
Unknown or other27
Power train26
Electrical system15
Fuel/propulsion system10
Service brakes10
Steering9
Exterior lighting6
Visibility/wiper6
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 25, 2026 · Engine
I bought my car brand new. 5 years later, im driving and come to a stop and stall. Crank up, drive and come.to a stop and stall again. I took to dealership twice and another shop for second review. Shop said I should be covered under the oil piston recall, but need to find out. Dealership at first only.told.me I just…
Oct 15, 2026 · Engine
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…
Oct 11, 2026 · Engine
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…
Oct 6, 2026 · Engine
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
Oct 3, 2026 · Engine
Was driving engine jumped time and stalled out doing 45. Vehicle only has 63499 miles on it. Had it towed to dealership. The vehicle passed the original piston oil ring recall test in 2025 and 15,000 miles later is needing a new engine due to the ineffectiveness of Kia recall.
Across all years, the 2014 Soul has the most complaints (903). All Kia Soul years →
Questions
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul, the most recent reported on February 17, 2025 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 239 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (139 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (47).
How many 2021 Kia Soul complaints mention a crash or fire?
12 of 239 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.