Worst 2021 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Engine & Cooling
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Soul.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 111 | 1 | 1 | 47,329 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 35 | — | — | 69,823 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 22 | 1 | — | 28,575 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | 1 | — | 22,404 mi | |
| Brakes | 10 | 6 | — | 6,005 mi | |
| Fuel System | 9 | 1 | — | 4,005 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | — | — | 14,130 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 6 | — | — | 814 mi | |
| Airbags | 4 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Soul
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~284,505 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Kia Soul Years
2021 Kia Soul — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Soul?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Soul?
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Soul?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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