This page covers 3 recalls, 203 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Kia Soul.
27–30 mpg combined
7.8–8.7 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2021 Kia Soul complaints centers on the engine, which accounts by far for the largest share of reports. Owners frequently describe oil consumption that outpaces normal use, finding the oil level critically low or empty well before a scheduled change interval, often without any low-oil warning activating beforehand. A recurring downstream outcome is a check engine light followed by a diagnosis of internal engine damage, with multiple owners reporting that dealers or mechanics recommended full engine replacement. Rough running, stalling, and rapidly climbing RPMs on startup also appear across several reports. Overheating complaints form a secondary thread, with some owners describing repeated overheating that persisted even after replacing the thermostat and water pump, again ending in engine damage diagnoses. The drivetrain complaints at lower volume include stalling events accompanied by multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously.
203
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Kia Soul has 3 recalls, all centered on the same serious engine defect: piston oil rings in the 2.0L engine can fail and damage the cylinder walls, potentially leading to engine failure, stall, or fire.
These recalls affect vehicles equipped with the 2.0L MPI engine and all describe the same underlying problem. The oil rings inside the engine pistons can wear incorrectly and score the cylinder walls, which may produce unusual knocking or rattling sounds and trigger a warning light on the dashboard. Continuing to drive under those conditions risks complete engine failure, which can cut power to the wheels without warning. Separately, the engine damage can allow oil to reach hot exhaust components, raising the risk of an engine fire. Because all three filings point to the same defect, owners of affected vehicles should check whether their VIN falls within the recall and whether the repair has been completed.
At a glance
What can fail
Piston oil rings may be manufactured improperly, damaging cylinder walls. This causes abnormal engine noise and warning lights. Continued driving risks engine failure.
What the fix does
Dealership will inspect and replace the engine if needed. A software update monitors engine health and alerts you to problems requiring engine replacement.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can damage the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed, and install piston-ring noise sensing system software, both at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine may lack proper heat treatment, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed at no cost. Kia will also install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
