Model year
2021 Kia Soul
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 238 complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (138), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (46), POWER TRAIN (26). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA rated the SUV FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 27–31 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,150–$2,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2010 135 complaints
- 2011 194 complaints
- 2012 514 complaints
- 2013 667 complaints
- 2014 902 complaints
- 2015 902 complaints
- 2016 816 complaints
- 2017 272 complaints
- 2018 219 complaints
- 2019 137 complaints
- 2020 387 complaints
- 2021 238 complaints
- 2022 94 complaints
- 2023 54 complaints
- 2024 30 complaints
- 2025 12 complaints
Recalls
25V099000 · Feb 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
21V259000 · Apr 13, 2021
ENGINE
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.
Complaints
238 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 12, fire flag on 3, injury field 5, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ25001 | Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL | Aug 6, 2025 | Dec 18, 2025 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 · possibility 0.147 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 33 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| Soul Eco dynamics · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 35 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| Soul · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 31 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Soul · 1.6L · Automatic (AM-S7) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 32 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Kia Soul at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.