2021 Kia Soul
2 recalls · 200 complaints · Safety Score D
Recall History
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/2026 | Power Train | took to kia of jackson for recall sc209a they said they would not do recall because i was a dealer ,called customer se... | No | No |
| 04/24/2026 | Engine | On [XXX], the check engine light illuminated. No other warning indicators activated — no low oil pressure warning, no lo... | No | No |
| 04/23/2026 | Engine | My 2021 Kia Soul experienced repeated overheating despite replacement of major cooling system components including the t... | No | No |
| 04/20/2026 | Engine,fuel/Propulsion System | What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalyt... | No | No |
| 04/18/2026 | Power Train | The car rpm fluctuated from 1000 to 5000 rpm while in cruise control going 65 mph. At a stop, thr transmission took 30 s... | No | No |
| 04/16/2026 | Engine | the engine is consuming a quart of oil per thousand miles. | No | No |
| 04/15/2026 | Engine | I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V099) on my 2021 Kia Soul that was marked as completed... | No | No |
| 04/15/2026 | Engine | Hi my vehicle was stolen and the police found the vehicle. The car was damaged part of the damages was a broken ignition... | No | No |
| 04/12/2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Manufacturer defect: Massive paint delamination/adhesion failure on the roof. Large sheets of paint are flaking off whil... | No | No |
| 04/08/2026 | Power Train,engine | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly s... | No | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Kia Soul has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 200.
The 2021 Kia Soul has a Safety Score of 31/100 (Grade D). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Kia Soul received a Safety Score of D. This vehicle has a below-average safety record, review the specific recalls and complaints below. There are 12 crash reports on file. There are 3 fire reports.
Contact your nearest Kia dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).
Source: NHTSA vehicle recall database, 2026.