2021 Kia Soul recalls

2 safety recalls, 240 owner complaints and a 4-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

202520242023202220212020
2Recalls
240Complaints
15Crashes & fires reported
4/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Kia Soul is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Kia Soul recall list

Engine and Engine Cooling recall

25V-099
February 18, 2025 · Kia America, Inc.
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.
Safety risk
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.

Engine recall

21V-259
April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America
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.
Safety 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.
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.

2021 Kia Soul owner complaints

240 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 12 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Engine140
Engine and Engine Cooling47
Unknown or Other27
Power Train26
Electrical System15
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Service Brakes10
Steering9
Exterior Lighting6
Visibility/Wiper6

Recent complaints

October 28, 2026Engine

We have been in dispute with Hart kia and kia corporate over a reoccurring issue directly related to the recall remedy sc336 oil piston rings manufacturer defect that is affecting my vehicle.

October 25, 2026Unknown or OtherEngine

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 needed a tune-up. Then when I took it to the shop for second opinion, kia corporate then told.me.to take back to dealership. I did, on trailer, and then they confirmed what shop said and told.me.i had a bad motor. The dealership then told.me they take it as a trade in since I cant afford a.new motor, but when I get there, they tell me they won't take it. Ive paid.on this car 10

October 15, 2026Engine

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 refusing to rectify.

October 11, 2026Engine

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 fix the recall.

October 6, 2026Engine

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

2021 Kia Soul crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia Soul SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Kia Soul: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional. Rollover risk: 14.7%.

2021 Kia Soul recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul. The most recent, filed February 18, 2025, concerns the engine and engine cooling.

What are the most common 2021 Kia Soul problems?

Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is engine (140 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul safe?

The 2021 Kia Soul earned up to a 4-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Kia Soul?

Contact any authorized Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.