2021 Kia Soul engine problems
127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Kia Soul — 57% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle: 2021 Kia Soul LX, 2.0L Engine Subject: Loss of Motive Power and Stall While Driving Under Recall SC336 Description of Incident: On 07/02 @ roughly 6:15PM, while driving on the highway I-35E at approximately 60 MPH, my vehicle's engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power…”
filed Jul 3, 2026
“The vehicle burns oil. The first incident occurred when the car stopped running. Fortunately I was in a residential area and was able to pull into a parking lot. My mechanic confirmed it was lack of oil in the engine. I have taken it to the dealership and had it tested, but they said it was not…”
filed Jun 30, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damageCampaign 25V099000 · Feb 17, 2025
- Piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine…Campaign 21V259000 · Apr 13, 2021
Engine problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 4 | 14% |
| 2023 Soul | 12 | 25% |
| 2022 Soul | 51 | 58% |
| 2020 Soul | 227 | 62% |
| 2019 Soul | 86 | 64% |
| 2018 Soul | 134 | 63% |
| 2017 Soul | 190 | 70% |
| 2016 Soul | 548 | 69% |
| 2015 Soul | 627 | 70% |
| 2014 Soul | 547 | 61% |
| 2013 Soul | 282 | 43% |
| 2012 Soul | 209 | 41% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.