2021 Kia Soul fuel/propulsion system problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Kia Soul — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling…”
filed Apr 20, 2026
“Owner was driving home at the normal posted speed limit when the car stalled out. The check engine light was on along with the oil Light, the car cranked back up in time before owner was rear ended. No accident occurred but a close call. The vehicle made it about another 1 mile before stalling…”
filed Feb 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 Soul | 7 | 8% |
| 2020 Soul | 15 | 4% |
| 2019 Soul | 12 | 9% |
| 2018 Soul | 11 | 5% |
| 2017 Soul | 18 | 7% |
| 2016 Soul | 79 | 10% |
| 2015 Soul | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 Soul | 52 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 27 | 4% |
| 2012 Soul | 21 | 4% |
| 2011 Soul | 8 | 4% |
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.