Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (62.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 5.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 223 · 62.1% | Recalled | Recall 21V259000 |
| Power Train | 84 · 23.4% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 27 · 7.5% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 16 · 4.5% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 15 · 4.2% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 · 3.3% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 359 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · 2021 · reported 04/13/2021
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a fluttering sound was present coming from the engine compartment…”NHTSA complaint 11424733 — filed 07/14/2021 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable…”NHTSA complaint 11422087 — filed 06/24/2021 · ENGINE
“Took the vehicle in for oil consumption issues earlier this year. Kia cooperate stated the consumption was abnormal, but within parameters and would not fix…”NHTSA complaint 11421623 — filed 06/21/2021 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 223 of 359 NHTSA complaints (62.1%), followed by power train (84), unspecified/other issues (47), electrical system (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
359 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. 8 deaths were reported.
Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 21V259000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
