2021 Kia Soul Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

127Engine complaints

57.7%Of all 220 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE127 · 57.7%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING41 · 18.6%

POWER TRAIN26 · 11.8%

Unspecified / other24 · 10.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15 · 6.8%

Share of the 220 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Kia Soul overview page.

What owners report

“In late 2024 my vehicle, a 2021 KIA SOUL, stalled 3 separate times as I was driving, one of which I was driving in traffic…”NHTSA complaint 11662414 — filed 05/21/2025

“Our 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure without warning. The engine suddenly lost power and became inoperable while driving. The dealership's diagnostic testing identified…”NHTSA complaint 11662060 — filed 05/20/2025

“I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall…”NHTSA complaint 11661783 — filed 05/19/2025

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Kia Soul have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Kia Soul: 127 of 220 complaints on file (57.7%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Kia Soul have in total?

220 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 12 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.