2021 Kia Soul: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2021 Kia Soul
On the 2021 Kia Soul, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 60,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 37,500 miles. Overall it scores 75 out of 100, severe risk for a 2021.
Severe risk for a 2021 — 98th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. 311 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 54 named failure modes on the 2021 Kia Soul, and the three most-reported carry 37% of everything filed.
Other engine problem leads with 72 reports, about 1.5 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 37k to 70,000 miles.
Excessive oil consumption follows with 26 reports, median 20,000 miles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 17 reports, median 120,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into engine (126), transmission (30) and electrical (25).
The mileage the reports cluster at
70 of the reports on the 2021 Kia Soul came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 37,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 59% by 50,000 miles, 89% by 100,000 miles and 97% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 33% of the dated reports.
50% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 54. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 20 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 6 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.25, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, excessive oil consumption at $900–$6,500, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500 and other electrical problem at $250–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
51% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures, so more than half of what owners complained about here is expensive.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 72 | 23 | 37k | 60k | 70k | 1.5 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 26 | 5 | — | 20k | — | 0.5 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 17 | 4 | — | 118k | — | 0.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 15 | 3 | — | 20k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 10 | 3 | — | 84k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 10 | 2 | — | 22k | — | 0.2 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 6 | 1 | — | 122k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 6 | 2 | — | 4k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 6 | 1 | — | 10 | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage | engine | 5 | 1 | — | 21k | — | 0.1 | $3,000–$9,500 | Critical |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 5 | 3 | — | 204 | — | 0.1 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 5 | 2 | — | 27k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 4 | 1 | — | 80k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 4 | 3 | — | 12k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 4 | 1 | — | 400 | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 4 | 1 | — | 90k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 3 | 1 | — | 50k | — | 0.1 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 3 | 2 | — | 7k | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 1 | — | 814 | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 80k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Backup camera failure | infotainment | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 68k | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 2 | 1 | — | 90k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 2 | 1 | — | 631 | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 300 | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Parasitic battery drain | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Parking sensor failure | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 21k | — | 0.0 | $180–$900 | Low |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 631 | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 25 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 0.5 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2021 Kia Soul draws about 6.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 87th percentile of complaint rates among 2021 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 49,083 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2021 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
Recalls on the 2021 model year
NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Kia Soul, affecting an estimated 71,959 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechani and engine. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
137,256 vehicles 2025-02-17- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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
147,249 vehicles 2021-04-13- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2021 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2021 — 98th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 16 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2025 comes out best at 59 and 2020 worst at 82, with 2021 itself at 75.
If the model year is negotiable, 2025, 2024, 2016, 2012, 2013 and 2022 score lower than 2021 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2020–2022 generation specifically, 2022 is the strongest year at 72 and 2020 the weakest at 82.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2020-2022 generation, 2022 Kia Soul scores best at 72 and 2020 Kia Soul worst at 82.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 37k.
On a 2021 Kia Soul with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
What this page cannot tell you
311 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 311 reports, 70 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 23% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (72 reports, median 60,000 miles), excessive oil consumption (26 reports, median 20,000 miles) and other powertrain problem (17 reports, median 120,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Soul problems start?
Other engine problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 60,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 35,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 37,500 miles.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?
It scores 75 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 98th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2021 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Kia Soul is best?
Within the 2020–2022 generation, 2022 scores best at 72 out of 100 and 2020 worst at 82. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed