Wagon
2021 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 323 complaints about the 2021 Kia Soul with NHTSA, and it has 2 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
323
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
2
on record
Fuel economy
31 mpg
best version, EPA combined
Fuel, 5 years
$6,581
12,000 mi a year, $3.40/gal
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 mpg |
| Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 mpg |
| Automatic (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 mpg |
| Manual 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
Recalls
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/MechanicalFeb 17, 2025 · campaign 25V099000
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.
EngineApr 13, 2021 · campaign 21V259000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.
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Other years of the Kia Soul
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
| 2015 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
Owners have filed 323 complaints with NHTSA: engine & cooling (188), transmission & drivetrain (26), body, glass & interior (16). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
2 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Soul get?
Up to 31 mpg combined (EPA), depending on the engine.