2021 Kia Soul Safety Report
2021 Kia Soul: Strong crash ratings overshadowed by widespread engine failures and recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Kia Soul
Reliability Score
The 2021 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Kia Soul
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Kia Soul:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Stalling/Failure Due To Piston Oil Rings Incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings lead to engine damage, excessive oil consumption, stalling, and potential fire risk. Multiple complaints describe sudden power loss while driving. |
High | Common | variable, often early miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Vehicles consume excessive amounts of oil, often leading to dry dipsticks and engine damage if not constantly monitored, linked to piston ring issues. |
Medium | Common | 10000-50000 miles |
| Transmission Failure/Loss Of Power Reported instances of transmission failure causing loss of power, particularly at high speeds, creating unsafe driving conditions. |
High | Occasional | 30000-40000 miles |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Fca) / Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Failure Isolated complaints of the FCA/AEB system failing to engage or brake as expected during imminent collision events. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Kia Soul:
The most prevalent issue, with 78 complaints, relates to engine problems including stalling, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and complete failure, often linked to piston ring defects.
32 complaints specifically mention engine and cooling system issues, often overlapping with the broader engine problems and related recalls.
7 complaints cite power train issues, including transmission problems leading to loss of power.
3 complaints indicate issues with the service brakes and the forward collision avoidance system, including failure to brake.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Kia Soul
Is the 2021 Kia Soul safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Kia Soul received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side). However, it has a significant number of complaints (187 total), with 78 related to the engine, leading to 12 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries. Two recalls address critical engine defects. While it performs well in impacts, its operational reliability, particularly the engine, poses a notable safety concern.
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Kia Soul are overwhelmingly engine-related, accounting for 78 complaints. These include engine stalling, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and complete engine failure, often linked to defective piston oil rings. Power train issues, including transmission problems, are also reported, though less frequently.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul?
Yes, there are two recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul, both concerning the engine. Recall 21V259000 and 21V259 address incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can lead to engine damage, stalling, and an increased risk of fire or crash.
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have issues with excessive oil consumption?
Yes, numerous complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul describe severe and excessive oil consumption, often leading to the oil dipstick being completely dry between scheduled oil changes. This issue is frequently linked to the defective piston oil rings addressed in the engine recalls.
How does the 2021 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Soul received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating good performance in controlled crash scenarios.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the widespread and severe engine issues, including recalls and numerous complaints of stalling and failure, potential buyers should proceed with extreme caution and ensure any recalled engine components have been properly addressed, ideally with proof of repair or replacement.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Kia Soul
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Kia Soul. The data includes 187 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 12 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.