2021 Kia Soul
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2021 Kia Soul.
What to watch for on the 2021 Kia Soul
Piston Oil Ring Failure (Recall)
Some early engines were recalled because improperly heat-treated piston oil rings can lead to oil consumption and engine damage.
Which of these apply to your 2021 Soul?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2021 Kia Soul
Engine
0L Nu MPI engines.
Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal/mechanical
Kia America, Inc.
Source: NHTSA
What 239 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2021 Kia Soul at a glance
- Trims
- EXGT-LineGT-Line TurboLXSX-Line
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder, 1.6L 4-Cylinder Turbo
- Transmission
- CVT, DCT 7-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Hatchback
Other Kia Soul years
Free Car Finder
Still deciding on the 2021 Kia Soul?
Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2021 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 239 complaints about the 2021 Kia Soul with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include piston oil ring failure. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2021 Kia Soul?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2021 Kia Soul listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.