2021 KIA SOUL

2 recalls, 314 complaints - 152 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Defect Description

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 th... Read more

137,256 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

ENGINE

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

147,249 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

314 total complaints 22 crashes 8 fires 12 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	50
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	35
POWER TRAIN	33
STEERING	17
SERVICE BRAKES	15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	11
SUSPENSION	9
AIR BAGS	9

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Recall 25V099/SC336 was not performed on my vehicle when it was in the dealership. My vehicle is now disabled at Capitol Kia San Jose with complete engine failure. They are denying any responsibility and refusing repair coverage. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporation requesting an immedi... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2026

The check engine light came on in the car and within a few minutes while looking for a safe place the pull over there was a foul smell coming from the engine, followed by many error lights on the dash and the car losing the ability to accelerate and drive. The car had to be towed to a local repair ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

My kia soul has high oil consumption. When informed of the recall for the piston rings, I had First Team Kia look at it. They informed me that they didn't see anything wrong so they cleared the recall. They NEVER performed the oil consumption test. Within 3 weeks, I traveled over 800 miles, round tr... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the recall repair was pr... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the high oil consumption might cause a fire in the engine bay due to a failure with the piston rings. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but continued to stall each time the vehicle was stopped. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone for an unknown ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

Electronic parking brake switch has failed. Yes the switch is available for inspection. Electronic parking brake can no longer be manually activated. Failure of the electronic parking brake switch has been confirmed by a dealer (Citrus Kia, Ontario, CA). Electronic parking brake switch has not yet b... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

On Aug. 9, 2026, my 2022 Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden low-voltage electrical failure that completely immobilized the vehicle. Earlier that morning, the Tesla app sent a push notification indicating low-voltage battery service was needed. I tapped it, but it provided no actionable warning. I im... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

Vehicle is repeatedly losing functionality of features controlled by what is referred to as the infotainment system, included lane departure warning, sound associated with turn signals, sound associated with GPS, use of hands-free calling system, etc. Upon reset, functionality resumes but the reset ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

Subject: Request for Safety Defect Investigation and Recall – 2018 INFINITI QX80 Infotainment/Navigation Screen To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally request an investigation into a serious and recurring problem with the infotainment/navigation screen in my 2018 INFINITI QX80 and to req... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane to avoid a crash. No warning lights were ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

The check engine light started flashing and my car lost acceleration as I traveling uphill on a busy freeway. I had it towed to my mechanic who found evidence of coolant leaking related to cylinder 2 in my engine. I did not feel safe going so slow on a busy freeway. My car did not have any problems ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

I recently replaced a defective reductant (DEF) pump and wiring harness due to corrosion. The cause and repairs were diagnosed and performed by a ford dealership. Without addressing the issue the vehicle would randomly engage a "limp" mode and limit the speed to 50 mph, forcing the driver to operate... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

VEHICLE SAFETY HAZARD: ACTIVE HIGH-VOLTAGE ISOLATION FAULT (DTC P0AA6) WITH DECEPTIVE DEALER/MANUFACTURER BYPASS & CONCEALMENT. On April 15, 2026, the dealer scanned my 2021 Ioniq EV and uncovered DTC P0AA6 (Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault), which denotes a catastrophic high-voltag... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the battery was drained. The battery was recharged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replace... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

Days after changing the purge valve on my car, because it had failed. I was driving on the freeway confident because my screen said 15 m left before running out of gas, then the engine stalled and lose power. The lights were on but the engine stopped running while driving on the freeway. Turned out ... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

The front grille/hood trim flew off driving down the highway. No, it is not available the cheap plastic shattered. My safety was put at risk b/c parts are flying off the truck that should never. More importantly other people's safety is put at risk b/c a long SHARP plastic piece is flying off a larg... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2024

Control for AC poorly illuminated causing distraction and posible accident. During Daytime The automatic fan level and synk indicators on round outer knobs of A/C

Incident date: Jun 24, 2025

The rear power liftgate on my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (VIN [XXX]) repeatedly opened and closed on its own, without any command from the key fob, interior button, or any occupant. This occurred over a period of several months. It happened while the vehicle was parked and, more dangerously, while... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2025

Windshield cracked without any trauma being done to cause it to crack. This is the second Honda CRV windshield to crack spontaneously

Incident date: Jun 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Electric not Available" was displayed, with the RPM elevated to... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2021

The ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) failed internally due to a stuck valve. The component remains on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. While braking normally on a public road, the vehicle hit a minor road bump, causing the ABS to momentarily engage. Immediately following the... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2025

Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something

Incident date: Aug 10, 2023

I had intermittent loss of back-up camera picture, with initial repair paid by me on 8/3/22. The problem persisted intermittently, I was told the only option was to replace the camera, which I found with online search didn't fix the problem. 9/11/24 the dealer "fixed" the problem when a recall was i... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Description On your vehicle, the integrated park module ipm may not properly engage the park pawl, preventing the vehicle from locking into park when park p is selected. If this condition occurs, a wrench light and shift system fault message will be displayed in the instrument panel cluster. Additi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

While driving downhill and using regenerative braking, my 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid suddenly experienced a hybrid system malfunction. Immediately after the event, the vehicle displayed "Check IMA System" and "Check Charging System" warnings and began exhibiting drivability and electrical-system problems... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the daughter had reported that while in a parking lot, the brakes unintendedly engaged, and then the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The driver immediately applied the brakes to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to duplicate the f... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2024

My 2015 Ford F-150 experienced a sudden, dangerous loss of throttle power while driving, forcing an emergency stop on the side of the road. The vehicle is now locked in a hard electronic no-start/no-crank condition. We diagnosed the vehicle and pulled active, stored trouble codes P0706 and P0707 for... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2024

Transmission Failure

Incident date: Jul 31, 2024

UNKNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUES MENTIONED IN OTHER RECALLS FOR SAME PERIOD/MAKE MODEL AS LISTED YET MY VIN was not, as a mother 4 little ones I need my vehicle to perform as it was design to, the cost for this repair is over 6,000.00 I have already invested over 40,000 since I brought it. I feel they ou... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and taken to the dealer and diagnosed with turbo, catalytic converter failure. The contact stated that ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T (EV) (VIN: [XXX] Dick Poe Dodge, El Paso, Texas on XXX and is financed through XXX, El Paso (loan #60486681). Since owning this car, I have experienced frequent software related problems of which has left me stranded (3) three times with one time r... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

I always turn off the engine auto stop while driving and am sure this feature was turned off at the time of the incident. I was stopped at a drive thru idling in drive when my RPM sounded like it lowered and the the vehicle started shaking. Since it sounded like it was going to stall, I instincti... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

While approaching traffic light at approx 4-5 mph the vehicle slammed to a dead stop with a car length between us and the next vehicle. This was not the auto stop feature and it automatically engaged the parking brake while moving causing whiplash To myself and 2 additional passengers. Causing nec... Read more

3 injured

Incident date: May 25, 2026

Vehicle experiences intermittent steering sticking/catching while turning. In March 2026, an independent repair facility verified the steering concern and documented: “Technician found Rack and Pinion will lock when manually turning.” The technician also referenced Honda Technical Service Bulle... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2026

3 injured

Incident date: May 16, 2026

While driving my LKAS, ABS, and Lane assist lights will come on intermittently. When this happens I am not able to use cruise control. I have noticed that my vehicle has an issue accelerating before the lights come on. This is putting the safety of me and passengers at risk. The dealership has not b... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2026

My moon roof has started making very loud noises at speeds above 50 mph. There is no active recall for my 2022 Bronco Sport. But there was the exact recall on 2021 Bronco Sports. In addition there is a moon roof recall on 2022 Navigators, F150's, F250's, F350's and F450's. Why has a recall not been ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The contact's boyfriend had pulled over. They discovered an unknown fluid leaking under the vehicle and a spark coming from the engine before the... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 4, 2026

A connecting rod bearing is failing in my 2014 Acura MDX which could have led to complete engine failure while driving my family. Absolute Auto Center of Berlin, CT confirmed the issue and noted that Acura has recalled 2016-2020 MDX models due to connecting rod bearing defects but have not expanded ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2026

ICCU failed despite all prior recall updates being performed. Incident began when home circuit breaker tripped; vehicle subsequently refused Level 1 charging with "Check Electrical System" warning. Per dealer suggestion, tested public chargers. Level 3 (DC) worked, but upon connecting to Level 2 (AC... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

The vehicle burns oil faster and the vehicle began to stall at highway speeds. Upon further research, a campaign recall for the same vehicle is open but only for specific VIN. Although this vehicle was not part of the recall campaign 21V301000 the vehicle shows issues aligned with the recall.

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

Sudden unintended acceleration while braking. Engine revved against brake input. Has happened multiple times. Need to step on the brake hard and wait for it to pass.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Passport. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the Collision Mitigation System, Power Steering System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Hill Start Assist messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

The trim on both A pillar and B pillar are coming off. When I spoke with Ford about a year ago they informed me of one recall with another coming. One of the trip pieces broke off in an automatic car wash. I was able to go back and get it, but have cut my hand on door multiple times as this is the d... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

My L87 engine has failed due to a manufacturing issue. The recall number for this issue is N252494000. Upon contacting GMC, they state that my VIN number is not included in this recall despite having the same exact issues. I took the vehicle into a mechanic as soon as a problem had arose.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

Noise coming from engine. No engine light nor warnings otherwise. Van was taken to dealership where it was confirmed that a rod bearing inside the engine assembly is faulty, which could cause sudden stalling of the vehicle, even while traveling at high speeds on the highway. This is a known iss... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

Incident Date: April 11, 2026 Approximate Time: 6:30 PM Component(s): Unknown (Suspected: Electronic Stability Control, Steering, ADAS) Description of Incident: On April 11, 2026, at approximately 6:30 PM, I was operating my Tesla Model Y on a highway with a self-driving mode engaged. I experienced... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen failed to respond to touch commands, preventing the contact from viewing the GPS feature. The contact performed a hard reset on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. Th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

My car has started using oil. I was driving home and the low engine oil light came on. I pulled over and checked the oil, the dipstick showed low but not out. I drove it home and put 3 quarts in. I made an appointment to get it checked. It should not be low on oil. I was not due for an oil change or... Read more

Showing 50 of 314 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 KIA SOUL

2021 Kia Soul SUV FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	14.7%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 KIA SOUL

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	33.0	30.0	Regular	$2,050
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	31.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	32.0	29.0	Regular	$2,100

CO2 Emissions: 302.0 g/mile (Small Station Wagons)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 KIA SOUL

152 manufacturer communications from 82 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	42
100000 POWER TRAIN	18
350000 EQUIPMENT	14
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	13
160000 STRUCTURE	7
010000 STEERING	6
260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	5
270000 LANE DEPARTURE	4

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

020000 SUSPENSION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (B

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

160000 STRUCTURE

010000 STEERING

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE SCREEN FREEZING OR MAP DELAY WITH WIRED APPLE CARPLAY - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy an inaccurat

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: UNEVEN/SLIPPERY ROAD WARNING DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc. ) concern. The a

350000 EQUIPMENT

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive'

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pr

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2306) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BRAKE AIR BLEEDING PROCEDURE FOR ESC HONKING NOISE AND SOFT/SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black ba

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

100000 POWER TRAIN

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in th

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Tran

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below,

330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2306) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Mod

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contai

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

350000 EQUIPMENT

251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BRAKE AIR BLEEDING PROCEDURE FOR ESC HONKING NOISE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides inform

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides informatio

220000 SEATS

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: MIL ON DTC P0605 AND/OR P2181 ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA463) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar i

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION - This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engin

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PISTON RING NOISE DTC P1327 (SC209Y) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in th

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop pro

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PISTON RING NOISE DTC P1327(SC209Y) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (SC209A) titled "ECM Logic Improvement

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: BATTERY DEALER (SHIPPING)/CUSTOMER MODE SWITCH - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides informa

350000 EQUIPMENT

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN - SERVICE ACTION: MIL ON DTC P0605 AND/OR P2181 ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA463) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

119127 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:FLUID/COOLANT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT FOR DTC C160449 & C160649 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. T

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT AND SOFTWARE UPGRADE INSTALLATION - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin

350000 EQUIPMENT

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SOUL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2010

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of a single complaint on the subject vehicles that alleges the hand wheel became mechanically de-coupled from the road wheels when the intermediate steering shaft universal joint separated from the upper steering column.It appears that the intermedi... Read more

KIA SOUL - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SOUL across all model years (2010, 2023).

34 Total Recalls

7,562 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

447 Reported Crashes

371 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

KIA SOUL - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	21	View
2024	0	42	View
2023	4	90	View
2022	1	132	View
2021 (current)	2	314
2020	1	505	View
2019	1	198	View
2018	1	298	View
2017	1	356	View
2016	2	1,148	View
2015	4	1,223	View
2014	5	1,228	View
2013	3	868	View
2012	3	673	View
2011	3	271	View
2010	3	195	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2021 KIA SOUL

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 KIA SOUL

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 KIA SOUL

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 KIA SOUL

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SOUL

KIA SOUL - All Years Overview

KIA SOUL - Year by Year

Other KIA Models