TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Kia Soul electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Kia Soul have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Soul | 19 |
| 2018 Soul | 15 |
| 2019 Soul | 11 |
| 2020 Soul | 21 |
| 2021 Soul (this page) | 10 |
| 2022 Soul | 7 |
| 2023 Soul | 9 |
| 2024 Soul | 8 |
1crash
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on certain 2020-2021 MY Soul vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY041) - 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 information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY041) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the horn assembly on certain 2020-2025MY Soul (SK3) vehicles produced from November 15, 2018 through August 13, 2024, The affected vehicles may experience a distorted or an inoperative horn sound caused by to corrosion and dust inside the horn assembly. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the horn assembly have been extended from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain Kia engine/model vehicles. The piston oil ring(s) in certain Kia engines may, over time, damage the surface of the engine cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. The applicable vehicle may or may not have the Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software installed at the time of an engine vibration inspection. The PNSS software may detect engine noise triggering a DTC P132700.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PISTON NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) INSPECTION - This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain 2020 - 2023 MY Kia Soul (SK3) 2021 - 2023 MY Seltos (SP2) Kia vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI Engines. The piston oil ring(s) in certain Kia engines may, over time, damage the surface of the engine cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. The applicable vehicle may or may not have the Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software installed at the time
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a serious pattern of electrical and engine control failures in the 2021 Kia Soul. The most dangerous involve unintended acceleration where the engine revs when brakes are applied; two owners describe being unable to slow or stop the vehicle, leading to crashes and loss of consciousness. Dealerships claim no fault found despite EDR data being available for inspection.
Widespread reports of complete electrical shutdown while driving—including headlights, wipers, and dash displays cutting out at highway speeds—create immediate safety hazards. Some vehicles lose all power three or more times during ownership. One owner reports the vehicle showing "key not detected" while driving, leading to total system failure.
Engine stalling at traffic lights and low idle are reported by multiple owners; dealerships blame the engine size rather than investigating. One owner's ECU reportedly failed after minimal driving; the dealership says Kia no longer manufactures the part and won't cover it under warranty, instead demanding $1,530 in unrelated repairs before testing for a recall.
Secondary electrical issues include horn failure twice within 14,000 miles, non-functional rear hatch release, dead license plate lights, and warning lights illuminating during stalls. Owners repeatedly report dealerships refusing repairs or claiming no defect exists despite multiple service visits documenting the same problems.
Same Kia Soul electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration with unresponsive brakes
Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied; braking becomes unresponsive. Owners report applying brake pressure results in the vehicle speeding up instead of slowing down, requiring emergency braking or evasive maneuvers to regain control.
When: While driving at normal speeds (25-65 mph) during routine maneuvers such as turning or highway exit
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs and vehicle accelerates when brake pedal is pressed; Brake pedal becomes unresponsive to pressure; Progressive acceleration despite brake application; No warning lights or prior symptoms before incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: EDR (event data recorder) data has been inspected by insurance; owners indicate similar incidents reported by other owners with the same model
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while in motion, including headlights, wipers, and instrument cluster. Owners report the vehicle becoming undriveable with loss of critical safety systems. Multiple occurrences reported in some cases.
When: While driving in various conditions; one incident at 65 mph on interstate in wet weather
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of headlights and wipers; Loss of dash lights and infotainment display; Key detection system shows 'key not detected in car' while vehicle is in motion; Engine power lost; All warning lights illuminate when stall occurs
Engine stall at idle and at traffic lights
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while stopped, particularly at red lights or in turning lanes. Owners report the engine cutting out when holding the brake at a stop, with all warning lights illuminating during the stall event.
When: At traffic lights and turning lanes during normal city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when stopped at red light after releasing brake; Low idle speed; All warning lights illuminate during stall; Engine fails to restart without intervention
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attributed symptoms to 'small engine' design; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Oil consumption reported as 'within range' by dealership despite owner concern
Engine control unit (ECU) failure
Check engine light appears followed by engine shutdown, rattling and grinding sounds during cranking. Dealership diagnosis indicates ECU failure, but Kia reports the part is not manufactured and would take 2-4 months to source. Dealership refuses to cover under warranty.
When: After initial 10-15 miles of driving; at 'early mileage' per owner context of pre-owned vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine makes funny/unusual sound; Engine shuts off and stops accelerating; Vehicle will not start; cranking produces rattling and grinding sounds; Electronics and battery systems function normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimates $1,530 for camshaft, camshaft phaser, and valve cover gasket replacement before ECU testing; dealership refuses to perform recall work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states ECU replacement not covered under warranty; part no longer manufactured
Intermittent loss of headlights, wipers, and dash lights
Critical safety lighting and wipers lose power during normal driving, particularly on wet days. Electronics reset when vehicle is stopped and key turned to ACC position. Issue resolves after restart but recurs unpredictably.
When: While driving at 25 mph in wet weather conditions; less than 24 hours after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights shut off while driving; Wipers stop functioning; Dash lights and infotainment display go dark; Systems return to normal when vehicle is stopped and key moved to ACC; No fault found by dealer diagnostic scan
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to locate fault despite multiple inspections
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports finding similar issues reported on Kia forums; notes pattern affects key-start models (non-push-start)
Horn failure
Horn becomes inoperative. Vehicle has experienced this failure twice within first 14,000 miles; first occurrence was replaced under warranty, second failure occurred after warranty repair.
When: Second failure at 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not produce sound when activated
Repairs/costs cited: First horn failure repaired under dealer warranty; second failure not addressed in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First failure covered under warranty; second failure occurred after previous repair
Inoperative back hatch and license plate lights
Rear hatch will not open from exterior; license plate lights are inoperative. Owner replaced bulbs and checked fuses without resolution.
When: During ownership period with multiple dealership visits
Symptoms owners cite: Back hatch cannot be opened from outside; License plate lights do not illuminate; Bulbs have been replaced; fuses checked
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs and fuses checked by owner without resolution; dealership claims no defect found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to repair despite owner reporting issue multiple times
Steering column ignition system vulnerability
Ignition system design allows relatively easy access for theft once steering column is breached. System lacks adequate safeguards to prevent vehicle operation after forced entry.
When: During attempted theft following window break-in
Symptoms owners cite: Thieves able to dismantle ignition system without requiring security override; Vehicle ready to be driven away after ignition system dismantling
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Auto Start Stop Issue - Vehicle will stall and not start when waiting at a red light after you let go of break. All warning lights would turn on and stall.
My 2021 Kia Soul was an attempted theft. The vehicle was locked and the would-be thieves gained access by breaking the passenger rear window. The True failure is in the ignition system. As the thieves tore apart the steering column and dismantled the ignition system, and they were ready to pull away before being interrupted. This defect in the simplicity and ease of access to the ignition system…
While driving down the road in wet weather conditions. The vehicle lost all power, lost wipers and headlights. Happened on interstate while traveling at 65 MPH. Vehicle stated key wasn't detected in car. While in motion using other vehicles headlights was able to get over to the side of the highway thankfully. Vehicle was towed to dealer for assessment.
Horn fails to operate. 2nd time for this car. 1st time was repaired by dealer as warranty. Now failed again. Car only has 14000 miles on it.
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.