2021 kia Soul engine problems

moderate 127 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

127

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 21V259000 13/04/2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2

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.

Fix: 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 recall is SC209.

What owners are reporting 7 most recent

engine · filed 12/10/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road as possible, and the vehicle was able to restart after an extended time. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact state…

engine · filed 12/07/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission and the engine had failed, and both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in N…

engine · filed 12/04/2025

My vehicle is part of an active engine recall related to defective piston oil rings. When I brought my car to the dealership for the recall inspection, I informed them and Kia Corporate that my car had been stalling and shutting off while driving for months. I have text message documentation of these incidents. This safety concern was ignored. The dealership performed only a basic visual inspecti…

engine · filed 11/19/2020

WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT 15MPH THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. SO I TRIED TO RESTART IT AND WHEN I TOOK THE KEY OUT EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND IT WAS LIKE THAT FOR 5 MIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BEFORE THE CAR CAME BACK ON AND FLAHED THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT.

engine · filed 10/27/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that DTC: P0004 was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was scheduled to be performed. The contact was asked to provide the maintenance history on the vehicle. The contact was unable to provide the docume…

engine · filed 10/26/2025

Description of Problem: My 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure consistent with the defect described in Recall 25V099 (SC336), which addresses faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, and potential fire risk. Kia of Round Rock performed a compression test and found Cylinder 3 at 102 PSI, well below the normal minimum of 160 PSI. Despite this, the service adviso…

engine · filed 10/26/2025

Vehicle Information: Make/Model/Year: 2021 Kia Soul VIN: [XXX] Odometer: [96,000] Dealerships: Kia of Killeen, TX /Kia of Round Rock, TX & Component/System Failure: Engine failure due to defective piston oil rings, causing low compression and stalling. Components are available for inspection at both dealerships. Safety Risk: Sudden engine failure and stalling created a serious risk to my f…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 kia Soul?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 127 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.