2021 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 238 owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul. The EPA rates it 27 to 31 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 238
- Crashes / fires reported
- 12 / 3
- EPA combined
- 27–31 MPG
2021 Kia Soul recalls
Engine and Engine CoolingFeb 17, 2025 · NHTSA 25V099000+
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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 this recall is SC336.
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.
EngineApr 13, 2021 · NHTSA 21V259000+
Risk: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Kia Soul problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine138
- Engine and Engine Cooling47
- Unknown or Other26
- Power Train26
- Electrical System15
- Fuel/Propulsion System10
- Service Brakes10
- Steering9
2021 Kia Soul gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco dynamics | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Soul | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,150 |
| Soul | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Soul | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul, most recently for the engine and engine cooling (Feb 17, 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Soul problems?
Owners filed 238 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (138), engine and engine cooling (47), unknown or other (26).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Soul at 27 to 31 MPG combined (best version: 29 city / 35 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.