Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.
| Year | Overall | Front Crash | Side Crash | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Kia Soul. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.
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.
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 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.
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.
Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Kia Soul owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 95 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 38 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 |
| POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 3 |
| ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
Took my vehicle in a year ago for the oil piston recall to the Kia dealer in North Huntington, Pa. I was told they corrected the recall during other servicing. My vehicle just broke down and is unable to be driven due to this unresolved issue.
Noise while driving and over bumps and steering
Vehicle: 2021 Kia Soul LX, 2.0L Engine Subject: Loss of Motive Power and Stall While Driving Under Recall SC336 Description of Incident: On 07/02 @ roughly 6:15PM, while driving on the highway I-35E at approximately 60 MPH, my vehicle's engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power, stalling while in motion. I was able to safely navigate to…
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