2021 Kia Soul Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 240 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 Kia Soul, 2% of the 240 complaints for this model year. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While crossing an intersection a Jeep Gladiator ran a red light causing my vehicle to hit it broad side. Front and side airbags did not deploy. The frontend was damaged is buckled, hood about 6 , fenders crushed and the grill was destroyed. Driver's door wouldn't open. The seatbelt didn't restrain my wife enogh to keep her from hitting the steering wheel. This caused bruises on her leg , abdomen and chest areas.”
NHTSA complaint #11500246, filed 2023-01“My daughter was driving her 2021 KIA Soul S and a Chevy Silverado suddenly pulled in front of her. The crash report says impact was at 50 mph. My daughter survived the crash; however, the vehicle immediately caught on fire and flames entered the cabin from what was left of the engine compartment. Her airbag inflated, but did not deflate. She punched the airbag to make enough room for her to try and exit the vehicle, but her driver's door would not open using the handle even after manually unlocking the door. …”
NHTSA complaint #11445255, filed 2021-12“Airbags didn't deploy with hard frontal contact. Vehicle is being held by insurance company so it can be looked at. Vehicle has been inspected by insurance company as total loss. Front end is destroyed and frame is bent.”
NHTSA complaint #11468424, filed 2022-06Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 5 | 9% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 15 | 11% |
| 2018 | 11 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 6% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 20 | 2% |
| 2014 | 26 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 3% |
| 2012 | 17 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 13% |
| 2010 | 21 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2021 Kia Soul
140 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology