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Electrical systemPart report

2021 Kia Soul Electrical system Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
6%of 239 total for the year
Median mileage
10,407miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Kia Soul, 6% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,407 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Had car 1 week - 204 miles. Power steering warning light came on while I was driving 55. Then the tire pressure light. Then all warning lights. Headlights and interior lighting off and on then finally just off. Pulled into parking lot where all systems stopped working. Was not enough power to close sun roof. No power door locks - had to operate manually. Car towed to dealer. Thankfully I am a strong person and was able to get off the highway and into a parking lot without incident. I am not sure how that happened since I did not even have working hazard lights.”

NHTSA complaint #11406532, filed 2021-04, 204 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11372340, filed 2020-10, 814 miles

“My vehicle at three months had transmission failure like many 2021 Kia souls after the repair I began to experience, mini electrical issues and steering issues which are very common for this model year. Most recently I have taken it in for electrical issues. My rear brake lights are not working the fuses burn and the wiring has burned. …”

NHTSA complaint #11574395, filed 2024-02

“The entire car is dead from the engine to the key function completely dead. The car broke down 3 time in the middle of the street which could've caused a serious crash putting my safety and others at risk. The problem has been addressed to two different dealers and Kia corporate without resolution. I did make a police report about the mold infestation inside the car. I did now see any warnings prior to the complete reck. The cars been dead from the past 3 months. Both dealers are refusing and/or delaying any type of resolution in fact they gave me even more pressure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11720757, filed 2026-02

“When the car was originally going out, the check engine light came on and the engine was making a funny sound, then after we filled up on gas like 10-15 miles later, the engine shut off and stopped accelerating but all of the electronics were still coming on, the battery and oil pressure light came on as well, we pulled it over and when trying to start, it was cranking but not coming on, but the electronics and everything was still working just fine, radio worked and my phone was charging, eventually when we tried cranking again, the engine started rattling and grinding . Towed it to Kia. …”

NHTSA complaint #11680526, filed 2025-08

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024930%
20231426%
20221011%
2021156%
2020287%
20191410%
2018209%
2017197%
2016567%
2015758%
20149811%
20137111%
2012387%
20113015%
20102418%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Soul

Engine
139 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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