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Engine coolingPart report

2021 Kia Soul Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
47about this part
Share
20%of 239 total for the year
Median mileage
80,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2021 Kia Soul, 20% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“The contact noticed the oil drained quickly and RPMs increased rapidly upon starting the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ECU was replaced twice, the piston rings were not replaced; the issue persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100”

NHTSA complaint #11737863, filed 2026-05, 86,100 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was running rough, and there was a significant amount of air and oil when the oil cap was opened. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light was illuminated. …”

NHTSA complaint #11712920, filed 2026-01, 84,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the high oil consumption might cause a fire in the engine bay due to a failure with the piston rings. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); as the possible cause for the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11757683, filed 2026-08, 215,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11736143, filed 2026-05, 75,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. …”

NHTSA complaint #11663331, filed 2025-05, 60,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202312%
20222021%
20214720%
2020113%
201964%
201894%
201793%
201610613%
2015586%
2014556%
2013457%
2012326%
201142%
201054%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Soul

Engine
139 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 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