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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Kia Soul Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
26about this part
Share
11%of 240 total for the year
Median mileage
8,408miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Kia Soul, 11% of the 240 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,408 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.

“Vehicle was parked on a slight slope parking space backing to a one-way public road in national park.it was a designated parking space. The vehicle was running and in the p mode of gear selection. I exited the driver's door for few minutes. Then opened the driver's side door with the intent to shut the engine. The car started rolling back, crossed the road, and stopped by a sandy embankment. I was thrown off by the open door on the sandy bank. The engine stopped and I observed the vehicle in d mode by itself. …”

NHTSA complaint #11415581, filed 2021-05, 1,200 miles

“I I was on the interstate and my car started making a loud noise and decelerated. It seemed to lose power, I turned around and started home as I was very frightened. The car accelerated without pressing the gas, decelerated without pressing the brake. The tachometer was swinging around wildly. The car most of the time seemed to have no power. I was afraid of a rear end hit by another car or flyling into the back of the car in front. I was trying to limp it in to the dealer. The car only had 3400 miles on it and I had had it for 7 months. …”

NHTSA complaint #11416073, filed 2021-05, 3,437 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 engine is consuming increasingly high amounts of oil with no leaks, far surpassing the one quart per 1000 miles. Oil pressure lamp has illuminated on 1-2 occasions, only briefly, and shortly before I took it to the dealership. Unusual noises coming from the engine while accelerating and also after I stop. I had my oil changed 1 week ago, unusual noises have not improved. …”

NHTSA complaint #11490326, filed 2022-10

“I was on the freeway, and the car was shuddering a bit before I lost the ability to accelerate. It would rev but no power to the wheels. Had to pull over and get towed to the dealer. I think it may be a transmission failure.”

NHTSA complaint #11525648, filed 2023-06

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
202426%
202359%
20221213%
20212611%
20209123%
201964%
20183114%
2017197%
2016628%
2015617%
2014586%
2013142%
2012214%
2011137%
2010118%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Soul

Engine
140 complaintsEngine cooling
47 complaintsOther or unknown
27 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 30, 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