2021 Kia Soul Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 open recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 17, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Engine

What's wrong:
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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 21V259000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Apr 13, 2021.

Engine Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

What's wrong:
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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 25V099000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Feb 17, 2025.

Owner complaints

238filed with NHTSA · 87 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2025
151617181920212223242526
Engine
138
Engine And Engine Cooling
47
Power Train
26
Electrical System
15

12 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 5 injuries

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Kia Soul years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

Kia Soul, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Kia dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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