Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (56.7% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Engine complaints here are 6.1× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 131 · 56.7% | Recalled | Recall 21V259000 · Recall 25V099000 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 46 · 19.9% | Recalled | Recall 21V259000 · Recall 25V099000 |
| Power Train | 26 · 11.3% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 15 · 6.5% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 10 · 4.3% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 10 · 4.3% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 231 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · 2021 · reported 04/13/2021
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · 2025 · reported 02/17/2025
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“In late 2024 my vehicle, a 2021 KIA SOUL, stalled 3 separate times as I was driving, one of which I was driving in traffic…”NHTSA complaint 11662414 — filed 05/21/2025 · ENGINE
“Our 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure without warning. The engine suddenly lost power and became inoperable while driving. The dealership's diagnostic testing identified…”NHTSA complaint 11662060 — filed 05/20/2025 · ENGINE
“I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall…”NHTSA complaint 11661783 — filed 05/19/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 131 of 231 NHTSA complaints (56.7%), followed by engine and engine cooling (46), unspecified/other issues (26), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
231 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V259000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
