Recalls ·2021 Kia Soul Eco dynamics

2021 Kia Soul Eco dynamics recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul Eco dynamics; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — hard parts internal/mechanical. Owners filed 40 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 9 model years of this model in the database, 2021 ranks #5 for number of recalls.

Recalls2
Complaints40

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Engine and engine cooling — Hard parts internal/mechanicalCampaign 25V099000 · 17 Feb 2025

Problem: 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.

Remedy: 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.

EngineCampaign 21V259000 · 13 Apr 2021

Problem: 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.

Remedy: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine24 · 60%
Engine and engine cooling11 · 28%
Unknown or other4 · 10%
Power train4 · 10%
Exterior lighting2 · 5%
Suspension2 · 5%
Wheels1 · 2%
Fuel/propulsion system1 · 2%

From owner complaints

My 2021 Kia Soul was included in Recall SC336 involving defective piston oil rings that may cause increased oil consumption, engine damage, and stalling. The recall remedy was done in June 2025. Kia digitally inspected the engine and said it passed so no engine replacement was performed. Eight months later the car…

Engine · Sep 2026 · NHTSA complaint record

Recall 25V099/SC336 was not performed on my vehicle when it was in the dealership. My vehicle is now disabled at Capitol Kia San Jose with complete engine failure. They are denying any responsibility and refusing repair coverage. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporation requesting an immediate review of my…

Engine · Sep 2026 · NHTSA complaint record

The check engine light came on in the car and within a few minutes while looking for a safe place the pull over there was a foul smell coming from the engine, followed by many error lights on the dash and the car losing the ability to accelerate and drive. The car had to be towed to a local repair shop who inspected…

Engine · Aug 2026 · NHTSA complaint record

My kia soul has high oil consumption. When informed of the recall for the piston rings, I had First Team Kia look at it. They informed me that they didn't see anything wrong so they cleared the recall. They NEVER performed the oil consumption test. Within 3 weeks, I traveled over 800 miles, round trip, and upon my…

Engine · Apr 2026 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

20140
20150
20160
20200
20210
20220
20230
20240
20250

Related pages

Full specificationsAll model years2021 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

Related pages