2021 Kia Soul Reliability Report

Stalling, oil burning, and an engine that revs without moving the car show up here too, including at about 3,500 miles. Two reports describe thefts through the ignition, one ending in a police chase and a crash. Other complaints cite a long pause restarting after auto stop-start on a grade, peeling roof paint, a false not-in-park alarm, and waits of months for repairs. One fire-related filing involves a house fire with the parked car as a suspected origin, still under insurer investigation.

Sudden loss of power while driving is the most serious pattern. Headlights, wipers, and the dash go dark, in one case at 65 mph in the rain with a key-not-detected message. Other reports describe stalls at red lights linked to auto stop-start, an engine that cranks but will not run, and a horn that fails repeatedly. Two drivers say the car sped up when they pressed the brake, one ending in a crash with 2 injuries. A theft attempt through the steering column also appears.

Faults range from a steering wheel that seizes with a red warning light to clunking or popping from the column and a car that pulls right, then left after alignment. Lane-keeping assist reportedly goes inactive on long curves and fails to recenter. One new car lost power steering along with every electrical system at 55 mph. Several filings in this category actually describe oil consumption, stalling, or transmission replacement rather than steering trouble. Dealers often could not find a cause.

Most of these reports are crashes. Drivers describe a pedal that sinks to the floor or will not engage, and in some cases the car speeding up when the brake is pressed. Three filings say forward collision-avoidance assist and automatic emergency braking gave no alert and did not activate before an imminent collision. Five of the 6 complaints involve a crash. A separate report cites brake pads judged worn on a car with under 10,000 miles.

Airbags failing to deploy in hard frontal and side impacts is the main complaint, with front ends destroyed and frames bent. All 4 reports involve crashes, and 3 include injuries. One describes a seatbelt that did not keep a passenger off the steering wheel. Another describes a 50 mph crash followed by fire, an airbag that stayed inflated, and a driver door that would not open from the handle.

Neither report involves the wipers. One describes roof paint peeling away in large sheets while driving, exposing bare metal and shedding debris onto traffic behind. The other describes a sunroof that shattered while the car sat parked with no sign of impact, plus a driver door window that broke the same way. With only 2 complaints, no wider pattern is clear.

Water leaks into the passenger side, pooling on the floor and spreading mold into the back seat. Heavy condensation builds up inside the cabin along with it. The other complaint describes paint chipping and peeling in several places, matching roof paint reports filed under other categories for this car. Volume is low, with 2 complaints total.