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The 2021 Kia Soul has a unique look and is sure to stand out. The automaker claims that the newer models contain “next-level versatility,” but customers aren’t impressed. With a faulty electrical system, defective engine and malfunctioning powertrain, drivers are fed up with the Soul lineup.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Steering | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling |
Problems with the Electrical System
With a well-running electrical system, the drive is enjoyable and relaxing, yet that’s not what the Kia Soul seems to offer.
One NHTSA complaint states, “Had car 1 week – 204 miles. Power steering warning light came on while I was driving 55. Then the tire pressure light. Then all warning lights. Headlights and interior lighting off and on then finally just off. Pulled into parking lot where all systems stopped working. Was not enough power to close sun roof. No power door locks – had to operate manually. Car towed to dealer. Thankfully, I am a strong person and was able to get off the highway and into a parking lot without incident. I am not sure how that happened since I did not even have working hazard lights.”
Kia knows the systems aren’t working right. Service Bulletin # PS703 talks about issues with the voice recognition functionality and Bluetooth connectivity. The issues are reminiscent of the time when people used to ask, “Can you hear me now?”
Engine Problems
No one expects the Kia Soul to be a high-powered sports car. Still, there should be some sort of reliable power coming from the engine, but there’s not.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “When I was driving at 15 mph the car completely shut off. So I tried to restart it and when I took the key out everything locked up and it was like that for 5 min in the middle of the road before the car came back on and flashed the engine and oil light.”
Kia had to issue a recall because of the defective engine. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 affects nearly 150,000 vehicles. It turns out that Soul models have piston oil rings that might not have been heat-treated according to company guidelines. If the piston oil rings become unseated, engine damage could occur, leading to a stalled motor. It could also lead to an oil leak, which increases the danger of a car fire if the oil hits the hot exhaust. Maybe Kia should consider transferring some of the “next-level” capability that is bragged about into creating better manufacturing procedures since vital systems are breaking down. Until then, these vehicles will continue piling up in the junkyard.
Problems with the Powertrain
The powertrain must also be built reliable or customers are going to complain. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Soul.
One Edmunds review states, “I bought a brand new 2021 Kia Soul February 13, 2021. 8 weeks later it is in the shop needing a new transmission. It has been 2 weeks and not one single call from Kia. The transmission is on back order and I am driving a rental car which I am paying $22/day for insurance. I have a case number with Kia, but it is useless because their customer service is absolutely horrible. I wish I had never bought it. I will be filing a lemon law claim.”
Kia has its hands full with powertrain issues. Currently, there are more than ten communications, with more sure to build up as customers continue driving this poorly-made vehicle. Many of the problems seem to be electronic issues with the transmission, further proving that Kia should not be manufacturing this lemon any longer.
Are you experiencing issues with the transmission of your Kia Soul? Find out more about this issue by reading our post on Kia Soul Transmission issues.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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