2021 Kia Soul

Introduction

The 2021 Kia Soul is a compact SUV that offers a unique and stylish design. It is available with three engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 190 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.2-liter diesel engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 2021 Kia Soul have reported a number of issues with their vehicles. These issues range from minor annoyances to more serious problems that could affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle.

Engine

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder Engine

• Oil Leak from Valve Cover Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil may leak from the valve cover gasket, causing a noticeable odor and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket may fail, causing a loss of power and fuel efficiency.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger may fail, causing a loss of power and a decrease in fuel efficiency.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall or run poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch may fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or preventing the vehicle from moving.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip gears, causing a loss of power and a decrease in fuel efficiency.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission

• Jerky Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shift jerkily, causing discomfort and potential damage to the drivetrain.
  • Solution: Update the transmission software or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts may fail, causing a loss of stability and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links may fail, causing a loss of stability and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Test and replace the battery or identify and repair the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge and the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation may form inside the headlights, affecting visibility.
  • Solution: Replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may malfunction, causing the temperature inside the vehicle to be uncomfortable.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the climate control system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may fail to operate, causing difficulty accessing or exiting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the power window motors or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Kia Soul has a number of potential issues that owners should be aware of. While some of these issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others could be more serious and require a significant investment to repair. Overall, the vehicle’s reliability and cost of ownership should be carefully considered before making a purchase decision.