NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Soul scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 217 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two recall campaigns related to a piston oil ring defect define the 2021 Kia Soul's safety profile. The NHTSA Safety Index score for this model year is 79/100, positioning the 2021 Soul in the Average safety band.
The 2021 Kia Soul holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Soul ranks 84 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 217 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Soul?
Two recall campaigns focused on piston oil ring manufacturing errors in the engine define the 2021 Kia Soul's safety profile, directly driving a weaker defect record. This contributed to a one point slip in the NHTSA Safety Index, from 80/100 to 79/100, moving it from the Strong to the Average band. The defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20 is the most significant divergence from the prior model year. Crash protection, however, remains strong. The vehicle earned 5 out of 5 stars for side impact protection. Frontal crash and rollover categories each received 4 out of 5 stars. These results anchor a crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. Avoidance technology scored 6 out of 10. Electronic stability control is standard, but forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional. The 217 unverified owner complaints, largely concerning engine issues, reinforce the powertrain as the primary safety concern for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
Side protection is a standout for the 2021 Kia Soul, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA testing. The vehicle's overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with the frontal crash and rollover tests also scoring 4 stars each. The rollover assessment indicated a 15 percent risk, with a "No Tip" dynamic result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15135
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Kia Soul, both targeting the engine. One campaign, issued in 2021, addresses piston oil rings on 2.0L Nu MPI engines in 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles. A second campaign, issued in 2025, revisits piston oil ring manufacturing defects across 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided data.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
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.
Reported 2025-02-17
ENGINE21V259000
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.
Reported 2021-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 217 unverified allegations with NHTSA for the 2021 Soul. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 125 reports, followed by Engine And Engine Cooling at 41, Power Train at 26, and Electrical System at 15. Twelve alleged crashes and 5 alleged injuries are included in those filings.
217 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Soul?
Two recall campaigns involving engine piston oil rings require close attention for the 2021 Kia Soul. Shoppers must confirm remedy completion for any specific vehicle through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2021 model year carries two separate NHTSA recall campaigns, both addressing piston oil ring defects in the engine, one filed in 2021 and a second filed in 2025, making this a year with an unusually extended recall history still active in the used market.
- The Safety Index dropped from 80/100 in the Strong band for the 2020 model year to 79/100 in the Average band for 2021, with the defect record sub-score of 12/20 being the weakest component and the direct cause of the band change.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA for this model year, the single highest individual rating in the crash-test profile and a meaningful distinction from the 4-star scores across frontal and rollover categories.
- Of the 217 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year, 125 allege engine problems, a concentration that aligns directly with the two engine-focused recall campaigns and warrants specific attention during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Soul places
The 2021 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Soul earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Soul. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 217 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Soul. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15135), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 84 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.