How common are transmission problems in the 2021 Kia Soul?

NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Soul, making up 11% of the 233 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Soul transmission?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue.

At what mileage do 2021 Kia Soul transmission problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 8,407.5 miles.

Did the 2021 Kia Soul transmission issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to this problem area for the 2021 Soul.

How does 2021 compare to other Kia Soul model years for this issue?

The 2021 Soul's 26 complaints and 11% share are lower than the 2020 model year's 89 complaints and 23% share, but higher than several other years.

2021 Kia Soul Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Kia Soul, 11% of its 233 total complaints for the year. The median mileage at failure was 8,407.5 miles, and there is no related recall filed for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 26; 11% of 233
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 8,408 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power while driving, with the engine revving but the car failing to accelerate or move.
Several complaints describe the transmission failing to engage into drive or reverse, requiring the vehicle to be towed and the transmission replaced.
Some drivers experienced wild swings in RPM, from around 1,000 to 6,000, accompanied by whistling noises from under the car.
Multiple owners describe violent shuddering, surging, or bucking at highway speeds before the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate.
A few complaints mention the vehicle stalling or decelerating unexpectedly after the air conditioning was turned on or while idling.
One complaint reported both the transmission and engine failing simultaneously and needing replacement.

When 2021 Kia Soul transmission complaints were filed

First complaint May 7, 2021, latest Jun 29, 2026.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Jun 2026; peak Apr 2026 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (7%)
201113 (7%)
201221 (4%)
201314 (2%)
201458 (6%)
201560 (7%)
201661 (8%)
201719 (7%)
201831 (14%)
20195 (4%)
202089 (23%)
202126 (11%)
202212 (14%)
20235 (10%)
20242 (7%)
20251 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2021 Kia Soul?: NHTSA lists 26 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Soul, making up 11% of the 233 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia Soul transmission?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue.
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Soul transmission problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 8,407.5 miles.
Did the 2021 Kia Soul transmission issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to this problem area for the 2021 Soul.
How does 2021 compare to other Kia Soul model years for this issue?: The 2021 Soul's 26 complaints and 11% share are lower than the 2020 model year's 89 complaints and 23% share, but higher than several other years.