AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Kia Soul
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,500–$13,000
The 2021 Kia Soul has a below-average reliability rating due to significant issues with the engine and cooling system, as evidenced by numerous complaints and recalls related to piston oil ring failures.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30,000–60,000 miles | $3,000–$6,000 | very common |
| Power train | 50,000–70,000 miles | $1,000–$2,500 | common |
| Electrical system | 30,000–50,000 miles | $200–$800 | common |
| Brakes | 40,000–60,000 miles | $300–$600 | occasional |
| Suspension | 50,000–80,000 miles | $500–$1,000 | rare |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil change every 3,000 miles
- Brake fluid replacement every 2 years
- Coolant replacement every 3 years
- Transmission service every 60,000 miles
- Tire rotation every 6 months
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Engine knocking sounds
- Excessive oil consumption
- Transmission slipping
- Loss of power while driving
- Flickering dashboard lights
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/19/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.