10 of the
310 complaints about the 2021 KIA Soul are about the
driver-assist systems — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
400 miles.
F
10
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Warnings
440.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
440.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control
110.0%
Assist
110.0%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every KIA Soul year
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
NHTSA complaint #11724786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Sacramento, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
NHTSA complaint #11724786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Sacramento, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Description of Incident: On February 13, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) on Calvine Road in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11718935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of Incident: On February 13, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) on Calvine Road in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11718935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Sacramento, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed, rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency.
NHTSA complaint #11717950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed, rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency.
NHTSA complaint #11717950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunbar, WV
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall service was performed at an authorized Kia dealership on May 12th, and I was informed that the engine passed the inspection and was operating properly. However, on [XXX] after the recall service was completed, I noticed oil deposits on my spark plugs. Upon removal and inspection, the spark plug tips (combustion side) show clear evidence of oil contamination, which suggests that oil is entering the combustion chamber—exactly the type of problem SC060 was meant to address. My car is definitely damaged, and my recall passed the inspection. That doesn't make sense. Kia Dutch Miller didn't give me proof of inspection of my car; they only gave me the invoice for the work done on the car. I have photo evidence of the oil-contaminated spark plugs, and I am concerned this may lead to increased engine wear, misfires, or even total engine failure. Please investigate whether recall SC060 is being resolved properly by dealerships, and whether additional remedies or extensions should be provided to affected owners like myself. My car hasn't been fixed yet. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of recall service: 41,365 Date of recall service: [05/12/2025] Location of dealership: Dutch Miller, South Charleston, WV Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11661783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While crossing an intersection a Jeep Gladiator ran a red light causing my vehicle to hit it broad side. Front and side airbags did not deploy. The frontend was damaged is buckled, hood about 6", fenders crushed and the grill was destroyed. Driver's door wouldn't open. The seatbelt didn't restrain my wife enogh to keep her from hitting the steering wheel. This caused bruises on her leg , abdomen and chest areas.
NHTSA complaint #11500246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While crossing an intersection a Jeep Gladiator ran a red light causing my vehicle to hit it broad side. Front and side airbags did not deploy. The frontend was damaged is buckled, hood about 6", fenders crushed and the grill was destroyed. Driver's door wouldn't open. The seatbelt didn't restrain my wife enogh to keep her from hitting the steering wheel. This caused bruises on her leg , abdomen and chest areas.
NHTSA complaint #11500246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 400 milesTucson, AZ
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
DRIVING 75 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON I-19 (4 LANE DIVIDED) NORTHBOUND NEAR GREEN VALLEY AZ. DRY CLEAR. IS NEW CAR WITH 400 MILES ON IT AND I WAS USING THE LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE HANDS FREE. CLEARLY VISIBLE PAINTED LANE LINES. WORKED FINE UNTIL LANE MARKINGS DIVERGED AT SLIGHT CURVE AND AT OFF RAMP. THE CAR DROVE DIRECTLY INTO/ONTO THE "V" BETWEEN RIGHT LANE AND OFF RAMP UNTIL I MANUALLY STEERED BACK TO TRAFFIC LANE. NO ALARM OR VIBRATION SOUNDED BEFORE I HAD TO MANUALLY STEER BACK TO TRAFFIC LANE.
NHTSA complaint #11412865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.