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2021 Kia Soul maintenance schedule

The 2021 Soul is part of the SK3 generation (2020-2026), sold as a hatchback. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Soul needs, and when

All 11 of these items come from Kia's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Kia's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 miles for turbo

7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 15,000

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

More frequent in dust

15,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Tire rotation

Ensure even wear

7,500 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect every 8,000 miles

48,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Then every 24,000 miles / 24 mo

120,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect at 60,000; CVT fluid severe

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

42,000 miles for 1.6T

97,500 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect; replace if worn

60,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect at 15,000

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20 / 5W-30, 4.2 qt
Coolant
Ethylene Glycol
Transmission fluid
SP-CVT1 / DCT Gear Oil

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.0L 4-cyl (Nu MPI), 147 hp, CVT (IVT), FWD
  • 1.6L 4-cyl (Gamma T-GDI), 201 hp, 7DCT, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Soul owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

IVT failure

high severity

10,000-40,000 mi · $3,000-$4,500 to fix

Shudder, transmission limp mode

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Kia Soul

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA 25V099000

February 2025

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

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.

Engine

NHTSA 21V259000

April 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$437
Five years of maintenance
$2,185
The major service near 100,000 mi
$650

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Soul model years

SK3 (2020-2026)

2020202120222023202420252026

PS (2014-2019)

201420152016201720182019

Shopping new? The Kia Soul guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Soul for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Soul earns before you buy it.

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