2021 Kia Soul: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Kia Soul first registered in 2021: we looked at the 1,123 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Kia Soul MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Kia Soul MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes7% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Kia Soul
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Soul?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Kia Soul compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 879 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 872 | Tyres 32% |
| 2019 | 338 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 1,966 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 1,694 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 2,117 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 2,555 | Brakes 31% |
| 2014 | 2,593 | Brakes 33% |
| 2013 | 1,284 | Suspension 41% |
| 2012 | 1,565 | Suspension 45% |
| 2011 | 3,189 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 2,719 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 1,917 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Kia Soul cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score