2019 Kia Soul EV
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE FAILURE CAUSING WRECK, COMING ON TO A RED LIGHT, HIT BRAKES AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I SWERVED TO MISS HITTING THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME, THINKING HITTING SOMEONE FROM BEHIND WOULD CAUSE A NUMBER OF INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190624
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Please note this was in our driveway and we have a video of the incident. Driver parked the car on slight hill and engaged the parking break and exited the vehicle. The car was still "On".
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: parking brake.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Please note this was in our driveway and we have a video of the incident. Driver parked the car on slight hill and engaged the parking break and exited the vehicle. The car was still "On".
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022.
Campaign 22V031000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected.
Campaign 23V218000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287.
Campaign 23V724000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V218000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V724000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2019 Kia Soul EV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Soul EV?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Soul EV have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.