2019 Kia Soul
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 139
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
64% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 139 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 516 |
| 2013 | 665 |
| 2014 | 901 |
| 2015 | 901 |
| 2016 | 817 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 220 |
| 2019 | 139 |
| 2020 | 385 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
64% · 89 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Engine failure fluid leek and wire burning smells engine burst into flames from the under carriage of the engine. The contact wants to see if there are any recalls and if so should the car be sold at msrp price.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-30
Also filed under Air bags
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a low rate of speed, an abnormal, burning odor began to emit from the vehicle. As the odor grew stronger, the contact's wife parked and exited the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-14
The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I donât even drive it every day at this point. I have ran out of oil and been stranded 3 times in the past few months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-26
Air bags
11% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have a totaled car due to a wreck. The airbags did not deploy even though the car was hit multiple times extremely hard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-28
Also filed under Service brakes and structure
My 2019 Kia Soul has been professionally diagnosed with DTC B162000, âInternal Fault â Replace SRSCM,â involving the Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag Control Module. My repair shop documented this diagnosis on August 24, 2026.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
10% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased a 2019 Kia Soul in June 2022. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been stolen three separate times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15
Also filed under Structure
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 12 reportsService brakes
6% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2022-03-21Air bags22V031000 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.
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 89 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V031000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2019 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Soul is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Soul have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.