MYRModel Year Report

2019 Kia Soul

▲ Better than typical
2019 Kia Soul
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:27:28.354Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2019 highlighted. 2010: 134 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 512 complaints 2012 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 888 complaints 2014 2015: 891 complaints 2016: 793 complaints 2016 2017: 268 complaints 2018: 209 complaints 2018 2019: 131 complaints 2019 2020: 357 complaints 2020 2021: 220 complaints 2022: 87 complaints 2022 2023: 48 complaints 2024: 26 complaints 2024 2025: 11 complaints 2025
2019: 131 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010134
2011193
2012512
2013657
2014888
2015891
2016793
2017268
2018209
2019131
2020357
2021220
202287
202348
202426
202511

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 65%

65% of complaints: engine — 85 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240130

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, 20231214

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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, 20240130

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, 20190628

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220321 — air bags

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

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (85 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V031000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

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 65% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Soul have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.