2019 Kia Soul

What owners report most often

1. Engine87
2. Other or unspecified19
3. Air bags15
4. Electrical system14
5. Fuel/propulsion system12
6. Service brakes8
7. Engine and engine cooling6
8. Seat belts6

Recalls and investigations

1. Air bagsJan 25, 2022

   Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

   Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

   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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

   Campaign 22V031000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling

6 reports, newest first. Show all

1. Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2026

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact pulled over and checked the engine oil level, and the dipstick indicated that the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that engine oil was added to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it failed the oil consumption test; however, the manufacturer declined to replace the engine and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

2. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 14, 2026

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began shaking violently and made a loud knocking sound. The contact experienced a loss of automotive power, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the catalytic converter needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. However, the dealer stated that the engine had to seize for the replacement to be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,009.

3. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2025, fire

   The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 50 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression as heavy, black smoke began to emit from the under the hood of the vehicle. The contact's daughter managed to pull off to the shoulder of the highway as all occupants quickly exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as police arrived immediately on the scene. The fire department also arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed but when the contact called for a copy, he was informed that the report was not yet produced. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard were the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact went to view the vehicle and linked the failure the engine's connecting rod which he saw hanging from what remained of the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

4. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2024

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required quarts of oil to be added to the vehicle weekly. The contact stated that there was no indication of an oil leak. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed an oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had failed the oil consumption test, and the dealer requested oil change records and proof of ownership. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,207.

5. Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Oct 24, 2023

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Additionally, the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil change was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had consumed two quarts of engine oil. The oil consumption test was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2023

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that there was no revving coming from the engine while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled; however, the power steering and braking system were still operable. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and was able to shift to neutral(N), and the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the knock sensor and timing cover needed to be replaced. Additionally, there were two oil leaks that were repaired. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had started to idle rough and was losing motive power. The contact stated that the failure had become a reoccurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated and there was a slight pull to the right on the steering wheel while the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.