2019 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 136 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 11 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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: service brakes
8 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 25, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle stopped in front of the contact’s vehicle and the brake pedal was depressed to attempt to avoid a crash; however, the vehicle skidded and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. During the crash the front end and the hood of the vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the seat belt malfunctioned and failed to secure the contact in the seat, causing the contact's chest and stomach to impact the steering wheel. The contact sustained a bruised chest and neck injury but had not yet sought medical treatment. The contact stated that an appointment was schedule to see her Primary Care Physician. The contact was unaware of any injuries to the other driver. A Police report was filed at the scene but was not available. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and AED warning lights were occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and scanned. The contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay, and the contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, after the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, the ABS and AED warning lights were no longer illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,763.
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2024
Last April 2, 2023 Brake pedal went to floor would not stop.... veered off highway..... No brake light appeared... Brought to Kia Dealership on 04/07/2023.. They replaced master brake cylinder under warranty......
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 3, 2024
Driving on the freeway car brakes don’t work, first oil light blinking a very loud noise like metal scraping and all the lights turned on very dangerous situation was able to pulled over until car stopped . Kia dealer knows about all the problems car still under guaranty and they ignore the problem.
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.
Service brakes, Sep 29, 2019
I CAN BE STOPED ON THE ROAD WITH THE BREAK PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY AND THE CAR STILL MOVES FORWARD. AT SOME POINTS AT STOP LIGHTS I PUT MY CAR IN PARK SO IT WON'T MOVE FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPEN A LOT SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2018.
Air bags, Structure, Service brakes, Jun 28, 2019, crash
I HAVE A TOTALED CAR DUE TO A WRECK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES EXTREMELY HARD.
Service brakes, Mar 30, 2019
WHILE BRAKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL IS GOING TO THE FLOOR BOARD: SCARY. NOT EVERY TIME--INTERMITTENTLY. WHAT IF THE BRAKES FAIL ALTOGETHER? WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND WITHIN THE FIRST 400 MILES EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FROM 3/16 TO 3/21 THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLY. THEY FINISHED IT JUST IN TIME FOR MY HUSBAND'S PLANNED VACATION. THE VACATION INCLUDED DRIVING THE KIA OVER 2000 MILES. ON THE WAY BACK, STILL OVER 700 MILES FROM HOME AND JUST PRIOR TO TRAVELLING THROUGH THE SMOKEY'S, THE BRAKES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I'M TYPING THIS AS I FRET ABOUT WHETHER HE WILL MAKE IT HOME SAFELY. I CALLED THE SHOP HE IS SCHEDULED TO GO BACK IN ON MONDAY. I HOPE HE MAKES IT HOME SAFELY TO GET TO THAT APPOINTMENT AND THAT THEY CAN REALLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM.