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
136 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Mar 26, 2024
Drivers side back brake light kept going out and now sometimes the whole tail light goes out.
Engine, Mar 21, 2024
Catalytic converter to be replaced at 94.000 miles following check engine light.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 3, 2024
While driving on the freeway, last month mid to late Feb, My steering wheel started spinning in one direction,. The control arm on the right side of the vehicle came off of the car's right front wheel and I skidded to the side of the road at approximately 65 to 70 miles per hour. Fortunately, there was not an accident. The control arms were replaced and there were no further incidents. Regardless, given the multiple engine recalls and problems with the Kia Soul 2019 2.0 plus, I have no confidence in it's integrity to the safety standards set. This is not only related to the car, but mostly due to the behavior of the company in its continued efforts to otherwise resist compliance with engine replacement after my mechanic both viewed rod bearings seeing they may impose some risk. (see previous complaint)
Engine, Mar 3, 2024, fire
Last year my car started knocking and there was a smoldering smell. I expected Kia to consider the function of the rod knock sensor which caused P1326code. I advised capitol kia of both knocking noises and a significant burning smell. Per an extended warranty, if the rod bearings go bad, then the engine should be replaced. Capitol Kia avoided the latter and was not fully compliant with maintaining driver's safety. Only the rod knock sensor was replaced replaced, and the sensor shows bad rod bearings over and over and over ( 3 times ) Due to incompetence at Capitol Kia, Steven's Creek Kia checked on the second event and another RBCT was done to justify it's Kia's position that the rod bearings are functional. So Far, have been sent away twice, pending a now 3rd.. The sensor was replaced 3 weeks ago and I only drove the car two weeks before a new P1326 rod bearing code was shown just last week. Well knowing that the Rod Knock senor is designed to place the car into limp mode to circumvent catastrophe, it behooves the company, on behalf of consumer safety; and, integrity to NHTSA safety, to visually inspect the rod bearings to assure consumer confidence. This is especially after multiple rod knock sensor issues. Given that Rod bearing problems can cause catastrophic injury to the driver, the NHTSA needs to mandate the company to visually inspect the bearings and show the consumer pictorial evidence of a clearly unworn rod bearing per incident, after an initial knock sensor change. All evidence as such should be faithfully tracked by Kia and the NHTSA. This is especially as Kia is using a test to indicate normal functioning for bearings assumed to be among a lot of defective bearings. It follows logically that rod bearings which pass a RBCT ( Rod Bearing Clearance Test ), after a code is found, will be functioning just short of causing a catastrophic event. It should be noted that the warranty is to maintain consumer safety not to facilitate new events by default.
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2024
Dct transmission, actuators . Design flaw. Electrical problems.
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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2024, crash
UNKNOWN Car accident in 2022 that impacted the front and driver side of the vehicle. Air bags did not deploy as it was a pretty bad accident. The light of the air bag would be on stating that it was not on and then go off completely in different situations. Never once did I receive a letters from the manufacturer stating the recall.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jan 30, 2024, fire
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.
Engine, Jan 15, 2024
Kia issued recall for update to knock detection system on vehicles equipped with certain GDI engines of which my vehicle was included. Following the update I noticed my engine had begun to consume oil at an excessive rate between oil changes and took in for service at dealership. They performed an oil consumption test and returned the vehicle to me stating that it fell within the perameters of normal oil consumption but was burning oil. On 10/20/23 the vehicles knock sensor detection system went off and vehicle was dropped off at the service center. Service Advisor infomred me of the flow chart procedure for the warranty process and did an update to the knock detection system, added oil and gave me the car back. A month later the car again went into limp mode and gave a code for knock detection sensor trigger. Went into service center, bearing clearance test was performed, vehicle passed, knock sensor replaced. Car was returned to me. Exactly one month later after routine oil change, vehicle is still excessively burning oil and car goes into limp mode again. The new knock sensor has triggered and vehicle enters into limp mode on the highway. Took the vehicle to the service depatment this time with an audible knock/rattle in the engine block with noticeable movement in the motor mount to which they now state is not connected to the oil consumption issue even though the vehicle was again low on oil when system was engaged. The vehicle has been consuming oil at a high rate of speed for over a year initiating the safety mechanisms on multiple occassions with the source of the issue being unresolved by the manufactuerer despite multiple documented attempts to intiated covereage under the warranty. Knock sesnor detection system has triggered multiple times with safety protocals being bypassed and faulty engine being returned to the highways putting other vehicles at risk. Currently have a case open with both Kia USA and our local Kia Dealership .
Engine, Dec 14, 2023, fire
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. Soon after exiting the vehicle, white smoke began to emit from underneath the hood and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle parked in front of the contact's vehicle sustained damage as a result of the fire. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location through the contact's insurance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was totaled as a result of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 10,500.
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.
Engine, Oct 14, 2023
I am burning through oil, adding approximately 1-2 qts a week. This, in addition to my regular oil changes that I do every 3-4,000 miles. I use a synthetic blend for high mileage. I was informed that the type of engine installed (Nu 2.0 GDI engine) is the reason for the car burning oil. Twice in the last 8 months, I went to get my oil changed and was informed that I had no oil. I have yet to see the oil pressure light illuminate on my dash when my oil has been that low. My oil changes average about $80 every 3 to 4000 miles. However, in addition to the cost of my oil change, I’m having to add one to 2 quarts of oil averaging an extra $14 every week. This is starting to eat into my wallet and Kia needs to do something about their engines.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2023
I am writing upon instruction of Minnesota Attorney General Ellison's Office regarding my stolen Kia. Our 2019 Kia Soul was was purchased less than a year ago from a dealership. In the last year, the Kia Soul has been stolen twice. Both times we incurred significant expenses to repair the car's broken windows and disassembled steering column. We also experienced huge inconveniences to arrive at work since we were without the vehicle for over a month each time. To make matters worse, our insurance company increased our rates each time the car was stolen. I now fear the car will be simply uninsurable when the policy reups. The only support we have seen from Kia is receipt of an anti-theft steering lock ("club"). This device is worth about $25. It is an insult given the expenses we have incurred. We just got the car back from the autobody shop today. I remain very concerned about putting this car back on the street. We do not have a garage or can afford off street parking. The car is principally used by our son who lives in an apartment in Minneapolis. We have heard of many instances when the car's windows are smashed even when an anti-theft device is on the steering wheel. I believe a vehicle recall is the only fair alternative. I realize that Ellison's office is pursuing a class action suit with this goal. Please support that campaign and help us address this entirely impossible situation. If we try to sell this vehicle, we will lose nearly five thousand in value since it was purchased last year. We have already incurred about $3,000 in addition to insurance increases. Yet, I am sure we have any other option than selling it if our insurance either refuses to insure or jacks our rates even higher than they did last year. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 26, 2023, crash
On April 05, 2022 I was struck head-on by a negligent driver who rounded a blind turn at a rate of speed of above sixty miles per hour. His vehicle drifted across the double yellow lines into my lane and hit three quarters of my front bumper. He was driving a four door sedan and I was driving a 2019 Kia Soul. My vehicle was lifted off of the ground, slid across his hood and roof, landed on its side and grinder against the passenger side of the car along the floor and the roof grinded the guard rail. My steering wheel air bag did not deploy, causing my head to go through the windshield. All of this is evidenced by my dual camera dash cam. The front panel of my car was crushed, which caused the side curtain airbags to deploy. Unfortunately, even though the main impact was the front bumper, the steering wheel airbag did not deploy. I suffered severe permanent injuries from this accident. I have emailed the claims department of Kia motors, but have yet to hear a reply. Thank you! I pray that no one else has to endure such a travailing experience due to a faulty product prevent vehicles from being crash worthy.
Engine, Aug 26, 2023
I was driving my 2019 Kia soul when I heard a noise I as I was pulling into a parking lot to park and see what was going on the car just cut off. There were no warning lights or anything on the dashboard. I called the dealership where I got the car and got no response for a week, then finally the guy who sold me the car reached out. I told him I had the car towed to my house and that I needed to get it to the dealership for service, the dealership is in a different city 30 minutes away. I was told that somebody from service would reach out to me that never happened. So, another week goes by I get the car towed it sits at the dealership for two weeks and the finally tell me the engine needs to be replaced. This is a 2019 kia soul where routine maintenance was always done on time. I was given no reason for the engine failure just told it was out of warranty and I would have to pay $11,00 to replace it.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
The 2019 Kia soul is burning threw almost 2 quarts of oil a week now. It has been ran once just about to the point where there was no oil in the car. Never had a check engine light or low oil pressure light come on. The vehicle from boardman Kia.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2023
unknown
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.
Engine, Aug 10, 2023
Engine control system is coming on. My engine is knocking and rattling my car will just cut off and steering will get really hard
Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an unusual sound that came from the hood of the vehicle, and inadvertently, the smoke came from underneath the hood; however, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure fits the same description as a safety recall for Kia Soul engines, in which this vehicle's VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side rear brake lights malfunctioned and were replaced on several occasions. While replacing the brake light bulbs, the contact discovered that the light bulb sockets were charred and melted. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2023
2019 Kia Soul with 63900 miles fan control switch overheating causing harness to turn black. Failure of Ac due to this defect. The Ac Control unit was replace under warranty because of a fan control swith failer in the past. The vehicle is unsafe when these controls are used because of the current going through the switch appears to be to much for the swith to handle. We took the vehicle to the Dealer and they stated that the electronics and wiring is only covered for 5 years 60,000 miles. However, the part was last replaced by the dealer under warranty so this would be the 2nd switch assembly. We contacted Kia Corporate and they advised us to bring the car into the Dealer to have them diagnose the issue. The dealer contacted us and stated that the wiring harness will need to be replaced as well as the Ac Control unit. There was no warnings that this switch was failing again other than the Ac no longer worked.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was not driven for 3–4 days and the battery drained and failed to retain a charge. The vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.