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.
Engine, Apr 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed 4 quarts of oil within 3,000 miles. The contact pulled into a service station and added two quarts of oil to the vehicle and resumed driving; however, after driving approximately 20 miles, there was a loud banging sound and there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted a goodwill request to the manufacturer; however, the request was denied. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Kia of Greer (14345 E Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC 29651), where the same diagnostic information was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 101,003.
Engine, Feb 24, 2023
1. Engine failure 2. No warnings, car started smoking and I was on the interstate driving 70 mph 3. Dealership refuses to acknowledge or take ownership 4. All insurance and dealership inspected vehicle as engine seized 5. No warnings
Tires, Dec 11, 2022
The size of the tire is 235/45 R18 94V I was driving my car in my neighborhood and all of a sudden my tire went flat. I took it to be repaired and it's blown out on the side and can't be repaired. I have on a little over 14,000 miles on my car and have had regular maintenance. I don't think my tire should have blown.
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. No further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
Oil plug fell out damaging engine
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2022
This happened July 8th, 2022. I was 2 hours away from home. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle shut-off. Before the car shut off, I heard a knocking sound. I got the car started, it went a few miles, and shut off again. It did this several times. It never over -heated. The oil light and check engine light came on once after the failure, and abruptly went off. The car did not start again. My son had to push the vehicle off the highway. I did an oil check and it was extremely low. I had my car towed to the local Kia dealership. The mechanic there said my Kia Soul had a rod hanging. He also said I needed a new engine that would cost $6701.01. I was told that someone else had just brought a Kia in with the same problem. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure to alert me of any engine problems like low oil or overheating.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2022
There was no warning! Kia does not inform their customers that there is no security system on the car. The back doors do not alarm when opened and ignition can be bypassed in seconds many cars are stolen and they have not alerted customers to the problem
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2022
The dash had a electrical burn smell then smoke started coming out. There were children in the car. Unsure if the dash was on fire we stopped and started removing the area the smoke was coming from. The knob that controls the fan speed for the heat/ac had burnt and melted the plug the sensor to the knob as well as inside the back of the knob. We immediately unplugged it to prevent further damage or fire. After checking the internet I saw many forums stating the fan would only blow if they fiddle with the knob between setting 3 & 4 which is how mine started. Also on this panel is the plug to the light for the passenger airbag. This is my main source of transportation and a very dangerous situation. I took it back to the dealership where I bought it brand new in 2019 and was informed it’s my problem and my responsibility to pay for this electrical issue. Giving other people are having the same problem I believe it should be looked into before someone’s car catches on fire. This is a manufacturing problem as it’s obviously something I could not have done and too many other complaints. I mentioned to the service man perhaps maybe it should be reported and looked into as a recall issue and was informed there’s no way because he’s never heard of anyone else having this problem or seen this before. I explained perhaps they just haven’t brought theirs in or reported it yet or they simple don’t know that’s the problem and this is the result. This is very dangerous please look into it. I am unsure if there was ever a small fire or it just became so hot it melted and we happened to smell and see the smoke.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
Car began to experience knocking sounds from engine. Was told by independent mechanic it was the lifters and the vehicle was burning oil. On the way to the dealership, while driving uphill on a road with no shoulders, the vehicle started smoking and lost all power. There was a line of cars behind me and coming in the lane of opposite traffic. The vehicle would not regain any type of power to the engine to make it up any hills to a safe space. If it wasn't for a random driveway my vehicle would've likely rolled back downhill and caused a many car collision which could have seriously injured myself, my young child, and drivers in other vehicles. There is a TSB reported with this issue, but unfortunately most consumers are not notified of active TSBs. The dealership was able to replicate the problem after having it towed there. We were told it would be in excess of $5000 to repair as the engine sustained some damage. I have read of others experiencing similar situations, which could kill a passenger or driver if they lost power in a freeway or a road with no shoulder.
Steering, Electrical system, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the power steering became inoperable causing the driver to lose control of the steering and nearly crashed into a second vehicle. Moments later, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that a screw within the alternator had failed causing the alternator to malfunction. The alternator was replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 18, 2022
Tiene problemas de bolsas de aire y se enciende el bombillo constantemente
Air bags, Jan 7, 2022, crash
Air Bag did not properly inflate in collision. This caused impact to steering wheel which resulted in severe bruising. Has not been reproduced or inspected. Accident occurred December 32, 2021. No warning of failure, and no recall from manufacturer.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Jan 5, 2022
Seat belts do not lock in place when braking, but randomly lock in place while cruising. Severe electric discharge from vehicle, as well as power surges causing lights to burn out repeatedly.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 21, 2021
Rear Windshield Spontaneously Shattering - 11:10pm EST August 20th. I left my residence and approached my car from behind in the parking lot. It was dark but my rear windshield was definitely in one piece and had not previously had any damage. I opened the driver door. As I sat in the seat, I heard what sounded like pebbles spilling. I looked behind me and noticed that the entire rear windshield had shattered and fallen out. This could have caused great harm and surprise especially while driving on the freeway, or with passengers in the back seat. A police report was collected.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2021
The vehicle stalls when trying to pick up speed and when trying to accelerate from a traffic light or stop sign. The vehicle also gets stuck in park and the release button does not work and takes it takes a long time to get the car out of park when it is stuck. The signals also go out at any given time and this problem can last up to an hour.
Engine, Jun 29, 2021
Bought a 2019 Kia Soul+ and after hitting a few hundred miles outside the 60,000 warranty the engine dies to the point Kia has to replace the whole engine.
Other or unspecified, May 28, 2021, crash
I was backing out of a parking spot. As I tried to brake in order to slow down and turn my car around to leave the lot, the brake seemed to be stuck against the floor and wouldn't work, the steering wheel also locked, and I couldn't shift from reverse to drive or park. Before I knew it, my car had rolled back and came to a stop on a metal pole, causing moderate damage to the back corner of the driver's side.
Engine, Feb 22, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA SERVICE CENTER 1137 U S 46, STE A, CLIFTON, NJ 07013 (973) 779-7000 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE OIL WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY MONTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTICED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2021
THE FUEL INJECTORS GET STUCK OPEN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FLOOD WITH GAS. ONE WAS DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY BY MORITZ KIA IN HURST TEXAS IN OCTOBER AND THEY REPLACED IT HOWEVER THEY ONLY REPLACED THE FAULTY ONE L. TODAY A SECOND ONE WAS DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY. SO 2 OUT OF THE 4 FUEL INJECTORS WERE FAULTY ON A CAR THAT'S NOT EVEN A YEAR AND A HALF OLD. I PLAN TO REPLACE ALL THE ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTORS SO IT WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE HOWEVER I BELIEVE THIS PART IS BEYOND JUST A ACCIDENTALLY FAULTY ONE. THE CHANCES OF HAVING HALF THE INJECTORS IN ONE CAR BE BAD IS UNBELIEVABLE.
Engine, Dec 8, 2020
VEHICLE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST AND THE EXIT HIGHWAY VIA OFF RAMP. DRIVER CONTACTED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PARKSIDE KIA IN KNOXVILLE, TN. INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED FAILED IGNITION COIL ON CYLINDER #1 AT APPROXIMATELY 22,300 MILES.
Air bags, Structure, Dec 8, 2020, crash
I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON RTE 13 WITH MY 4 CHILDREN. THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55MPH AND THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC IS BETWEEN 55-60 MPH...WHICH IS THE SPEED I WAS DRIVING. AS IM APPROACHING TO PROCEED PASS INTERSECTION RTE 13 & EDEN ALLEN RD THERE'S A CAR AT THE STOP SIGN WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR RTE 13 TO CLEAR BEFORE ENTERING. THE DRIVER DECIDED TO DASH OUT TO GO ACROSS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS AND TRIED AVOIDING COLLISION BUT IT WASN'T ENOUGH TIME. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING MY UPPER BODY TO SLAM AGAINST STEERING WHEEL CAUSING INJURIES. MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS WHERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION. MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CALIBER COLLISON WHERE TO THIS DAY IM BEING TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE AND THE REPAIRS ARE ALMOST COMPLETE. BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT MYSELF ALONG WITH 2 OF MY PASSENGERS WERE INJURED. TWO OF US ARE IN THERAPY. I SUBMITTED IMAGES BELOW BUT WAS UNSURE TO UPLOAD POLICE REPORT SINCE IT HAS SENSITIVE INFORMATION. EITHER CONTACT STATE FARM WITH MY NAME, ETC OR MY EMAIL FOR POLICE REPORT AND FURTHER INFORMATION.
Air bags, Dec 2, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND GOING THROUGH AND INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND PULLED OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS, AND FRONT AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN HER VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT, AND ALSO THREE PASSENGERS SEATED IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS UNINJURED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS LEGS AND KNEES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO DAYS LATER THE MIDDLE SEAT PASSENGER HAD A HERNIA WHICH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CRASH WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SEAT PASSENGER WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WHETHER OR NOT HE WAS INJURED DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY TO THE CLAVICLE, RIGHT ELBOW, PAIN AND PRESSURE UNDERNEATH HER LEFT BREAST, UPPER CHEST AND UPPER BACK AND NECK PAIN, AND MIGRAINE HEADACHES REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLCE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 5, 2020
DELAY THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN DRIVING AND YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESPOND AND YOU HAVE TO PUT THE PETAL TO THE FLOOR. NO REACTION TO ACCELERATE THE CAR BUT RPMS IN RED. ALSO WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT , STOP SIGN ETC AND GO TO GO THE CAR DELAYS AGAIN AND YOU HAVE THE GAS PETAL TO THE FLOOR AND AGAIN RPMS IN RED AND YET CAR NOT MOVING CAUSING HIGHLY SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING AND PUTS CONSUMER AT RISK. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW STARTED IN JUNE OF 2020 WITH THIS ISSUE AND HAD 22, 000 MILES ON IT. STILL HAPPENING IN ALL 3 DRIVE MODES ECO, NORMAL AND SPORT. DEALERSHIP TOLD US JUST DON'T DRIVE IN ECO WELL NOW ALL MODES DO IT.
Seat belts, Sep 12, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY DURING THE SUMMER WHERE THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 95 DEGREES. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT DOWN THERE BY THE CONSOLE CAME ON. IT STAYED ON FOR FIVE MINUTES UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF, THEN TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN. IT HAPPENS AGAIN LESS THAN A YEAR LATER. THIS TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON THREE TIMES IN TEN MINUTES.THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AGAIN 95 DEGREES. I DID TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CONDITIONS TO SEE IF IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN.
Engine, Aug 6, 2020
WHILE IN PARK OR WHEN DRIVING AND THE BRAKES ARE PUSHED DOWN FOR RED LIGHTS AND SUCH THE CAR WILL SHAKE AND 'SKIP' UNCONTROLLABLY.