VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2019 Kia Soul is among the quieter years of the Soul on NHTSA's books: 189 complaints (35% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (88 of 189), far ahead of other at 18. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

189

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8847%
Other1810%
Fuel System158%
Airbags147%
Electrical System126%
Brakes84%
Seat Belts63%
Transmission53%
Lighting53%
Steering53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Body & Structure32%
Speed Control11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V031000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2022 · 410,619 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Engine and engine components caught fire while driving. This put my husbands life at risk and could have caused harm to other drivers if he was driving on a busier road. Car fire could have completely engulfed the car and caused harm or even death. Fire department was called to assist with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 12, 2026 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 13, 2022 · crash

“Engine and engine components caught fire while driving. This put my husbands life at risk and could have caused harm to other drivers if he was driving on a busier road. Car fire could have completely engulfed the car and caused harm or even death. Fire department was called to assist with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 12, 2026 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 13, 2022 · crash

“Engine and engine components caught fire while driving. This put my husbands life at risk and could have caused harm to other drivers if he was driving on a busier road. Car fire could have completely engulfed the car and caused harm or even death. Fire department was called to assist with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 12, 2026 · fire

2019 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Soul reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 189 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Soul year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2019 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (88 complaints), other (18 complaints), fuel system (15 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2019 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.