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2019 Kia Soul Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
134
Latest Jul 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Soul, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine9151.7%
  • Airbags148.0%
  • Brakes84.5%
  • Seat belts63.4%
  • Exterior lighting52.8%
  • Powertrain (other)52.8%
  • Steering52.8%
  • Body & structure42.3%
  • Visibility42.3%
  • Other / unspecified31.7%
  • Tires & wheels10.6%
  • Suspension10.6%
  • Driver assistance10.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

91
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11753284 · filed Jul 28, 2026

I was driving through a busy intersection when the vehicle stopped accelerating causing risk to myself and other drivers. I was able to get the vehicle through the intersection and pulled over. I turned the vehicle off and it would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to my local independent service center where a diagnostic was performed. It was found to be engine failure due to the connecting rod to the pistons. It resulted in a loud rod knock and white smoke from the engine. There were no warning lights or sounds or quality of driving prior to the failure until the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. Vehicle was regularly maintained. Kia is currently in a lawsuit due to engine failure but does not include my VIN even though it experienced the same exact cause of engine failure as many of their other vehicles. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representives.

NHTSA ID 11750368 · filed Jul 14, 2026
All 91 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 extinguishing the fire and to ensure that further danger did not persist.

NHTSA ID 11743824 · filed Jun 12, 2026

Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair

NHTSA ID 11714971 · filed Feb 2, 2026
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This vehicle was seriously damaged in a crash. No airbags deployed. The vehicle was totaled. Another vehicle went through red light and crashed into my car.

NHTSA ID 11718103 · filed Feb 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11701523 · filed Nov 25, 2025
All 14 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a 2019 Kia Soul in June 2022. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been stolen three separate times. During at least one theft, the steering column was damaged to bypass the ignition, and responding officers indicated the theft method was consistent with the widely reported Kia theft method. I had possession of my keys during the incidents. The repeated thefts created a significant safety risk, financial loss, and left me without reliable transportation. I am concerned the vehicle’s theft-deterrent system did not provide reasonable protection against unauthorized operation. Police reports were filed for each theft, and the incidents have been reported to Kia. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this vehicle’s anti-theft system presents a safety-related defect or warrants further investigation.

NHTSA ID 11750480 · filed Jul 15, 2026

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 extinguishing the fire and to ensure that further danger did not persist.

NHTSA ID 11743824 · filed Jun 12, 2026
All 13 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11701523 · filed Nov 25, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11630578 · filed Dec 13, 2024
All 8 reports naming brakes

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.

NHTSA ID 11711092 · filed Jan 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11701523 · filed Nov 25, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

There is water filtration in the upper stop lamp. This happens while driving under heavy raining conditions.

NHTSA ID 11689719 · filed Sep 25, 2025

My 2017 KIA Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the Oil Lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn’t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: Oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from KIA company. Contact the KIA Dealership in Boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

NHTSA ID 11632065 · filed Dec 23, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.

NHTSA ID 11711092 · filed Jan 15, 2026

My 2019 Kia Soul had an engine misfire, breaking down and requiring new spark plugs. My car has been consuming oil excessively for the past 8 months, causing me to change the oil myself once a week. The engine light has been on, leading me to fix both catalytic converters. The engine light came back on right after this and pulled up two codes related to the camshaft position. I asked Kia for an oil consumption test and was told they do not perform that. The oil continues to burn excessively and requires constant changing. Other mechanics have informed me that this could lead to a serious fire hazard and engine issue, posing a high safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11661126 · filed May 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2019 Kia Soul has an issue with the steering wheel coupling that needs to be replaced. This has been confirmed by a mechanic. There is a warranty extension on the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) rubber coupling - 10 years/100,000 miles - for the 2019 Kia Soul. For some reason, my 2019 Kia Soul is not showing up under the warranty campaign extension. I am seeking a goodwill repair by Kia as there is obviously a known issue with the steering coupling that has impacted my 2019 Kia Soul. The cost to repair is in the $650-$1,500 range.

NHTSA ID 11724459 · filed Mar 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose, vibrated, and made a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, and it was determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID 11705619 · filed Dec 17, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a 2019 Kia Soul in June 2022. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been stolen three separate times. During at least one theft, the steering column was damaged to bypass the ignition, and responding officers indicated the theft method was consistent with the widely reported Kia theft method. I had possession of my keys during the incidents. The repeated thefts created a significant safety risk, financial loss, and left me without reliable transportation. I am concerned the vehicle’s theft-deterrent system did not provide reasonable protection against unauthorized operation. Police reports were filed for each theft, and the incidents have been reported to Kia. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this vehicle’s anti-theft system presents a safety-related defect or warrants further investigation.

NHTSA ID 11750480 · filed Jul 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11378418 · filed Dec 8, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Safety at risk:yes Lack of visibility Problem has not been reproduced by dealer. Smells are only warning signs: Smell is like rubber but not very strong. WARNING SIGNS OF the PROBLEM: Turned on heat and EXTREMELY HOT HEAT CAME OUT OF VENTS; turned A/c and EXTREMELY HOT HEAT CAME OUT OF VENTS in both cases turned the vehicle off. After 5 minutes, i started to drive with A/c later there was still HOT heat coming out vent since i had URGENT appointment. After the appointment, over an hour, drove car and A/C worked fine. : April 16th, Turned on defrost for front windows. Instead of defrost, windows fogged up completely and i was unable to see and pulled over to side of road. As i pulled over, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF A/c vents and began to fill up the car with black smoke. There is a smell that happns right before the smoke comes out. April 17 took to Classic Kia. Unable to find the problem. Vehicle returned to me. :April 18 drove 4 miles. No problem. Drove 12 miles. The smells started and black smoke started coming through A/c vent and i drove home and parked. Called dealership told problem.

NHTSA ID 11584607 · filed Apr 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11429956 · filed Aug 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.

NHTSA ID 11646144 · filed Mar 4, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID 11575206 · filed Mar 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11496949 · filed Dec 11, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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)

NHTSA ID 11575206 · filed Mar 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2019 Kia Soul had an engine misfire, breaking down and requiring new spark plugs. My car has been consuming oil excessively for the past 8 months, causing me to change the oil myself once a week. The engine light has been on, leading me to fix both catalytic converters. The engine light came back on right after this and pulled up two codes related to the camshaft position. I asked Kia for an oil consumption test and was told they do not perform that. The oil continues to burn excessively and requires constant changing. Other mechanics have informed me that this could lead to a serious fire hazard and engine issue, posing a high safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11661126 · filed May 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .