Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Kia Soul problems

Owners filed 143 complaints about the 2019 Kia Soul with NHTSA between Feb 2019 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (90).

Complaints
143
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
14
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine90
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Air bags15
  4. Fuel/propulsion system13
  5. Power train8
  6. Engine and engine cooling6
  7. Seat belts6
  8. Service brakes6
  9. Structure5
  10. Steering5
  11. Exterior lighting5
  12. Visibility/wiper4
  13. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  14. Fuel system, gasoline3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201912
20206
20216
202211
202317
202423
202546
202622

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

90 reports2 crashes6 fires
“1. An independent mechanic diagnosed a fuel injector that was stuck open, allowing excessive gasoline to enter the engine and causing flooding. The mechanic also identified issues with the crankshaft position sensor, ignition coils, spark plugs, and coolant temperature sensor. I don't know if it available for inspection upon request. We replaced one of the fuel injectors out of four. 2. While driving the car started to stutter and white smoke came out of the back of the car. There was a distinct gasoline smell. After pulling over to the side of the highway, and turning off the engine, it would not start again. The engine turning off created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding drivers on the highway during rush hour, particularly given the lack of warning indicators. The car required a tow 3. Yes. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and initially performed repairs that allowed the engine to start. However, significant white exhaust smoke remained. Upon further diagnosis, the mechanic reported that a fuel injector was stuck open and flooding the engine with gasoline. He stated that this type of failure is common in Kia Soul…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11775011

Electrical system

15 reports1 crash2 fires1 related recall
“My 2019 Kia Soul has been professionally diagnosed with DTC B162000, “Internal Fault – Replace SRSCM,” involving the Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag Control Module. My repair shop documented this diagnosis on August 24, 2026. Kia Safety Recall SC226 / NHTSA Recall 22V-031 addresses an Airbag Control Unit defect in certain 2017-2019 Kia Souls and specifically addresses vehicles exhibiting DTC B1620. However, I have been informed that my VIN is not included in the recall and the recall repair is therefore unavailable for my vehicle. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same safety defect despite being excluded from the recall population. The airbag system is safety-critical, and I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the affected population should include additional 2019 Kia Soul vehicles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2026Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11759211

Air bags

15 reports9 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bags, Seat beltsCrash reportedODI 11701523

Fuel/propulsion system

13 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11743824

Power train

8 reports1 crash1 related recall
“Engine seized while driving with no warning. Dealer has submitted findings to kia corporate techline for powertrain warranty claim which is requesting a $700 engine teardown at my expense”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11772235

Engine and engine cooling

6 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11753284
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.