Problems · by component

2019 Kia Soul engine problems

90 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Soul cite engine, 63% of all 143 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
90
63% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I don’t even drive it every day at this point. I have ran out of oil and been stranded 3 times in the past few months. The engine completely burns all the oil and the oil light doesn’t even come on until there is none left! It’s like we have to check it every 500 miles. We have refilled the oil over 6 times while only adding about 4k miles on total mileage. It is absolutely ridiculous.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026EngineODI 11773649
“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
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2026EngineODI 11750368
“My engine has suffered a mechanical failure that makes the vehicle stall or lose power while driving, creating a massive highway safety hazard. Kia is using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2026EngineODI 11748851
“My engine has suffered a mechanical failure that makes the vehicle stall or lose power while driving, creating a massive highway safety hazard. Kia is using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026EngineODI 11747782

Showing 6 of 90 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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