2019 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 86 2 crash 6 fire 1 injury

“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 the manufacturer stating the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11569184, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11743824, 2026 · fire

“I was driving home from work on the highway. The check engine light came on. I made a mental note to tell my son, who is a mechanic. The engine stalled out. I had enough momentum to take the exit from the highway and turn onto a side street before the car quit rolling. A helpful dog walker informed me that it wouldn't restart because it was on fire underneath. Luckily, superman drove by and put the fire out before the vehicle or even the engine were fully engulfed. My son & friend (also a mechanic) arrived and peered at the engine... their opinion was that oil on the catalytic converter star…”
NHTSA complaint #11610641, 2024 · fire

Unknown Or Other 19 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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 the manufacturer stating the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11569184, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My 2019 Kia Soul caught fire while I was driving it. I was driving and all of a sudden there was a light knocking sound in the engine. I was going up a slight hill and the knocking got super loud and then something went bang in the engine, the abs and engine lights started flashing and I pulled over. The lady who was traveling behind me, pulled in front of me, ran up to my door and yelled at me to get out and run away from the car as it was on fire. Within 30 seconds the car was completely engulfed. Total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11614118, 2024 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11418886, 2021 · crash

Air Bags 14 9 crash 1 fire 12 injury

“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 PASSENGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11378418, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 FR…”
NHTSA complaint #11377518, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I was in a collision while stopped at a red light. Other vehicle impacted the entire drive’s side including back passenger rotating the vehicle over 90 degrees and pushing vehicle about 25 yards out into the intersection. The airbags didn’t deploy and experienced head, neck, and back injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #11691975, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 13 1 crash 2 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11743824, 2026 · fire

“Engine failure fluid leek and wire burning smells engine burst into flames from the under carriage of the engine. The contact wants to see if there are any recalls and if so should the car be sold at msrp price.”
NHTSA complaint #11568682, 2024 · fire

“On [XXX], I was driving home from Tampa bay International Airport and noticed that I get less acceleration and my car shut off while driving and caused me to crash into a guardrail. Before accident, told Kia about my car shutting off and right when warrant ran out, parts would fail. Had to buy a sensor, alternator (70,000 miles). Also catalytic converter (81,000). Six months later after I bought alternator, alternator and battery (1 year old) died at the same time. I am lucky that this accident did not heart me or others. It could of happened in front of a truck. There were no warning lights o…”
NHTSA complaint #11602694, 2024 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11743824, 2026 · fire

“Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair”
NHTSA complaint #11714971, 2026

“I’ve had nothing but problems with this car since about a year after getting it in 2021. Constant noises with the engine engine check light coming on all the time I would bring it in and no one would be able to figure out what was going on. And then it started to get worse and I had my catalytic converter replaced and not even a couple months later I had to have had another catalytic converter put in there’s issues with oil consumption and between oil changes, I would have to top off my oil multiple times sometimes even five and then I started getting oil changes before I even needed to get th…”
NHTSA complaint #11713366, 2026

Service Brakes 8 2 crash 1 injury

“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 wh…”
NHTSA complaint #11701523, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE A TOTALED CAR DUE TO A WRECK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES EXTREMELY HARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11223093, 2019 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11630578, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 6 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 50 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression as heavy, black smoke began to emit from the under the hood of the vehicle. The contact's daughter managed to pull off to the shoulder of the highway as all occupants quickly exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as police arrived immediately on the scene. The fire department also arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed but when the contact called for a copy, he…”
NHTSA complaint #11666014, 2025 · 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 vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11753284, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began shaking violently and made a loud knocking sound. The contact experienced a loss of automotive power, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the catalytic converter needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. However, the dealer stated that the engine had to seize for the replacement to be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11731246, 2026

Seat Belts 6 2 crash 2 injury

“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 wh…”
NHTSA complaint #11701523, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On April 05, 2022 I was struck head-on by a negligent driver who rounded a blind turn at a rate of speed of above sixty miles per hour. His vehicle drifted across the double yellow lines into my lane and hit three quarters of my front bumper. He was driving a four door sedan and I was driving a 2019 Kia Soul. My vehicle was lifted off of the ground, slid across his hood and roof, landed on its side and grinder against the passenger side of the car along the floor and the roof grinded the guard rail. My steering wheel air bag did not deploy, causing my head to go through the windshield. All of…”
NHTSA complaint #11540896, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11711092, 2026

Exterior Lighting 5

“There is water filtration in the upper stop lamp. This happens while driving under heavy raining conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11689719, 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, movin…”
NHTSA complaint #11632065, 2024

“Drivers side back brake light kept going out and now sometimes the whole tail light goes out.”
NHTSA complaint #11579572, 2024

Power Train 5

“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 complaint #11711092, 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11661126, 2025

“Dct transmission, actuators . Design flaw. Electrical problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11572277, 2024

Steering 5

“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 complaint #11724459, 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 complaint #11705619, 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11575206, 2024

Structure 4 2 crash 3 injury

“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 PASSENGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11378418, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I HAVE A TOTALED CAR DUE TO A WRECK. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES EXTREMELY HARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11223093, 2019 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11750480, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 4

“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, win…”
NHTSA complaint #11584607, 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 complaint #11429956, 2021

“FRONT GLASS PANEL OF SUNROOF SHATTERED AND FAR RIGHT/LEFT CORNERS ARE CAVING IN”
NHTSA complaint #11191816, 2019

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic receiving an undercoating, the independent mechanic performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact stated that during the inspection, the independent mechanic identified that there was severe corrosion on the fuel tank straps. The contact was informed that the fuel tank straps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was scheduled for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11672843, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to overtake a Commercial Semi-Truck, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and started to decelerate. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a nearby dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and were stuck in the fully opened position. The fuel injectors were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,754.”
NHTSA complaint #11648755, 2025

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot and parked. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC codes: P0303 and P016F. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the contact wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11604037, 2024

Wheels 3

“Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.”
NHTSA complaint #11646144, 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11575206, 2024

“WALL TRIANA HWY MADISON WAS BEING PAVED ON WEDNESDAY 2/27/19. THEY HAD SPRAYED SOME TYPE OF LIQUID TAR ON THE ROAD FOR PREPPING. MY CAR IS COVERED WITH THE BLACK SUBSTANCE AND I AM UNABLE TO GET IT OFF. IT HAS COVERED MY REAR WINDOW AND BACK OF CAR. IT IS ALSO ON MY SIDE DOOR PANELS AND UNDER MY VEHICLE,TIRES AND RIMS. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11184858, 2019

Suspension 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11575206, 2024

Tires 1

“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 complaint #11496949, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11661126, 2025