2019 Kia Soul recalls and problems

The 2019 Kia Soul has 1 recall and 140 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

2019 Kia Soul
Photo: 2019 Kia Soul by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2019 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Low complaint count among 16 Soul model years — 11th most.

1recalls
140complaints
11crashes
8fires
12injuries
50,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Air Bags

Jan 25, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V031000 · 410,619 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2019: 11 complaints20192020: 6 complaints20202021: 6 complaints20212022: 11 complaints20222023: 17 complaints20232024: 21 complaints20242025: 46 complaints2025462026: 22 complaints202622

NHTSA investigations

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023
Summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as…

2019 vs. other Kia Soul years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2019. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2019 Kia Soul, the latest from Jan 25, 2022 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Soul?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (95), unknown or other (19), fuel system (16). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.