CarModelProblems.com

2019 Kia Soul Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 5.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
131Complaints
1Recalls
11Crashes
8Fires
12Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (64.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 5.2× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine85 · 64.9%not available
Air Bags14 · 10.7%RecalledRecall 22V031000
Fuel/propulsion System12 · 9.2%not available
Electrical System10 · 7.6%not available
Seat Belts6 · 4.6%not available
Service Brakes5 · 3.8%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE85 · 64.9%
Unspecified / other18 · 13.7%
AIR BAGS14 · 10.7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 9.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10 · 7.6%
SEAT BELTS6 · 4.6%
SERVICE BRAKES5 · 3.8%
POWER TRAIN5 · 3.8%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5 · 3.8%
STEERING5 · 3.8%

Percentages are the share of the 131 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Air Bags

NHTSA campaign 22V031000 · 2022 · reported 01/25/2022

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11748851 — filed 07/07/2026 · ENGINE
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11747782 — filed 07/01/2026 · ENGINE
“Engine has 86k miles and has been well maintained. Recently it started to consume oil rapidly as per last oil change report. We took it…”NHTSA complaint 11732228 — filed 04/19/2026 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1620199202072021172022242023382024602025202026

Frequently asked questions

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

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 85 of 131 NHTSA complaints (64.9%), followed by unspecified/other issues (18), air bags (14), fuel/propulsion system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2019 Kia Soul have?

131 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 8 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 22V031000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2019 Kia Soul's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.