2019 Kia Soul Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 09/08/2026

86Engine complaints

63.7%Of all 135 complaints

#1Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE86 · 63.7%

Unspecified / other19 · 14.1%

AIR BAGS15 · 11.1%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 8.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12 · 8.9%

Share of the 135 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2019 Kia Soul overview page.

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11750368 — filed 07/14/2026

“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

“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

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Kia Soul: 86 of 135 complaints on file (63.7%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2019 Kia Soul have in total?

135 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Across all categories, 11 involved a crash, 8 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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 09/08/2026.