2019 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 128 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2019 Kia Soul. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2019 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Kia Soul has 128 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 128
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 28
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 26 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 111
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Kia Soul?
The 2019 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine and request service records for any prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and fuel/propulsion components.
- Test drive to check for unusual engine noises or performance issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine and request service records for any prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and fuel/propulsion components.
- Test drive to check for unusual engine noises or performance issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2019 Kia Soul has 128 NHTSA complaints, with a single recall and 11 crash-related reports. Complaints are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for the majority of issues. Other notable areas include airbag malfunctions and fuel/propulsion system faults.
- Engine problems dominate the complaint data for the 2019 model year.
- Airbag malfunctions and fuel/propulsion system issues are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints represent a small fraction of total reports.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Fuel/Propulsion System
All 2019 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 87 | 2 | 6 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
On [XXX], while my vehicle was at the dealership for a federally mandated engine replacement recall (Campaign PI2107Y/Z), the service department attempted to obstruct the completion of the safety repair. The dealership informed me that unless I paid a 264.40 fee for maintenance a…
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 to dealership after oil change mechanic suggested needing to have problems looked at per Kias recent service bulletins on high oil consumption …
I have a code of P0420 show up on a vehicle diagnostic test. This is directly related to recall SA363 ECU LOGIC . The engine light kept coming on. I was driving on the highway and the car stalled and then stopped as I was coming off the exit.
I have always taken my 2019 Kia Soul to the dealership in Quincy IL, where I had purchased it from as the first and only owner. I have recently drove it to work and it made an awful noise and started to run rough. Upon taking it to the dealership I learned that cylinder number 3 …
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 catal…
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,…
This vehicle was seriously damaged in a crash. No airbags deployed. The vehicle was totaled. Another vehicle went through red light and crashed into my car.
Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair
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 …
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 o…
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 ne…
I was driving approx 70mph on the highway when a piston ring popped off and blew a hole in the engine, causing the engine to fail once the oil spilled out.
The vehicle had a catastrophic engine failure while driving in traffic. The engine would turn over making loud grinding noises but would not start, and the vehicle had to be towed. The engine had only 92,077 miles on it when it failed. Subsequent engine teardown found pieces of t…
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 ot…
This is a 6 year old car, with just under 108,000 miles. The catalytic converter is clogged, most likely from oil getting past the piston rings and contaminating the catalytic converter. High oil consumption, resulting in 1 qt needed to be added every 850-875 miles on average. Ex…
I took the car to the shop because it had been consuming a lot of oil within the last 2 months and everytime I went to the shop they would just top off my oil . They ended up doing an oil consumption test and my car failed it and mind you they had just put oil in my car the week…
The vehicle, a 2019 Kia Soul, is experiencing **severe and abnormal engine oil consumption** requiring frequent, unscheduled oil replenishment. The vehicle has approximately 117,000 miles. **Component or System Failure:** The malfunction is in the **powertrain system**, specific…
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Soul 2.0L GDI VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 92,200 The engine and connecting rod bearings failed — a known defect in Kia’s Theta II GDI engines. The vehicle began making a loud knocking noise and would stall when turning to start the engine within days of purchase. This…
started smelling burning oil intermittently shortly after purchase as new vehicle. When checked by service at Kia, could not find anything. Then vehicle started to stall on multiple occasions while on the road. Spent $1500 at Kia to try and fix it. Service folks couldn't find t…
I was traveling on Saturday at about 40 miles an hour down the road car just all of a sudden lost power and started smoking. No engine light or anything else came out to indicate a problem. Got it too a repair shop waiting to hear Monday exactly all the damage but they did say it…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Kia Soul.
2019 Kia Soul Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Soul. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 128 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2019 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (87 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (18 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 128 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2019 Kia Soul. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Kia Soul?▾
The 2019 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.