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2019 Kia Soul problems

The most common problem on the 2019 Kia Soul is engine and cooling, typically around 67,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Soul model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
140
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
99
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
27-28mpg
Typical repair
$6,230

The worst 2019 Kia Soul problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Kia Soul

Oil consumption 39Engine failure 26Check engine light 23Stalling 20Knocking 17Fire or smoke 16Loss of power 9Overheating 6No deployment 5Won't start 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2019 Kia Soul mention

P0420 2

Recalls 1

Air bagsReported January 25, 2022 · 410,619 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 22V031000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2019 Kia Soul

Defect investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency 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 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 the federal safety agency 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 assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

DP22003

Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Kia Soul 99

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 99 bulletins for the 2019 Kia Soul

2019 Kia Soul fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD24-2630-3127-28
2.0L 4‑cylFWD253027
Electric motor Electric 111 mi rangeFWD12493108 MPGe

What 2019 Kia Soul owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

1. An independent mechanic diagnosed a fuel injector that was stuck open, allowing excessive gasoline to enter the engine and causing flooding. The mechanic also identified issues with the crankshaft position sensor, ignition coils, spark plugs, and coolant temperature sensor. I don't know if it available for inspection upon request. We replaced one of the fuel injectors out of four. 2. While driving the car started to stutter and white smoke came out of the back of the car. There was a distinct gasoline smell. After pulling over to the side of the highway, and turning off the engine, it would not start again. The engine turning off created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding drivers on the highway during rush hour, particularly given the lack of warning indicators. The car required a tow 3. Yes. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and initially performed repairs that allowed the engine to start. However, significant white exhaust smoke remained. Upon further diagnosis, the mechanic reported that a fuel injector was stuck open and flooding the engine with gasoline. He stated that this type of failure is common in Kia Soul cars. 4. The car was inspected and diagnosed by an independent automotive repair shop, 360 Mechanic Inc. There has been no reported inspection by Kia, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. 5. Prior to the breakdown, the car experienced shaking at higher speeds. The exact date these symptoms first appeared is unknown. No check engine light or other dashboard warning indicators appeared before or during the breakdown.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Body · FL

The Paint is delaminating on the hood, around the windows, the mirrors and the door handles. I only have 28,000 miles on this white car.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · TX

The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I don’t even drive it every day at this point. I have ran out of oil and been stranded 3 times in the past few months. The engine completely burns all the oil and the oil light doesn’t even come on until there is none left! It’s like we have to check it every 500 miles. We have refilled the oil over 6 times while only adding about 4k miles on total mileage. It is absolutely ridiculous.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Engine seized while driving with no warning. Dealer has submitted findings to kia corporate techline for powertrain warranty claim which is requesting a $700 engine teardown at my expense

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · NH

Burns way to much oil then it should for a 2019. I have to put a quart of oil in every 1,000 miles due to the oil consumption the motor does.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · NC

My 2019 Kia Soul has been professionally diagnosed with DTC B162000, “Internal Fault – Replace SRSCM,” involving the Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag Control Module. My repair shop documented this diagnosis on August 24, 2026. Kia Safety Recall SC226 / the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑031 addresses an Airbag Control Unit defect in certain 2017-2019 Kia Souls and specifically addresses vehicles exhibiting DTC B1620. However, I have been informed that my VIN is not included in the recall and the recall repair is therefore unavailable for my vehicle. I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same safety defect despite being excluded from the recall population. The airbag system is safety-critical, and I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the affected population should include additional 2019 Kia Soul vehicles.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Engine · 59,000 miles · OH

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 vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Body, Electrical · GA

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 reports were filed for each theft, and the incidents have been reported to Kia. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether this vehicle’s anti-theft system presents a safety-related defect or warrants further investigation.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine · PA

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 vehicle through the intersection and pulled over. I turned the vehicle off and it would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to my local independent service center where a diagnostic was performed. It was found to be engine failure due to the connecting rod to the pistons. It resulted in a loud rod knock and white smoke from the engine. There were no warning lights or sounds or quality of driving prior to the failure until the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. Vehicle was regularly maintained. Kia is currently in a lawsuit due to engine failure but does not include my VIN even though it experienced the same exact cause of engine failure as many of their other vehicles. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representives.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · PA

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 using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2019 Kia Soul before you buy

Compare the 2019 Kia Soul

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Other model years

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Questions about the 2019 Kia Soul

Is the 2019 Kia Soul reliable?

Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2019 Kia Soul, fewer than a typical Soul model year.

What is the 2019 Kia Soul year score?

The 2019 Kia Soul scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Soul: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Kia Soul?

Engine and cooling, with 95 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is fuel system (16).

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Soul have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What year does the Kia Soul have bad engine?

The Kia Soul model years with the most engine complaints are 2015 (663 complaints), 2016 (623 complaints) and 2014 (591 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Soul get?

Official estimates for the 2019 Kia Soul range from 27 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24-26 city and 30-31 highway.

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