2019 Kia Soul

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 / NHTSA 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 NHTSA investigate whether the affected population should include additional 2019 Kia Soul vehicles.

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 NHTSA can evaluate whether this vehicle’s anti-theft system presents a safety-related defect or warrants further investigation.

Engine and engine components caught fire while driving. This put my husbands life at risk and could have caused harm to other drivers if he was driving on a busier road. Car fire could have completely engulfed the car and caused harm or even death. Fire department was called to assist with extinguishing the fire and to ensure that further danger did not persist.

My 2017 KIA Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the Oil Lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn’t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: Oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from KIA company. Contact the KIA Dealership in Boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and AED warning lights were occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and scanned. The contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay, and the contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, after the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, the ABS and AED warning lights were no longer illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,763.

On [XXX], I was driving home from Tampa bay International Airport and noticed that I get less acceleration and my car shut off while driving and caused me to crash into a guardrail. Before accident, told Kia about my car shutting off and right when warrant ran out, parts would fail. Had to buy a sensor, alternator (70,000 miles). Also catalytic converter (81,000). Six months later after I bought alternator, alternator and battery (1 year old) died at the same time. I am lucky that this accident did not heart me or others. It could of happened in front of a truck. There were no warning lights on dash board. Seatbelt light was on even though I was wearing seatbelt. Brought car to Kia dealership and did least amount of checking. Had two independent mechanics look at it with one saying to be careful of Kias because they are the most in his shop. My insurance look at the vehicle. Vehicle is in Geico site in Sarasota, told me anyone can go and look at the car. Will attach Geico claim; if past maintenance records are needed let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2019 Kia Soul with 63900 miles fan control switch overheating causing harness to turn black. Failure of Ac due to this defect. The Ac Control unit was replace under warranty because of a fan control swith failer in the past. The vehicle is unsafe when these controls are used because of the current going through the switch appears to be to much for the swith to handle. We took the vehicle to the Dealer and they stated that the electronics and wiring is only covered for 5 years 60,000 miles. However, the part was last replaced by the dealer under warranty so this would be the 2nd switch assembly. We contacted Kia Corporate and they advised us to bring the car into the Dealer to have them diagnose the issue. The dealer contacted us and stated that the wiring harness will need to be replaced as well as the Ac Control unit. There was no warnings that this switch was failing again other than the Ac no longer worked.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was not driven for 3–4 days and the battery drained and failed to retain a charge. The vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

This happened July 8th, 2022. I was 2 hours away from home. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle shut-off. Before the car shut off, I heard a knocking sound. I got the car started, it went a few miles, and shut off again. It did this several times. It never over -heated. The oil light and check engine light came on once after the failure, and abruptly went off. The car did not start again. My son had to push the vehicle off the highway. I did an oil check and it was extremely low. I had my car towed to the local Kia dealership. The mechanic there said my Kia Soul had a rod hanging. He also said I needed a new engine that would cost $6701.01. I was told that someone else had just brought a Kia in with the same problem. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure to alert me of any engine problems like low oil or overheating.