Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
150–25K
725–50K
850–75K
475–100K
11100–150K
0150K+
45 reports with mileage · 91 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports8 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
136 reports
115,932 miles · Mar 26, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the RPM revved extremely high, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 65 MPH. Additionally, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was steered to the side of t…
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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the RPM revved extremely high, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 65 MPH. Additionally, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the contact saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that either cylinder #1 or the entire engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,932.
NHTSA ODI #11650873
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2025
Engine
I am experiencing excessive oil consumption and potential engine failure in my 2019 Kia Soul. Despite regular maintenance, my vehicle has suffered from multiple major repairs, including a top-end engine rebuild and catalytic converter replacement in 2024. The excessive oil consumption issue persisted, ultimately requiring a full…
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I am experiencing excessive oil consumption and potential engine failure in my 2019 Kia Soul. Despite regular maintenance, my vehicle has suffered from multiple major repairs, including a top-end engine rebuild and catalytic converter replacement in 2024. The excessive oil consumption issue persisted, ultimately requiring a full engine replacement in 2025. Kia has delayed repairs and provided minimal support, leaving me without a vehicle for extended periods. Service History & Progression of the Issue: March 11, 2024: Took my vehicle to Planet Kia dealership after noticing excessive oil consumption and performance issues. Kia initiated an oil consumption test but did not approve immediate repairs. May 2024: Kia performed a top-end engine rebuild instead of replacing the engine, even though significant oil loss continued. December 2024: The catalytic converter was replaced, likely due to prolonged oil burning and engine inefficiencies. January 22, 2025: Returned the vehicle to Kia as the excessive oil consumption issue worsened, and the engine was struggling to function properly. March 2025: Kia finally approved a full engine replacement, but my vehicle has now been in service for over 137 days, and the repair process has been delayed due to missing parts. March 26, 2025: Planet Kia has not provided clear updates on beginning or completion of engine replacement despite having all parts in-house. Safety Concerns: Risk of Engine Failure: If the engine runs low on oil, it can seize while driving, creating a dangerous situation. Potential Fire Hazard: Excessive oil consumption could lead to overheating and increased fire risks, as seen in similar Kia engine-related recalls. Manufacturer Delays & Accountability: Kia has known about oil consumption issues for years but continues to delay solutions for affect
NHTSA ODI #11650756
37,754 miles · Mar 17, 2025
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to overtake a Commercial Semi-Truck, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and started to decelerate. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a nearby dealer who diagnos…
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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to overtake a Commercial Semi-Truck, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and started to decelerate. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a nearby dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and were stuck in the fully opened position. The fuel injectors were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,754.
NHTSA ODI #11648755
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2025
Engine
Owner was driving vehicle coming off of a highway onto sideroad when vehicle suddenly made a loud banging and grinding engine sound and engine quit immediately. Luckily able to drift over to shoulder and call tow truck. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership claimed vehicle was made in Mexico and therefore not covered by any re…
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Owner was driving vehicle coming off of a highway onto sideroad when vehicle suddenly made a loud banging and grinding engine sound and engine quit immediately. Luckily able to drift over to shoulder and call tow truck. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership claimed vehicle was made in Mexico and therefore not covered by any recall. No forewarning by any dashboard lights. Owner needed a vehicle immediately for work and bought a brand new seltos the next day, then dealership refused to take soul as a trade in and so it remains unrepaired in the yard. It is able to be seen. I believe it should have been repaired or bought back by dealership. I feel like I was taken advantage of and lied to by the dealership
NHTSA ODI #11648478
50,045 miles · Mar 12, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the oil needed to be added to the engine every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that an oil c…
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The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the oil needed to be added to the engine every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer every three months, however the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,045.
NHTSA ODI #11647846
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2025
Engine
I have a 2019 Kia Soul and the engine has had issues over the past year regarding it stalling and losing power. These engines are prone to have oil circulation issues which can cause catastrophic engine failure due to lack of adequate lubrication inside the cylinder(s). My engine has cut off and lost power while driving on sever…
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I have a 2019 Kia Soul and the engine has had issues over the past year regarding it stalling and losing power. These engines are prone to have oil circulation issues which can cause catastrophic engine failure due to lack of adequate lubrication inside the cylinder(s). My engine has cut off and lost power while driving on several occasions recently. If this happens, it can cause someone to smash into us on the interstate causing a possible fatal accident. I am terrified to drive my vehicle because of this issue. The VIN for my vehicle is: [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle new in 2020 our Kia dealer in Goose Creek, SC. I have heard of many of these engines being replaced by Kia and feel that this issue directly affects my vehicle. Please help us get this issue resolved. Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11646461
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2025
EngineWheels
Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.
NHTSA ODI #11646144
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2025
Engine
I’ve always had increased oil consumption since I’ve bought the car new. Pistons have been miss firing for over 2 years. I keep getting a P0020 code Kia had “replaced” catalytic converter, believing that was the issue and it wasn’t. Now I have a motor that’s not working properly.
NHTSA ODI #11645694
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2025
Air BagsEngine
My engine through a rod on approximately 9/26/24. I had it towed to Garden Grove Kia. They said they needed to contact Kia Corporate to find out if my car was still under warranty. Corporate acknowledged that there was a recall for the rod bearing that could cause a fire (safety issue). I was also told that there was a class act…
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My engine through a rod on approximately 9/26/24. I had it towed to Garden Grove Kia. They said they needed to contact Kia Corporate to find out if my car was still under warranty. Corporate acknowledged that there was a recall for the rod bearing that could cause a fire (safety issue). I was also told that there was a class action lawsuit. Corporate informed me that I was notified by mail. Which never happened. And said that it would cost me $500 dollars for them to diagnostic. That my warranty expired at 60,000 miles! They also said had I got the update for that recall that it would have been covered. When I bought the Vehicle on 8/21/22 from Russell Westbrook Hyundai they reassured me that the 2019 Kia Soul had zero recalls. Any paperwork I received about this was given to me after the class action lawsuit. The dates to take action were already expired. I have tried to get my Kia diagnosed by several shops and they can't diagnosis because Kia is not complying with OBD2 readers. I have been told by several mechanics that Kia has there own diagnostic reader. According to the settlement I am entitled to have them diagnos my Kia at no cost to me.
NHTSA ODI #11644333
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2025
Engine
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Kia Soul, which I believe falls under the same circumstances addressed in the recent recall for earlier models of the same vehicle. Despite my vehicle's VIN not being part of the recall, it has experienced the same defects that were the focus of the…
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I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Kia Soul, which I believe falls under the same circumstances addressed in the recent recall for earlier models of the same vehicle. Despite my vehicle's VIN not being part of the recall, it has experienced the same defects that were the focus of the recall campaign for other Kia Souls with similar issues. Vehicle Information: Make/Model: 2019 Kia Soul BASE VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI Odometer Reading: 98.000 Issue Description: My vehicle has repeatedly triggered the P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), which is indicative of an issue with the catalytic converter. I have had the catalytic converter replaced twice under the assumption that the issue would be resolved, yet the check engine light continues to activate, and the P0420 code reappears consistently. This ongoing problem has been extensively disruptive to my vehicle’s performance, safety, and emissions. The engine is also burning oil just as all other kia GDI engines. Background: I am aware that earlier models of the Kia Soul, including those equipped with the 1.6L GDI engine, were subject to a recall due to similar catalytic converter-related issues. The recall addressed potential overheating and damage to the catalytic converter, which could lead to engine failure and safety risks. While my VIN does not appear to be included in the recall, the exact issues reported in the recall have been occurring in my vehicle as well, despite repeated attempts to fix the problem. Given that my 2019 Kia Soul is exhibiting the same issues that were covered under the earlier recall, I respectfully request that recall coverage be extended to include this model year and VIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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 NHTSA.gov 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov.
2019 Kia Soul Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year