2019 Kia Soul recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia Soul; the most frequently affected component is air bags. Owners filed 136 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 16 model years of this model in the database, 2019 ranks #12 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints136

Crashes reported3in stored complaints

Fires reported1in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

Air bagsCampaign 22V031000 · 25 Jan 2022

Problem: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine31 · 78%

Fuel/propulsion system6 · 15%

Air bags4 · 10%

Unknown or other3 · 8%

Electrical system3 · 8%

Steering2 · 5%

Seat belts2 · 5%

Engine and engine cooling2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

202522

202618

From owner complaints

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 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Steering · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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.
Engine · Oct 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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 the connecting rod bearings which had…
Engine · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

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 other vehicle. There was no warning light…
Service brakes · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2019 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

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