Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 136 safety complaints
about the 2019 Kia Soul with the US government. Of those, 11 describe a crash, 8 mention a fire, 12 people were injured and no death is recorded. One recall campaign is open against it, covering the air bags.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 87 complaints, 64% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 50,000 miles,
the median across the 45
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers February 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
136 complaints on file
136
Complaints
11
Describe a crash
8
Mention fire
12
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 87 · 64%
87 64%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 19 · 14%
19 14%
AIR BAGS 15 · 11%
15 11%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14 · 10%
14 10%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 12 · 9%
12 9%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6 · 4%
6 4%
SEAT BELTS 6 · 4%
6 4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5 · 4%
5 4%
POWER TRAIN 5 · 4%
5 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 5 · 4%
5 4%
STEERING 5 · 4%
5 4%
STRUCTURE 4 · 3%
4 3%
03877
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 136.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2025 at 46.
52 39 26 13
192019202020212021222022232023242024252025262026
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Kia SOUL, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
14.7%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
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.
The risk
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
Kia Motors America · up to 410,619 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
1 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Loss of Motive Power
DP22003
Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023
the 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.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
AIR BAGS
3 injured · crash · towed · 120,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND GOING THROUGH AND INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND PULLED OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS, AND FRONT AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS IN HER VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT, AND ALSO THREE PASSENGERS SEATED IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT …
NHTSA complaint 11377518, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed
I was in a collision while stopped at a red light. Other vehicle impacted the entire drive’s side including back passenger rotating the vehicle over 90 degrees and pushing vehicle about 25 yards out into the intersection. The airbags didn’t deploy and experienced head, neck, and back injuries.
NHTSA complaint 11691975. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed
Air Bag did not properly inflate in collision. This caused impact to steering wheel which resulted in severe bruising. Has not been reproduced or inspected. Accident occurred December 32, 2021. No warning of failure, and no recall from manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint 11446631. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed
On April 05, 2022 I was struck head-on by a negligent driver who rounded a blind turn at a rate of speed of above sixty miles per hour. His vehicle drifted across the double yellow lines into my lane and hit three quarters of my front bumper. He was driving a four door sedan and I was driving a 2019 Kia Soul. My vehicle was lifted off of the ground, slid across his hood and roof, landed on its side and grinder against the passenger side of the car along the floor and the roof grinded the guard rail. My steering wheel air bag did not deploy, causing my head to go through the windshield. All of this is evidenced by my dual camera dash cam. The front panel of my car was crushed, which caused …
NHTSA complaint 11540896, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint 11764285. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11759211, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
59,000 miles
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11753284, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11750480, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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 …
NHTSA complaint 11750368, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint 11748851. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed January 25, 2022.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst