2019 Kia Soul recalls and problems

The 2019 Kia Soul has 1 safety recall and 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

140

Crashes / fires

11 / 8

Injuries / deaths

12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Kia Soul vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Kia Soul recalls

Recall 22V-031: Air Bags

Reported Jan 25, 2022 · 410,619 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

Fix: 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.

2019 Kia Soul problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	90
Unknown or Other	19
Air Bags	15
Electrical System	14
Fuel/Propulsion System	13
Seat Belts	6
Power Train	6
Engine and Engine Cooling	6
Structure	5
Service Brakes	5
Exterior Lighting	5
Steering	5

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 5
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 Kia Soul complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 1, 2026

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…

Structure · reported Oct 29, 2026

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.

Engine · reported Oct 26, 2026

The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I donât 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 doesnât even come on until there is none left! Itâs 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.

Engine · reported Oct 19, 2026

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

Engine · reported Sep 15, 2026

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.

Other Kia Soul years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 202020192018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Compare all Kia Soul years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia Soul: 22V-031 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (90 reports), followed by unknown or other (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.