Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 KIA Soul
RELIABILITY SCORE: 76/100 (GOOD)

2019 KIA Soul Reliability Report

The 2019 KIA Soul scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 123 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

1

Complaints

123

Complaint Rate

12.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$437

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,150–$2,200

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity58/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs90/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity88/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (56)
  • AIR BAGS (11)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2019 is the last model year of the Second generation (PS).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2017).
  • 2nd generation Soul (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2014: Second generation (PS) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is the last model year of the Second generation (PS).

Should You Buy the 2019 KIA Soul?

At 76/100, the 2019 KIA Soul lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is the last model year of the Second generation (PS).

Owners log 123 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (56). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 KIA Soul, which scored 6 points lower. See also the 2018 KIA Soul for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +$29 cheaper to maintain than avg subcompact SUVs
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (9%)

Cons

  • ENGINE: Frequent engine failures in the 2019 Kia Soul, often linked to severe oil... (56 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (15 complaints)

Compare 2019 KIA Soul With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (56)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2019 KIA Soul carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

12.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

11

Crashes

7

Fires

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 KIA Soul Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2019 KIA Soul. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V0310002022-01-25

AIR BAGS

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

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.

23V7240002023-10-26

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.

23V2180002023-03-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

Consequence

A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 KIA Soul? Check its history first

Every 2019 KIA Soul has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 KIA Soul NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 14.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

KIA SoulRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$437

vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

9%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Soul
$437
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

27–28 MPG

Running cost: $2,600–$2,650/yr

Fuel + repair

24–26 city / 30–31 hwy MPG

Electric

111 mi range

Fuel cost: $700/yr

Fuel only

31.226 kWh/100mi · 5 hrs @ 240V

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Soul 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM7)263128$2,150
Soul 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)263128$2,150
Soul 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)253027$2,200
Soul 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd243027$2,200
Electric trims
TrimDriveTrans.RangekWh/100miFuel Cost
Soul ElectricFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)111 mi31.2$700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 KIA Soul.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels frequently

  • Inspect catalytic converter for clogs or damage

  • Test steering for looseness or knocking sounds

  • Verify if engine recall work has been completed

  • Test brakes for responsiveness and pedal travel

  • Inspect for any signs of electrical overheating or smoke

2019 KIA Soul Common Problems by Component

123 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

56
15
13
ENGINE (56)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)AIR BAGS (11)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)SERVICE BRAKES (8)POWER TRAIN (6)STEERING (5)FUEL SYSTEM (3)Other (13)

ENGINE

56 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2019 Kia Soul, often linked to severe oil consumption and piston ring defects. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine stalling, knocking noises, and sudden power loss, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. These issues commonly arise around 90,000 to 120,000 miles, often just beyond warranty coverage. Safety implications are significant, with reports of engine fires and sudden loss of power posing risks of accidents. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs, such as engine replacements, and the possibility of encountering unresolved defects.

56 complaints total4 fires

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption, with several complaints describing the need to add oil multiple times within short mileage intervals, often between 98,000 to 100,000 miles. Symptoms include burning oil smells, engine stalling, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Safety concerns are evident, as two complaints involve crashes, one due to brake and steering failure and another due to unintended vehicle movement, resulting in injury. Additionally, a fire incident is reported following engine noise and warning lights, leading to total vehicle loss. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.

15 complaints total2 crashes1 fire1 injury

AIR BAGS

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 KIA Soul frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with eight complaints involving such incidents. Common symptoms described include airbags failing to deploy in frontal or side impacts, even in severe collisions. Injuries are reported in several cases, including head, neck, and back injuries, as well as bruising from steering wheel impact. The complaints span various mileage ranges, with one specific report mentioning approximately 120,000 miles. Buyers should be aware that these reports often involve significant safety implications, as the lack of airbag deployment is associated with multiple injuries.

11 complaints total8 crashes11 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several electrical issues with the 2019 KIA Soul, with complaints frequently mentioning problems related to the fan control switch overheating, resulting in melted components and, in one case, smoke from the dashboard. Multiple owners describe engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes accompanied by a lack of warning lights, low oil levels, or knocking sounds. One incident involved a crash due to the vehicle shutting off, and another detailed an engine fire. These issues typically occur around 60,000 to 81,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety implications, including the risk of fire and loss of vehicle control.

9 complaints total1 crash1 fire
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul frequently report issues with the service brakes, with several complaints describing the brake pedal going to the floor and the vehicle failing to stop. Symptoms often include the brake pedal becoming unresponsive or requiring excessive force, sometimes accompanied by warning lights such as ABS and AED. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 400 miles, and others around 73,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes with injuries reported due to brake failure. Buyers should be aware of potential brake system malfunctions that could lead to loss of vehicle control.

8 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and power loss. Complaints describe symptoms such as sudden vibrations, delayed throttle response, and engine misfires, often accompanied by the check engine light. Several owners mention catalytic converter problems, with some noting these issues arise around 80,000 miles. There are reports of potential safety implications, including power loss at critical moments and the risk of fire due to oil consumption. Additionally, one owner reports a transmission failure at approximately 73,000 miles, further highlighting potential power train concerns.

6 complaints total
STEERING (5 complaints)

STEERING

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving the steering wheel coupling and coupler. Symptoms described include a loose or vibrating steering wheel, knocking sounds, and in some cases, a complete loss of power steering. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with one report at approximately 122,000 miles and another at 33,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including near-loss of vehicle control and a high-speed incident involving a detached control arm. Additionally, one owner reports repeated thefts leading to steering column damage, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the vehicle's security.

5 complaints total
FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul report issues with the fuel system, primarily involving severe corrosion on fuel tank straps and problems with fuel injectors. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, with vehicles stalling or failing to accelerate beyond certain speeds. These issues are noted at mileages around 37,754 to 56,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the sudden loss of power could pose safety risks, especially at high speeds. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential fuel system failures and consider inspecting these components before purchase.

3 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Kia Soul report two primary issues related to the engine and engine cooling system. Multiple complaints describe excessive oil consumption, with some owners needing to add quarts of oil weekly, even in the absence of visible leaks. This issue is noted at mileages around 90,000 to 99,000. Another significant issue involves a reported incident where the vehicle caught fire while driving, attributed to a connecting rod failure, at approximately 65,000 miles. This incident highlights potential safety risks, including fire hazards and loss of braking capability. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these issues, particularly at higher mileages.

3 complaints total1 fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 KIA Soul report issues with the fuel propulsion system, specifically concerning fuel injectors and engine response. One complaint describes fuel injectors getting stuck open, resulting in a flooded engine, with two out of four injectors identified as faulty in a vehicle under 18 months old. Another owner reports the vehicle stalling and delayed engine response when the gas pedal is pressed, particularly at low speeds or during turns, posing a potential safety risk in traffic situations. These issues occur relatively early in the vehicle's life, suggesting a pattern of early component failure. Buyers should be aware of these symptoms and consider the potential need for fuel system repairs.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 KIA Soul Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

90,000–120,000 milesEngine oil consumption
80,000–94,000 milesCatalytic converter failure
33,000–122,000 milesSteering coupling issues

Best & Worst KIA Soul Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best KIA Soul Years to Buy

The best KIA Soul year is 2024 with a reliability score of 86/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (85/100) and 2022 (78/100).

KIA Soul Years to Avoid

The worst KIA Soul year is 2020 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (144) issues. Also avoid 2021 (72/100).

KIA Soul Reliability Score Trend

KIA Soul reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 82/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

KIA Soul reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201873/100Good
201976/100Good
202070/100Good
202172/100Good
202278/100Good
202377/100Good
202486/100Excellent
202585/100Excellent

KIA Soul Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202585/100-1Excellent09
202486/100+9Excellent023
202377/100-1Good445
202278/100+6Good178
202172/100+2Good2190
202070/100-6Good1338
2019(selected)76/100+3Good1123
201873/100Good1199

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 KIA Soul reliable?
The 2019 KIA Soul has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 76/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 123 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 KIA Soul?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 KIA Soul include: ENGINE (56 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), AIR BAGS (11 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 KIA Soul have?
The 2019 KIA Soul has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 KIA Soul expensive to maintain?
The 2019 KIA Soul has estimated annual repair costs of $437/year, which is $29 less than the subcompact SUVs average of $466. With a reliability score of 76/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 KIA Soul without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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