2019 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 137 owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Soul. The EPA rates it 27 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
137
Crashes / fires reported
11 / 8
EPA combined
27–28 MPG

2019 Kia Soul recalls

  • Air BagsJan 25, 2022 · NHTSA 22V031000+

    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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2019 Kia Soul problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Engine88
  • Unknown or Other19
  • Air Bags15
  • Electrical System14
  • Fuel/Propulsion System12
  • Service Brakes8
  • Power Train6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling6

2019 Kia Soul gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Soul1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM7)263128$2,300
Soul1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)263128$2,300
Soul2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)253027$2,400
Soul1.6 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd243027$2,400

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia Soul have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia Soul, most recently for the air bags (Jan 25, 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Soul problems?

Owners filed 137 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (88), unknown or other (19), air bags (15).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Soul get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Kia Soul at 27 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 31 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.