The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a low rate of speed, an abnormal, burning odor began to emit from the vehicle. As the odor grew stronger, the contact's wife parked and exited the vehicle. Soon after exiting the vehicle, white smoke began to emit from underneath the hood and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was…
2019 Kia Soul engine problems
severe 64 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
5fires
When does it fail?
Of the 64 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 64 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Kia Soul with GDI engines (1.6L and 2.0L) has widespread oil consumption, rod bearing, and catalytic converter defects that can lead to sudden engine failure, fire, or stalling at highway speeds. Many owners fall outside recall eligibility despite identical symptoms, and warranty claims are frequently denied on second-owner vehicles or those over 100,000 miles.
The 2019 Kia Soul's GDI engine exhibits a pattern of catastrophic failures. The dominant issue is excessive oil consumption—owners report burning 1–5 quarts weekly without visible leaks, often discovering no oil at all during routine stops. This depletion occurs across all mileage ranges, from 35,000 to beyond 100,000 miles.
The oil loss triggers cascading failures. Contaminated oil enters the combustion chamber, fouling spark plugs and clogging catalytic converters. Owners have replaced converters twice, only to see the P0420 code return within months. Multiple owners cite piston ring defects as root cause.
Engine knock sensors (P1326 code) fire repeatedly, signaling imminent rod bearing failure. Dealers respond by swapping sensors and running bearing clearance tests, but the code reoccurs within weeks—a cycle some owners endured three or more times. Kia issued a knock detection software update (PI2107) that detects failure but does not fix the defective bearings.
Stalling and power loss occur without warning at any speed, including highway driving. Two owners experienced engine fires. Engine replacement is standard diagnosis, with quotes ranging $6,000–$14,000, but many vehicles fall outside recall eligibility by VIN despite matching the defect exactly.
Dealership compliance issues compound the problem: service advisors deny oil consumption tests, refuse diagnostics, delay repairs for weeks, or claim false "Mexican manufacture" exemptions from recalls. One dealership threatened to reuse contaminated coolant in a replacement engine to extract a service fee, later confirmed as fabrication by Kia Corporate.
Same Kia Soul engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns through oil at rates far above normal intervals, often requiring 1–5 quarts added weekly despite no visible leaks. Owners report rapid oil depletion between scheduled changes and in some cases complete oil loss during operation, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Multiple narratives cite piston ring defects as the root cause.
When: Ranging from as early as 35,000 miles to 100,000+ miles; in many cases occurs between 50,000 and 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil level drop between oil changes; No visible oil leaks; Low oil pressure warning light illumination; White or blue-gray smoke from exhaust or engine; Burning smell from engine
Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), Check Engine Light (generic, oil-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test performed by dealers; many owners cite piston ring replacement or full engine replacement costs ranging from $5,000 to $14,000. Some dealers performed top-end rebuilds instead of full replacement. Extended warranty coverage often denied for second owners or out-of-warranty vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls mentioned for certain model years (PI2107 for knock detection update; KSDS); however, many 2019 Souls reported NOT included in VIN-specific recalls despite identical symptoms. Kia has issued service bulletins on high oil consumption for some model years but not universally for all 2019 Soul VINs. Goodwill requests frequently denied, citing warranty expiration or second-owner status.
Engine Knock Sensor / Rod Bearing Defect
Multiple engine failures linked to defective connecting rod bearings or knock detection system. Knock sensor triggers repeatedly (P1326 code), indicating imminent or actual rod bearing failure. Owners report being cycled through multiple sensor replacements and bearing clearance tests rather than receiving proper diagnosis or engine replacement. Class action lawsuit mentioned related to Theta II GDI engine defects.
When: Various mileages; one case at 65,000 miles, another at 92,200 miles; reported at multiple intervals for repeat complainants
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine knocking or grinding noise; Repeated P1326 rod knock detection codes; Engine stalling or loss of power; Smoke from engine compartment; Vehicle loss of power while driving (at various speeds including highway)
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Rod Knock Detection System Trigger)
Repairs/costs cited: Rod knock sensor replacement (attempted fix); rod bearing clearance test (RBCT) performed but did not resolve underlying issue. Some owners cite engine replacement quotes of $6,230–$7,000 for used engines; others report full replacement approved after extended delays. One owner noted bearing teardown showing disintegrated rod bearing components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Knock detection update (software) issued via recall campaign (PI2107); however, owners state update does NOT fix defective bearings, only provides warning. Class action settlement mentioned requiring knock sensor update as prerequisite for extended warranty eligibility, but many owners were unaware of update requirement. Warranty claims and case openings frequently refused or delayed; one owner reported Kia Consumer Affairs denied case creation citing vehicle 'past due' despite being within 15-year/150,000-mile lifetime warranty.
Catalytic Converter Failure and Clogging
Catalytic converter repeatedly fails or becomes clogged, often requiring replacement within months after initial repair. Root cause appears to be oil contamination from excessive oil burning entering exhaust system. P0420 code frequently triggered. Multiple owners report replacing converter twice.
When: Between 35,000 and 115,000+ miles; some failures occur shortly after initial converter replacement
Symptoms owners cite: P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold); Check engine light illumination; Loss of power and reduced acceleration; Smoke and burning smell from engine/exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement costs cited as $4,100–$4,300+. In multiple cases, converter replaced but code reappears within weeks or months. One owner replaced converter twice in approximately 9 months. Repair necessity often confirmed by independent mechanics or dealerships noting fire hazard risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaigns (PI2107) for some earlier model years addressed catalytic converter issues, but 2019 Soul VINs often excluded despite identical symptoms. Extended warranty policies cited as limiting coverage (e.g., exhaust parts covered only to 80,000 miles). No assistance provided for most out-of-warranty claims.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine unexpectedly stalls or loses power while driving, sometimes without warning lights. Occurs at various speeds including highway driving, creating serious collision risk. In extreme cases, engine seized or lost all power immediately.
When: Ranging from low mileage (10,500 miles in one case) to high mileage (120,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at traffic lights or while driving; Loss of motive power at highway speed; Check engine light may or may not illuminate before stalling; Vehicle unable to accelerate above certain speed (e.g., 50–65 MPH); RPM revving extremely high followed by power loss
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (code varies, sometimes no code retrieved), P1326 in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as engine failure, cylinder damage, failed ignition coil, or misfire on specific cylinder. Full engine replacement quoted as necessary in most cases. One owner cited engine replacement quote of $11,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicles often outside warranty; warranty claims denied. Kia Consumer Affairs has refused case creation or assistance in multiple instances. No recalls or campaigns offered for most stalling incidents reported.
Engine Fire
In two narratives, engine fire occurred while driving. Both cases involved oil accumulation on catalytic converter or within engine, creating fire hazard. One fire started while vehicle was parked and idling; another occurred after engine stalled on highway.
When: At 35,000 miles (parked) and 65,000 miles (while driving)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Burning odor from engine; White or heavy smoke from engine compartment; Vehicle engulfed in flames
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles totaled. One owner investigated oil on catalytic converter as fire source; another involved oil/fuel contamination. Fire department extinguished fires; no injuries reported in the two documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance. Vehicles deemed total loss by insurance. No recalls or proactive safety measures mentioned.
Ignition Coil and Cylinder Misfire
Specific cylinder ignition coil failure or oil-fouled spark plugs causing misfires, loss of power, and difficulty starting. One narrative explicitly mentions oil on spark plugs requiring replacement.
When: Reported at 22,300 miles and other mileages; oil fouling suggests ongoing oil consumption issue
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with flashing indicator; Cylinder misfire detected (e.g., Cylinder #1, #2, or #3); Oil residue on spark plugs; Rough idle and loss of power; White smoke from exhaust
Codes mentioned: P0300 or P0301–P0303 (Cylinder Misfire Detected), Check Engine Light (flashing in one case at highway speed)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement performed in one case due to oil fouling. Ignition coil replacement identified as necessary in another. Underlying cause traced to excessive oil consumption reaching combustion chamber.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicles towed to dealerships; initial diagnostics performed but no recall or warranty claim assistance mentioned.
Dealership Service Failures and Obstruction
Multiple narratives describe dealership refusal to perform diagnostics, denial of warranty coverage, delayed service, or attempts to circumvent manufacturer safety recall requirements. One dealership threatened to reuse contaminated coolant from failed engine in replacement engine to extract additional service fee.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; most common in warranty claim disputes
Symptoms owners cite: No oil consumption test performed despite owner request; Repeated sensor replacements instead of thorough diagnosis; Service delays and lack of communication
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership demanded $264.40 fee to replace old coolant with new coolant during mandatory recall engine replacement, threatening to reuse old contaminated coolant otherwise. Manufacturer later confirmed no such requirement existed and dealership had not filed claim for fluids.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Corporate confirmed dealership fabrication. No punitive action mentioned. Dealerships sometimes claimed vehicles made in Mexico and therefore not covered by recalls (later proven false per owner). Multiple service advisors provided inaccurate warranty information.
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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.
Vehicle driving at highway speeds experienced a sudden and complete loss of power followed by flashing check engine light. Driver was able to coast and the exit highway via off ramp. Driver contacted roadside assistance and vehicle was towed to parkside Kia in knoxville, tn. Initial diagnostic indicated failed ignition coil on cylinder #1 at approximately 22,300 miles.
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 disintegrated (see attached photos). This failure damaged the piston, crankshaft,…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 10,500.
This is a 6 year old car, with just under 108,000 miles. The catalytic converter is clogged, most likely from oil getting past the piston rings and contaminating the catalytic converter. High oil consumption, resulting in 1 qt needed to be added every 850-875 miles on average. Extended warranty company excludes this part. KIA warranty covers exhaust parts only up to 80,000 miles. To replace is…
I took the car to the shop because it had been consuming a lot of oil within the last 2 months and everytime I went to the shop they would just top off my oil . They ended up doing an oil consumption test and my car failed it and mind you they had just put oil in my car the week prior . I took my car Monday because my engine light had came on . When arriving the guy scanned my car with a machine…
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required quarts of oil to be added to the vehicle weekly. The contact stated that there was no indication of an oil leak. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed an oil consumption test. The dealer informed…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 64 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.