2019 Kia Soul Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 Kia Soul, 4% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Delay throttle response. When driving and you need to accelerate the vehicle takes several minutes to respond and you have to put the petal to the floor. No reaction to accelerate the car but rpms in red. Also when stopped at a stop light , stop sign etc and go to go the car delays again and you have the gas petal to the floor and again rpms in red and yet car not moving causing highly severe safety issues when driving and puts consumer at risk. We bought this car brand new started in june of 2020 with this issue and had 22, 000 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373146, filed 2020-11, 22,000 miles“My 2019 Kia Soul had an engine misfire, breaking down and requiring new spark plugs. My car has been consuming oil excessively for the past 8 months, causing me to change the oil myself once a week. The engine light has been on, leading me to fix both catalytic converters. The engine light came back on right after this and pulled up two codes related to the camshaft position. I asked Kia for an oil consumption test and was told they do not perform that. The oil continues to burn excessively and requires constant changing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11661126, filed 2025-05“Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.”
NHTSA complaint #11711092, filed 2026-01“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”
NHTSA complaint #11772235, filed 2026-10“Have been using 2-3 quarts of oil a week also lost power could not get it to run took it to the mechanic again he informed me the catalytic is going bad and as much oil as it is going through it might blow at any time”
NHTSA complaint #11633470, filed 2024-12Related service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10200551Aug 24, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating…
- 10168852Nov 26, 2019TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: REPLACEMENT OF 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY (SA396) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the 7-Speed Dual…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 9% |
| 2022 | 12 | 13% |
| 2021 | 26 | 11% |
| 2020 | 91 | 23% |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 | 31 | 14% |
| 2017 | 19 | 7% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 61 | 7% |
| 2014 | 58 | 6% |
| 2013 | 14 | 2% |
| 2012 | 21 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% |
| 2010 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2019 Kia Soul
89 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology