MODEL
Kia Soul EV Safety
NHTSA safety across every Kia Soul EV model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Kia Soul EV we cover (2019 to 2019), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.
The 2019 Kia Soul EV did not undergo NHTSA crash testing, leaving its frontal, side, and rollover protection unrated. This absence of data means a federal star rating cannot be assigned for overall safety performance. The model has been subject to recalls, and the NHTSA has logged an owner complaint. No injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with the 2019 Kia Soul EV.
The 2019 Kia Soul EV was not subjected to federal crash testing, leaving a significant gap in its safety profile. There are no NHTSA star ratings available for this model year, which means consumers lack independent crash-test data. This absence of information is particularly salient given the 132 owner complaints logged with NHTSA for the 2019 model. Of these unverified allegations, 13 describe crashes, 8 involve fire, and 14 report injuries. The fire-related complaints warrant close attention, aligning with broader industry concerns regarding battery pack integrity in early-generation affordable electric vehicles. The model year also faced three recalls. While these facts do not definitively label the 2019 Soul EV as unsafe, the combination of untested crashworthiness, a notable volume of owner complaints, and specific allegations of fire-related incidents compels prospective buyers to consult NHTSA's database directly, confirm recall completion, and ask specific questions prior to purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the 2019 Kia Soul EV charming and well-suited to city driving, praising its upright, spacious cabin and user-friendly technology layout. Most note that its driving dynamics are smooth and composed at everyday speeds. Some reviewers flag the interior materials as modest for the segment, and a few point to the limited range as a practical constraint for buyers outside urban environments.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the 2019 Kia Soul EV, so there are no federal star ratings available for this model year. Shoppers cannot assume safety scores from other Soul variants apply here.
- Eight of the 132 owner complaints on file with NHTSA involve fire allegations. While these are unverified, fire-related complaints in any battery-electric vehicle warrant a careful review of the vehicle's battery and charging history before purchase.
- Three recalls were issued against the 2019 Soul EV. Confirm with a Kia dealer or through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all open recalls have been properly completed on any specific vehicle you are considering.
- With 13 crash-related and 14 injury-related complaints logged for a single model year of a relatively low-volume vehicle, the complaint rate is elevated. Cross-reference the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's website to understand which vehicle systems are most frequently cited.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Kia Soul EV with 3 recalls.