NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Soul scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 129 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Kia Soul is assigned a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in our Strong band. This assessment is notably tempered by the fact that crash avoidance technology was available only as an option rather than standard equipment. One active recall remains on record for this model year.
The 2019 Kia Soul received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Soul ranks 27 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 129 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 27 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Soul?
The 2019 Kia Soul achieved a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting its strongest safety attribute. This performance is largely due to NHTSA's published ratings: 5 out of 5 stars overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal impact, and 5 out of 5 stars for side impact. The only factor preventing a perfect score in this area was its 4 out of 5 star rollover rating. The model year earns an overall Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The 2019 Soul's performance in crash avoidance technology is more modest, with a sub-score of 6 out of 10. This is because forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered as optional equipment rather than as standard features. In terms of its defect record, the vehicle scored 13 out of 20. This reflects one recall campaign concerning air bags that affected a range of 2017-2019 Kia models. NHTSA has received 129 owner complaints for the 2019 Soul; while these reports are unverified and do not influence the Safety Index, 83 of them specifically concern the Engine category, a concentration that merits attention. The 2019 Kia Soul thus presents a safety profile characterized by robust passive crash protection, tempered by its limited standard active safety provisions.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Kia Soul achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. This included perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash test categories. Its rollover resistance was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent risk of rollover. Dynamic tip testing for the model year resulted in a "No Tip" designation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13056
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Soul have any recalls?
One recall is on record for the 2019 Kia Soul. The campaign, issued by Kia Motors America, covers air bags across certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, and Soul EV vehicles, among other models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS22V031000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-01-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Soul?
A total of 129 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Soul. The top alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 83 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other (18), Air Bags (14), Electrical System (12), and Fuel/Propulsion System (12). All are unverified consumer allegations.
129 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Soul?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Kia Soul should run the specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the air bag recall remedy has been completed. An unresolved recall on a 7-year-old vehicle is a concrete safety item, not an abstract concern.
- The 2019 Kia Soul carries one active NHTSA recall specifically targeting air bag components, issued in a campaign covering certain 2017-2019 Kia models - VIN verification is essential for any used purchase.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a 5-star overall score with perfect 5-star marks in both frontal and side crash categories, making crash protection the defining strength of the 2019 model year's safety profile.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional on the 2019 Soul, not standard equipment, which directly lowered the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a year-specific equipment gap buyers should check on any individual unit.
- NHTSA records 129 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with 83 of them alleging Engine-related issues - a concentration in a single component that used-market shoppers should be aware of when reviewing vehicle history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Soul places
The 2019 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Soul earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Kia Soul. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 129 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Soul. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13056), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 27 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.