Recall 19V120000: 2012–2016 Kia Soul

Report received

Feb 22, 2019

Manufacturer

Kia Motors America

Potentially affected

378,967vehicles

Model years

2012–2016

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

Possible consequence

Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 2012 Kia Soul515 complaints
• 2013 Kia Soul667 complaints
• 2014 Kia Soul903 complaints
• 2015 Kia Soul902 complaints
• 2016 Kia Soul816 complaints