Kia recall: Engine
What is wrong
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.
What could happen
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.
The fix
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.
Vehicles covered
- Kia Soul 2012–2016
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 19V120000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- Kia Motors America
- Reported to NHTSA
- Feb 22, 2019
- Owners notified
- Apr 17, 2019
- Vehicles or items affected
- 378,967
- Started by
- NHTSA investigation
- Built
- Jul 8, 2011 to Aug 11, 2016
- Part
- Engine; Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
- Maker's own recall number
- SC176
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other recalls for the same vehicles
- Kia recall: Engine and engine cooling Feb 17, 2025
- Kia recall: Air bags Dec 22, 2023
- Kia recall: Service brakes, hydraulic Sep 25, 2023
- Kia recall: Power train Jul 31, 2023
- Kia recall: Electrical system Apr 26, 2023
- Kia recall: Air bags Feb 18, 2022
To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.