NHTSA Campaign 19V120000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

Issued by Kia Motors America · Reported Feb 22, 2019 · 378,967 vehicles affected

What's 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.

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.

Vehicles affected by this recall

Make Model Year Units
KIA SOUL 2012 378,967
KIA SOUL 2013 378,967
KIA SOUL 2014 378,967
KIA SOUL 2015 378,967
KIA SOUL 2016 378,967

Source: NHTSA Campaign 19V120000 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.