EngineRecall 19V-120 · 2012–2016 Kia Soul
Kia Motors America recall 19V-120 covers 378,967 2012–2016 Kia Soul for a engine problem, reported to NHTSA on February 22, 2019. The manufacturer's latest report (2020 Q3) shows 59% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 19V120000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
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.
The risk
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
59%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 22,569 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
The investigation behind this recall
- Non-crash Vehicle FiresNHTSA