The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·19V120000·Announced 2019-02-22

Kia Recalls 2012-2016 Soul Vehicles Due to Engine Fire Risk

Kia is recalling 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines because high exhaust temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, potentially causing engine failure or fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine/piston failure) with explicit reports of increased risk of fire and crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe (Score 4) classification.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. The recall involves 378,967 vehicles. The defect involves high exhaust gas temperatures that may damage the catalytic converter, which can lead to abnormal engine combustion, damage to engine pistons, and possible piston connecting rod failure.

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

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. If the catalytic converter has been damaged, it will be replaced. 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA SOUL
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Car
Hazard
Affected units
378,967

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • SOUL

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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