Kia Recalls 2015-2016 Soul EV for Parking Mechanism Software Defect
Kia is recalling 2015-2016 Soul EVs because the parking mechanism may be damaged if the driver shifts to Park before the vehicle stops, potentially causing unintended movement.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) models. The recall addresses a defect in the parking mechanism that may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into the Park 'P' position before the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied. NHTSA notes that unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2020. 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 EV
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- Kia Motors America
- Category
- Vehicle — Electric Vehicle
- Affected units
- 3,714
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 EV
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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