CarRecallWatch- Component
- ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
Certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with a 1.6L gasoline direct injection engine may have excessively high exhaust gas temperatures. This can damage the catalytic converter, which may cause abnormal combustion and damage to one or more engine pistons. Piston damage can cause the engine to stall, raising the risk of a crash. In more severe cases, a broken connecting rod can puncture the engine block and let engine oil escape, and that oil may contact the exhaust and increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy is free. Dealers will update the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent the catalytic converter from overheating. If the converter has already been damaged, it will be replaced, and the engine may also be replaced free of charge depending on the extent of the damage. Owners can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542, referencing recall SC176.
Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls and contact an authorized Kia dealer to schedule the repair.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Kia Soul | 20122013201420152016 |
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