Recall 19V120 affects 378,967 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles for catalytic converter overheating that can damage the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 378,967 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines because high exhaust gas temperatures can damage the catalytic converter and lead to engine piston damage. That damage can stall the engine or let oil reach the exhaust after a broken connecting rod punctures the block, increasing crash and fire risks; Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The catalytic converter on 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine sits in the exhaust stream. Its job is to clean up exhaust gases after combustion, while the engine control unit manages fuel and spark to keep exhaust temperatures within the intended range.
In affected Soul vehicles, the catalytic overheating protection logic in the engine control unit uses inaccurate parameters. That lets exhaust gas temperatures rise high enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Once the converter is damaged, exhaust flow and engine combustion can become abnormal, which can damage engine pistons and lead to piston connecting rod failure.
Owners can see the malfunction indicator lamp come on, also called the check engine light. You can also hear an engine knocking noise. Either sign points to a problem that needs dealer diagnosis before more engine damage occurs.
Who's affected?
Across 2012-2016 Soul vehicles, each model year is listed under both Engine and Catalytic convertor components.
| 2016 Kia Soul | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Soul | Catalytic convertor |
| 2015 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2015 Kia Soul | Catalytic convertor |
| 2012 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Soul | Catalytic convertor |
| 2013 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Soul | Catalytic convertor |
| 2014 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Soul | Catalytic convertor |
| Units affected | 378,967 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Piston damage can stall the engine and increase crash risk. If a connecting rod breaks, oil can leak from a punctured engine block, contact the exhaust, and raise fire risk. Treat a malfunction indicator lamp or engine knocking as a reason to pull over, shut the engine off, and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Kia Soul is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free ECU logic update that helps prevent catalytic-converter overheating.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the catalytic converter and engine for heat-related damage; Kia replaces damaged parts free of charge.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V120 and Kia recall SC176 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if the engine stalls, runs abnormally, or leaks oil.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic so the catalytic converter does not overheat. The technician also checks for converter or engine damage. If the converter is damaged, Kia replaces it. If the damage extends to the engine, Kia replaces the engine as well. Parts and labor are free under recall 19V120. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already paid for this issue. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk or contact Kia customer service about submitting documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 22, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 8, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 17, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V120?
Recall 19V120 covers 378,967 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines. High exhaust gas temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, engine stall, oil leakage, and fire risk. Kia dealers will update engine-control software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Kia Soul is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Soul is included in recall 19V120. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the Catalytic Overheating Protection ECU logic update. Reference Kia recall SC176 or campaign 19V120 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's remedy says dealers will update the engine-control logic free of charge. If the catalytic converter is damaged, Kia will replace it, and if engine damage requires replacement, that repair is also free under the recall.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V120?
The safety risk is engine stall or fire. NHTSA's filing says piston damage can cause the engine to stall, increasing crash risk. A broken connecting rod can puncture the engine block, let oil escape, and let leaking oil contact the exhaust.
When did Kia start the recall repair?
Kia began the recall on April 17, 2019. Because the repair is available, owners with included VINs can contact a franchised Kia dealer now for the software update and any needed catalytic-converter or engine replacement covered by the recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V120000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V120 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V120000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →