SC176 – Engine Control Unit (ECU) Logic – 2012-2016 Kia Soul

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

February 22, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000

Overheated Catalytic Converter May Damage Engine

Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of 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.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120

Manufacturer Kia Motors America

Components ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 378,967

 

Summary

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.

 

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.

 

Check if your Kia has a Recall

 


SC176 (Rev 2, 05/31/2019)

April 2019

ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC176)

This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the Catalyst Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and, if necessary, replace the Catalytic Converter on some 2012 ~ 2016 MY Soul (AM/PS) vehicles, produced from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016.  Depending on the extent of damage, the short block assembly may also need to be replaced.  The affected vehicles may exhibit catalyst system efficiency deterioration or a malfunction indicator lamp illumination with an active, history or pending DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1).  Under certain conditions, the catalytic converter may become damaged due to overheating caused by an excessive increase of exhaust gas temperatures.  If the catalytic converter is damaged, substrate particles can enter the engine combustion chamber and cause abnormal engine combustion.  Continuous abnormal engine combustion can result in damage to one or more of the engine’s pistons which can cause piston rod breakage, potentially puncturing the engine block allowing engine oil to escape.  Engine oil that contacts a hot exhaust surface may result in a fire.  Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

 


SC176 – 2012-2016 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) LOGIC UPGRADE
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
Q & A

April 8, 2019

 

Q1. What type of campaign is Kia conducting?

Kia Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in all 2012-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine.

 

Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?

All 2012-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, manufactured from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016.

 

Q3. How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall?

Approximately 378,967 vehicles are included in this campaign.

 

Q4. What is the concern with the Engine Control Unit (ECU) Logic?

Under certain conditions, the catalytic converter may become damaged due to overheating caused by an excessive increase of exhaust gas temperatures. If the catalytic converter is damaged, substrate particles can enter the engine combustion chamber and cause abnormal engine combustion. Continuous abnormal engine combustion can result in damage to one or more of the engine’s pistons which can cause piston connecting rod breakage, potentially puncturing the engine block allowing engine oil to escape and potentially contact a hot exhaust surface.

 

Q5. Are there any warnings associated with the condition described above?

If this condition occurs, owners may hear knocking noise from the engine and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate.

 

A6. Can you describe the recall campaign and fix?

Kia has advised its authorized dealers to upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Also, the catalytic converter will be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced.

 

Q7. How was the issue discovered?

Through the regular monitoring of field information.

 

Q8. What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification?

In the interest of the safety of their passengers, as well as their own safety, customers should immediately contact their Kia dealer to arrange for the recall repair to be conducted.

 

Q9. Have there been any deaths or injuries as a result of this condition?

There have been no deaths or injuries.

 

Q10. Has Kia had any litigation regarding this condition?

No.

 

Q11. Will this cost vehicle owners any money?

No. Kia will perform the recall repair at no cost to the customer.

 

Q12. What about customers who may have already paid to have this issue remedied?

If the customer has incurred expense to have this issue remedied prior to the date of this notice, the customer may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense.  Customers may submit their receipts online to Kia via the Owners section of www.kia.com or mail their receipts with the attached Request for Reimbursement Form directly to Kia for review and consideration:

Consumer Assistance Center
Kia Motors America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA  92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

Q13. How long will the repair take?

The time required to upgrade the COP logic in the ECU is approximately one (1) hour. Note that if the catalytic converter and/or the engine need to be replaced, additional time to complete the repair will be necessary. Kia recommends that customers contact the dealer for an estimate of how long they may need the vehicle and schedule a service appointment to minimize inconvenience. (Most Kia dealers have online appointment scheduling via their dealership web sites to maximize your convenience).

 

Q14. How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified?

Kia will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles by first-class mail beginning on April 12, 2019.

 

Q15. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?

No.

 

Q16. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?A16.The customer can contact their local Kia dealership or call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-3334KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Standard Time, or via the internet @ www.kia.com (Owner’s Section).

 


IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
(NHTSA Recall Number: 19V120)
This notice applies to your vehicle: (Insert VIN)

 

April 16, 2019

Dear Kia Soul Owner:

Kia has identified a defect in your vehicle which relates to motor vehicle safety.

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Kia Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the 2012-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. The defect may cause damage to the catalytic converter due to overheating, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to the engine pistons. Piston damage can result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If a piston rod breaks and punctures the engine block, oil can escape, increasing the risk of a fire.

 

What Is The Problem?

Under certain conditions, the catalytic converter may become damaged due to overheating caused by an excessive increase of exhaust gas temperatures. If the catalytic converter is damaged, substrate particles can enter the engine combustion chamber and cause abnormal engine combustion. Continuous abnormal engine combustion can result in damage to one or more of the engine’s pistons which can cause piston rod breakage, potentially puncturing the engine block allowing engine oil to escape and potentially contact a hot exhaust surface. These conditions can increase the risk of an engine stall or fire.

If this condition occurs, you may hear knocking noise from the engine and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)   may illuminate.

Kia Will Upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and If Necessary Replace the Catalytic Converter and/or Engine at No Cost to You.

Kia has advised its authorized dealers to upgrade the COP ECU logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. 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. This work will be performed at Kia’s expense at no cost to you. The time required to upgrade the COP ECU logic is approximately one (1) hour. Note that if the catalytic converter and/or the engine need to be replaced, additional time to complete the repair will be necessary. We recommend that you contact the dealer for an estimate of how long they may need the vehicle and schedule a service appointment to minimize inconvenience.

 

What Should You Do

  • In the interest of the safety of your passengers, as well as your own safety, please immediately contact your Kia dealer to arrange for the recall repair to be conducted.
  • To find your nearest dealer, visit kia.com and click the “Find Dealer” button in the upper right corner (“Dealers” on a mobile device). You can also use the QR code below with your mobile device to access this information (see the bottom of this letter for more information about QR code use):

 

What If You Have Already Paid To Have This Situation Corrected?

If you have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, you may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense. You may submit your receipts online to Kia via the Owners section of www.kia.com or mail your receipts with the attached Request for Reimbursement Form directly to Kia for review and consideration:

Consumer Assistance Center
Kia Motors America, Inc
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA  92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

The Kia Consumer Assistance Center is available at the number listed above if you have any questions or require assistance in submitting your claim.

Pursuant to the General Reimbursement Plan issued by Kia pursuant to Federal Regulation 49 CFR 573.13, Kia will use its best efforts to respond to your claim within sixty (60) days of receipt and at that time Kia may either accept or reject that claim or it may request more information to evaluate the claim.

 

Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold Your Kia?

If you have changed your home address, sold your Kia vehicle, or no longer own your vehicle, please complete the attached prepaid “Change of Address/Ownership” card and mail it to us. You can also contact the Consumer Assistance Center phone number listed above.

 

What If You Are A Vehicle Lessor?

Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

 

What If You Have Other Questions?

If your dealer does not respond to your service request in a timely manner, we suggest that you call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542. This number has TTY capability. If you still are not satisfied that we have remedied this situation without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

 

This action has been taken in the interest of your safety, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

 

Sincerely,

Consumer Affairs Department

 


5 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE MODEL YEAR
KIA SOUL 2012-2016

 


14 Associated Documents

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V120-5381.pdf 1382.59KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.32 MB]

 


Chronology

RMISC-19V120-6176.pdf 41.126KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [40.16 KB]

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V120-4114.pdf 245.776KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [240.02 KB]

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V120-1711.PDF 213.761KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [208.75 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- April 8, 2019 Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers

RCMN-19V120-3267.pdf 28.523KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [27.85 KB]

 


Miscellaneous Document – SC176 – 2012-2016 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) LOGIC UPGRADE SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN Q & A April 8, 2019

RMISC-19V120-2440.pdf 47.771KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [46.65 KB]

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V120-7353.pdf 94.747KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [92.53 KB]

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- April 8, 2019 Attention: All Dealer Principals

RCMN-19V120-1021.pdf 29.122KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [28.44 KB]

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V120-4755.pdf 1465.916KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.40 MB]

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V120-9149.pdf 1460.726KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.39 MB]

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V120-8764.pdf 1391.898KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.33 MB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-2

RCLQRT-19V120-0841.PDF 211.157KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.21 KB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V120-2946.PDF 211.262KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.31 KB]

 


Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V120-1637.PDF 211.361KB

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [206.41 KB]

 


Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V120&docType=RCL

 


1 Associated Investigation

Non-crash Vehicle Fires
NHTSA ID: DP18003
Dated opened: August 21, 2018

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had already opened Recall Queries (RQ17-003 and RQ17-004) on all Kia and Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II engines for engine failures that may cause stalling and fires. The queries cover most of the petition subject Optima, Sorento, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles but not any of the subject Soul vehicles.

On August 21, 2018, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP18-003) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the CAS petition. ODI sent Information Request letters to Kia and Hyundai (September and October 2018) requesting information on all engine and non-engine related fires in the petition vehicles. ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Kia and Hyundai. During the DP18-003 analysis, Kia and Hyundai each initiated three additional safety recalls related to engine compartment fires on certain petitioned and non-petitioned vehicles (nearly 740,000 total vehicles: Recalls 18V-907, 18V-934, 19V-101, 19V-063, 19V-120, and 19V-204). Based on ODI’s review of the applicable materials, including responses to Information Requests sent to multiple manufacturers, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ), and Early Warning Data, NHTSA decided to grant the petition.

The CAS petition was granted on March 29, 2019. Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) have been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged defects relating to non-collision vehicle fires in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul.

Attached is a list of the reference numbers for the 404 VOQs cited above.


 

Bestseller No. 1
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart
  • Mobil 1 advanced full-synthetic motor oil 5W-20 utilizes Mobil 1’s signature Triple Action Formula to deliver outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness.
  • Helps protect critical engine parts for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes,* controlling oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and maintaining excellent viscosity
  • Meets ILSAC GF-6 standards to help provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while keeping your engine clean and helping to improve your fuel economy
  • Helps extend engine life by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge buildup
  • Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperature protection (to -30 degrees F)
Bestseller No. 2
Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil (5-Quart, Single Pack)
  • Full synthetic 5W-20 motor oil provides strong engine performance and protection against deposits between oil changes
  • Provides improved fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard)
  • Designed to provide more performance with superior lubrication flow and pumpability at high and low temperatures (compared to Quaker State conventional and synthetic blend motor oils).
  • Formulated with high resistance to oxidation, keeping the oil fresher for longer.
  • Reduces friction to maximize horsepower (compared to Quaker State conventional and synthetic blend motor oils)
Bestseller No. 3
Castrol Edge 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quarts
  • 3X stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full synthetic, based on Kurt Orbahn test in 5W-30 grade
  • 10X better high temperature performance, as measured in Sequence IIIH engine test vs. API SP test limit
  • 6X better wear protection
  • 1.4X better sludge protection, as measured in Sequence VH engine test vs. API SP test limit
  • Meets ILSAC GF-6 to prevent low speed pre ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection
Bestseller No. 4
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil for Vehicles Over 75K Miles (5-Quart, Single)
  • Full synthetic 5W-20 engine oil designed for vehicles with over 70,000 miles that is made with natural gas
  • Helps extend engine life and protects for up to 15 years or 500,000 miles, whichever comes first. Guaranteed* (see Warranty Information in Product Description).
  • Keeps pistons up to 45% cleaner than the toughest industry standard (based on Sequence IIIH results)
  • Provides unsurpassed wear protection for your engine (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30)
  • Formulated to deliver less oil burn off than high mileage motor oils made from crude oil
SaleBestseller No. 5
Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 5 QT
  • MAXLIFE TECHNOLOGY PREVENTS engine breakdown with 40% better wear protection than the industry standard
Bestseller No. 6
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil (5 Quart, Single Pack)
  • Full synthetic 5W-20 engine oil with PurePlus Technology that is race-trusted for unbeatable engine protection*
  • Pennzoil Ultra Platinum helps extend engine life and protects for up to 20 years or 750,000 miles, whichever comes first** (see warranty information in Product Description)
  • No other leading motor oil provides better wear protection from friction (based on Sequence IVA wear test using SAE 5W-30)
  • Helps protect engines from loss of power and provides better fuel economy (based on the latest industry standard)
  • Keeps pistons dramatically cleaner than required by the toughest industry standards (based on ILSAC GF-6 and Sequence IIIH piston deposit test using SAE 5W-30)
Bestseller No. 7
Pennzoil High Mileage Synthetic Blend 5W-20 Motor Oil for Vehicles Over 75K Miles (5-Quart, Single-Pack)
  • Synthetic blend High Mileage 5W-20 engine oil specially formulated to help stop leaks and reduced oil consumption in worn engines
  • Recommended for vehicles with over 75,000 miles
  • Helps prevent sludge and other damaging deposits
  • Provides proven wear protection for engine parts
  • Exceeds the requirements of the following industry specifications: API SP-RC and all previous categories; ILSAC GF-6A
SaleBestseller No. 8
Genuine Ford Accessories (XO-5W20-5QSP) SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil - 5 Quart
  • Leading Manufacturer Of High-Quality Products
  • International Renown For Our Diverse Range Of Award-Winning Products
  • Fully Equipped With State-Of-The-Art Technology
  • All Products Have Been Designed With The Professional In Mind
  • Constantly Modernizing Our Powerful Devices To Meet The Demands Of The Modern User
SaleBestseller No. 9
Castrol GTX Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil, 5 Quarts
  • Superior wear protection on critical engine parts
  • 6X better wear protection than industry standards, as measured in the latest Sequence IVA test
  • Superior sludge cleaning and protection against new formation
  • 1.3X better sludge protection than industry standards, as measured in Sequence VH sludge test vs. API SP limits
  • Full synthetic formula provides thermal and oxidation stability
SaleBestseller No. 10
Quaker State 550044965 Motor Oil, Synthetic Blend 5W-20 (5-Quart, Single Pack)
  • Synthetic blend 5W-20 engine oil that provides durable wear protection and reduces engine wear
  • Provides corrosion protection against harmful acids generated by engine contaminants
  • Maintains viscosity from start to finish, providing optimal oil film protection
  • Helps engines survive daily commutes from high-speed highway operation to repetitive, stop-and-go driving
  • Combats engine sludge and deposits

Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

 


 

 

Leave a Comment

Share to...