2012 Kia Soul: engine overheating

Filed Apr 13, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I was driving and my check engine code went on , I got it checked by autozone and it was for the catalytic converter. My car has since ran horribly, there feels like a lag in acceleration and it makes a hissing/air noise that comes from the catalytic converter it gets overheated and causes my car to go in limp mode and when I asked a mechanic friend they said it’s very clogged which has caused me to park my car and not drive it because I was recommended to not drive it being in this condition then I was send a recall in email. It has one owner and we have kept up with maintenance very well.

Filed May 3, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 140,000 miles · CA

The engine is making a ticking noise and the steering wheel is clicking when I turned the steering wheel also had 3 open recalls. Took it to all star kia in san bernardino for 3 recalls and they refused to work on the vehicle because they said they were not comfortable working on the car, they also stated that the ticking sound was not related to the recall even though I told them I saw on the federal safety agency website that due to catalytic coverter overheating it could cause rod knock. I even told them the recall was sc176.

Filed Aug 3, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 117,000 miles · PR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the contact's residence. The contact also stated that while driving on a curve and when making turns and going over speed bumps, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2020 · Engine · 220,000 miles · VA

In early 2016, my vehicle began burning oil at an alarming rate. November the same year I ended up having to get my engine replaced at about 120,000 miles. In 2019, the same issue began to occur. I have to put oil in my car multiple times every week. A family member who works for kia brought our attention to a recall on the catalytic converter that can cause converter and engine damage due to overheating. On jan 28 2020 I took the kia soul to stevens kia in harrisonburg va for the recall. We explained the issues we were having and pulled up the information about the recall possibly causing engine damage. They said they were unaware of that issue and that they don't believe it would cause the engine to burn off oil. Kia's information specifically says that it can cause the vehicle to overheat, burn off oil, and ultimately lead to engine failure. I still have to add oil to my vehicle multiple times during the week as it is damaged and hasn't been repaired. It is getting to the point where I'm scared it's going to leave me stranded somewhere or worse. I need to know what I have to do for kia to address the situation without contradicting their own information on the recall.

Filed May 12, 2020 · Engine · 133,668 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds the vehicle overheated and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) as a possible solution to the failure. The failure mileage was 133,668

Filed Dec 21, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 10,000 miles · IL

Please note the federal safety agency campaign id: 19v120000 originally this was restricted to the 1.6l kia soul 2012, but I have noted that my car has had an exhaust leak and gets hot, even if open a front window, get a nice whiff of exhaust, when the only car in the vicinity. And is stated as : what you should do: 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. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc176. 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.

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Engine · 135,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled and there was a strange, hot odor emitting from the engine. The vehicle was taken to kia of puyallup (111 valley ave ne, puyallup, wa 98372, 833‑217‑6008) where it was diagnosed that there was a blown rod and metal debris within the engine. The vehicle was not repaired at the time. On april 12, 2019, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine), which listed the failures the vehicle was experiencing. The vehicle was taken to cars pros kia tacoma (7230 tacoma way, tacoma, wa 98409, 877‑879‑7067) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and engine were damaged. The dealer also determined that the vehicle required a catalytic overheating protection engine control unit logic update. The catalytic converter was replaced, but not the engine. The contact stated that a knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment. The manufacturer provided case number: 13184439 and a written notification of the remedy, which stated that the catalytic converter and/or the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Engine · 133,559 miles · MO

I took my 2012 kia soul into the dealership to have two recalls taken care of. One of the recalls involved high exhaust temperatures within the catalytic converter may cause internal engine damage to the pistons and connecting rods, resulting in an engine stall and failure. Dealers will upgrade the catalytic overheating protection engine control unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter, and replace the converter if it has been damaged, also assessing and repairing related damage to the engine as needed free of charge to resolve the concern. They did an ecu upgrade but at the time of the recall service they noted that the engine was knocking prior to service. They did not notify me that the engine was knocking. A week later I noticed the engine knocking and took it back to the dealership to have it addressed. I was told that the #2 rod bearing was bent and that I needed to replace my engine to the tune of $5500. They stated that the bent rod was not caused by the recall defect but could not tell me any other reason for how it was bent either. They have refused to replace the engine as part of the recall.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Engine · NV

On apr. 4th, 2019 my car had broke down. After getting a diagnostic the mechanic had advised me that there is a hole in my engine that seems to have been caused from overheating . A week later on april 12, 2019 kia recall notices on my vehicle. The letter, which I received on april 24, 2019, stated that my vehicle is having a safety recall as there have been reports that it is had the abnormal engine combustion. I immediately called kia and they towed my car to the nearest kia dealership. Two days later I will save a call from todd, the mechanic at kia, who stated my repair has been denied to contact consumer affairs . I spoke with them numerous times and was told that my repair was denied because I have no warranty on my engine. From my understanding, a warranty is not needed on a safety recall and that I am responsible to pay for the repairs which they said they can do it for $4100. This is absurd. I have been so inconvenienced and mistreated, engines exploding is not a minor problem with a car and I would like for them to provide me a proper solution. To me it seems as though the repairs are an out of pocket cost meaning no one at the company will get paid to repair it and they are giving me the short end of the stick. The recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this de the recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this defect they will replace the engine st no cost to me, but then ask me to pay $4100. Please help me. Attached I have attached the picture of the my engine clearly shown with a hole in it which is not something that often happens to vehicles. I want my recall letter honored asap.

Filed Apr 26, 2019 · Engine · 110,000 miles · NV

Hello, I had received a recall notice on apr. 24th, 2019 in regards to my vehicle. It indicated that they are having safety recall on the engine which is causing abnormal engine combustion. On apr. 4th, 2019 my car broke down on the freeway. When I had got it diagnosed the repair man showed me a picture of a hole in my motor due to overheating. On apr. 24th, 2019 I called kia and they had my car towed to my local kia dealership. 2 days later I receive a call from the dealership stating my repair has been denied due to my car being out of warranty. Never on my letter did it indicate my car needed a warranty nor did they mention that it was needed when they towed my car to the dealership. I am extremely upset, not only is my problems not being addressed but nor has my safety. I should be treated with car considering my engine busted and I had a great chance of my car catching on fire. Not only that but how am I supposed to replace an engine if all of the engines are having abnormal combustion? This is so disappointing and I will take legal matters if not addressed. They are now stating I have to pay to get my car towed back to my apartment and I am furious. Please help me. I can be reached at [xxx] or by calling [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).