Engine. Review the 628 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports83 fire reports23 injury reports

What owners actually said

897 reports

118,981 miles · Jun 18, 2026

EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with knock sensor failure, valve cover gasket failure, and an inoperable oil pan. The contact was informed that the knock sensor, valve cover gasket and oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was released to the contact. The contact stated that within two minutes after leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The check engine warning light illuminated and the engine sputtered. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a clogged catalytic convertor. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,981.

NHTSA ODI #11745028

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2026

EnginePower Train

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The vehicle is a 2015 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine. The check engine light came on solid, and a dealer later confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0420, indicating the catalyst system efficiency is below threshold on bank 1. The catalytic converter and engine are still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. This condition matches the defect described in Kia’s SC176 safety recall for 2012–2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine, in which overheating of the catalytic converter can lead to internal engine damage and even a fire. My concern is that a failing catalytic converter or related engine damage could lead to sudden loss of power, engine failure, or fire while driving, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Kia dealer, which documented the solid check engine light and DTC P0420 on a written repair estimate. In that document, the dealer referenced recall SC176Y as the possible applicable recall and noted that it would need to contact Kia for coverage because the vehicle has a branded rebuilt title. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not yet performed any SC176‑style ECU logic update, compression test, or catalytic converter/engine inspection on this vehicle, and the manufacturer has declined to escalate or review recall coverage for this defect. The check engine light and P0420 code remain the primary warning indicators, and they first appeared shortly before the dealer visit on the repair estimate date.

NHTSA ODI #11744129

134,700 miles · Jun 5, 2026

Engine

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the residence, then towed to a dealer, who stated that the failure was related to the active recall, although the diagnosis was unclear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,700.

NHTSA ODI #11742369

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2026

Engine

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The vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical engine knock, significant magnetic iron debris in the engine oil, and subsequently triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Bearing Wear Limit Exceeded). This indicates imminent connecting rod bearing failure, which is a known defect subject to lifetime warranty extensions and safety recalls under the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation. This defect poses a severe safety risk, as it can cause sudden engine seizure, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds, or an engine fire, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle was presented to an authorized Kia dealership service center for diagnosis. The dealership completed a static "Bearing Clearance Test" (BCT) which resulted in a procedural pass. However, the authorized service advisor explicitly stated on a recorded voicemail that the engine "is having issues" and that the dealership "can't put on the ticket that everything is completely safe". Voicemail recording can be provided. Despite acknowledging on the record that the vehicle is unsafe to operate, the dealership and manufacturer refused to authorize the necessary engine replacement repair, citing the static test result. Furthermore, dealership staff instructed the consumer (myself) to continue operating the admittedly unsafe vehicle in traffic until a catastrophic failure occurs on the road to force a diagnostic test failure. The manufacturer's reliance on a test protocol that fails to identify physically disintegrating components, combined with instructing consumers to drive vehicles admitted to be unsafe, constitutes an extreme and ongoing safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11740279

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2026

EnginePower Train

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On the highway, not reaching speed at expected RPM, try increasing power and RPM stops climbing at 3500, and speed decreases suddenly, car starts bucking, check engine light flashing. I pull over, stop, and keep going after several minutes idling with no apparent issue continuing. I take the car to get a computer check of the engine light code, P0420 for catalytic converter efficiency. Take car to dealer, they diagnose the converter as being both melted and clogged, quote me $4200 to replace with OEM part. Go to get second opinion at another service center, they confirm converter diagnosis and additionally diagnose cause as relating to outdated ECU software causing converter overheating, something which was an active recall for Kia Soul vehicles from MY 2012-2016, but only the 1.6L models. My vehicle is a 2.0L model with the exact same issue causing the exact same result, but with no recall, the converter is shot and there is no accountability for replacing the damaged part and updating the faulty software, as well as for missing this faulty software in the first diagnostic.

NHTSA ODI #11739274

177,000 miles · May 8, 2026

Engine

The contact stated that when taking the vehicle to complete recall repairs for NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750 (Engine) The contact was informed that due to the milage on the vehicle that the repaired did not have to be completed. The contact stated they have experienced knocking and oil leakage that is related to the mentioned r…

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NHTSA ODI #11736644

74,000 miles · Apr 30, 2026

EngineFire

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The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to make a knocking noise which became progressively louder and backfired. There was white smoke coming from the exhaust as the contact moved to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely. The vehicle then developed a small fire underneath the hood in the engine compartment, which quickly became engulfed in flames. The contact was approximately 30 to 40 feet away when this occurred. The smoke was described as having an electrical odor. The fire spread into the interior of the vehicle, resulting in damage to the dashboard, front seats and windows. No additional property damage was reported. Emergency services were contacted and the fire department extinguished the fire. The insurance company determined the vehicle to be a total loss. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ODI #11734927

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2026

Engine

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My check engine light continues periodically turn on and off; diagnostics done by independent service centers shows the code indicating there's something wrong with my catalytic converter. I discovered the make and model of my vehicle has a recall for this issue, but upon contacting Kia directly and speaking with services members & customer care I was told that my vehicle does not fall under the recall even though it is showing the same signs as the vehicles that have. It has not been inspected by anyone other than the hired mechanic and I'm not entirely sure when the problem first began, but has been an ongoing issue for the last few months.

NHTSA ODI #11730247

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2026

Structure

White paint is peeling off roof and back hatch. Had been washing car at automatic car wash and noticed edges were all chipping. Stopped wash in car as afraid it would get worse. Just hand washed the roof and now the whole roof is peeling chipping. This has been occurring for over a year. When I bought the car there was a spot …

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NHTSA ODI #11728990

99,912 miles · Apr 1, 2026

EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #1 through #4; the ignition coils were replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer determined that the failure was caused by a lack of vehicle maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,912.

NHTSA ODI #11728455

Official recalls

20V750000 · Engine

Dec 2, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

19V120000 · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Feb 22, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Consequence: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

17V608000 · Steering

Sep 29, 2017

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

15V123000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Mar 2, 2015

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE19004 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Mar 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima, MY 2011-2014 Kia Sorento and MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.7 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field and other data on other Kia vehicles (approximately 3.6 million additional vehicles) equipped with the same engines used in the above-mentioned vehicles.As a result of this PE, Kia has issued NHTSA Recalls 20V-750 and 21V-844 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain Kia vehicles equipped with various engine types.Additional information on these and other related recall actions is available in the downloadable version of this resume available at NHTSA.gov.In addition, ODI has upgraded this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 which will focus on potential recall scope concerns and recall remedy concerns related to the engine failure-related recalls mentioned above and conducted previously.See the EA21-003 Opening Resume available at NHTSA.gov for more information.Also available in the downloadable version of this resume is a list of the reference numbers for the 444 ODI reports, or Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), cited above which ODI received through mid-November 2021.Note that the Manufacturer reports cited above are customer complaints received through March 2019.

Additional source detail variants (392)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other

DP18003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Aug 21, 2018 · Closed May 10, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

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.

Additional source detail variants (208)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Electrical System

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other