WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2012 Kia Soul

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

132 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
TSB_ENG2222021-01-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA ENGINES - This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2012-2019MY Soul (AM/PS) vehicles (refer to table below for applicable engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
TSB_CHA084_R62020-12-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
TSB_CHA084_R52020-12-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
EngOil_OWNR2020-08-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Communication to Kia Owners - IMPORTANT REMINDER OF ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINE LONGEVITY - Kia Motors America, Inc. is sending this notice to remind you in detail of the oil and oil filter maintenance requirements provided in your Owner's Manual which are critical to your engine's health. The purpose of sharing this information is to help you protect the investment you have in your vehicle's engine, to maximize its durability, and to avoid issues associated with insufficient or improper vehicle maintenance.
PI2002A_OWNR_UPD2020-04-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI2002A) - IMPORTANT NOTICE to customers - On February 21, 2020, Kia Motors America, Inc. notified you that it was conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage on the 2012-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with the 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (“GDI”). However, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we understand there may be challenges in taking your vehicle to the dealership for this update. We want to assure you that we are practicing the safety measures recommended by the CDC and local governments to maintain the best possible environments at our dealerships. The health and safety of our customers and employees are our top priority. If your Kia vehicle needs maintenance, service or repair for any reason, your local dealer is here to help and many have special programs designed to support your individual needs (details typically included on the dealer’s website). We would, however, like to assure you that there is no immediate need to have this software update performed. Once this challenging situation has passed, you can have this software update performed on your vehicle, and the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) will be extended to 10 years from the vehicle in-service date or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
PI2002A_DSM2020-03-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE (PI2002A) - This document is the notification to the Dealer Service Manager advising of a new a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage on all 2012~2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter GDI engine, manufactured from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016.
PI2002A_DP2020-03-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE (PI2002A) - This document is the notification letter to the Dealer Principals advising them of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage on all 2012~2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter GDI engine, manufactured from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016.
PI2002_TSB2020-03-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2002) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBCHA084_R42019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing.
PS067_R12018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L & 3.8L Lambda engines for 2007-2008MY Sorento (BL), * 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2019MY Soul (AM, PS), and * 1.8L & 2.0L Nu engines for 2010-2018MY Forte (TD, YD/YDm), 2019MY~ Forte (BDm). When replacing the cylinder heads on these engines, inspect the lubrication ports for installation of the steel sealing balls. Current replacement cylinder heads may not be equipped with the required steel balls. Identify and locate the nine (9) lubricant passages on 3.3L and 3.8L engines and three (3) on 1.8L and 2.0L engines and verify a steel ball is installed in each.
TSBENG164_R22018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised and is no longer a Service Action. bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016MY Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (AM) vehicles, which may have a malfunction indicator light (MIL) ON with DTC P0441: Evaporative Emissions System Incorrect Purge Flow.
PS5392018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
TSB-ENG164R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE - DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016 Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (AM) vehicles, which may have a MIL on with DTC P0441: Evaporative Emissions System Incorrect Purge Flow.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
PS2962017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE. PIT STOP: OCV DAMAGE WHEN INSTALLING ENGINE COVER - When re-installing the engine cover on vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GDI engine, make sure not to apply any downward pressure in the area around the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to prevent causing damage to the valve.
TSBENG146R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2014MY RIO (UB), SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) AND SOME 2014MY SOUL (PS) VEHICLES, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE FOR A SPECIFIC DTC CONCERN, VERIFY THE VIN AND DTC FALL WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES, BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
TSBENG1462017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2013MY RIO (UB) AND SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE, VERIFY THE VIN FALLS WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
PS4002017-01-31. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; ENGINE. PITSTOP: SMART PEDAL FEATURE - THE “SMART PEDAL” IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) FUNCTIONALITY WHICH MONITORS AND PREVENTS THE SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVATION OF ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN ENGAGED, THE FEATURE REDUCES ENGINE POWER TO IDLE. MOST CUSTOMERS WILL NEVER NOTICE THE SMART PEDAL FEATURE WHEN ACTIVE, HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS WHO TEND TO REST THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING MIGHT DESCRIBE A HESITATION OR DELAY SYMPTOM AND NOT REALIZE THAT THE EMS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS INTERVENING, AS DESIGNED.
TSBENG146R12017-01-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2014MY RIO (UB), SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) AND SOME 2014MY SOUL (PS) VEHICLES, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE FOR A SPECIFIC DTC CONCERN, VERIFY THE VIN AND DTC FALL WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES, BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
TSB-146 REV 12015-09-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. KIA: ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES EXPERIENCING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) THAT ILLUMINATES AND ECM NEEDS REPROGRAMMING WITH LATEST GDS DOWNLOAD. MODEL 2012-14 RIO, 2012-14 SOUL. *PE
TSB-01062011-12-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. KIA: INFORMATION PROVIDED RELATING TO AN ENGINE WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMANATING FROM THE HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER (HLAS) DUE TO A LACK OF OIL SUPPLY. *PE

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.