NHTSA Service Bulletin 10173535: 2012-2016 Kia Soul
Official manufacturer communication context for 2012-2016 Kia Soul, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
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 dealers 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.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10173535?
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.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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