TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL PLUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER JERKING AS WELL AS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT IMMINENTLY VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND OPEN THE HOOD NO FLAMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DID NOT INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH THE PISTON CONNECTING ROD FAILED AND DISTORTED THE STARTER AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation