Kia has announced a significant recall affecting its popular Soul hatchback and Seltos SUV models. The recall, crucial for owners’ safety, addresses a critical engine issue that could lead to severe engine damage and, in the worst cases, trigger a vehicle fire. This action targets a potential defect in the piston oil control rings of the 2.0-liter “Nu” multi-point injection engines in these vehicles.
According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this issue impacts a substantial number of vehicles, potentially as many as 137,256 units manufactured between the 2021 and 2023 model years. Kia has identified that faulty piston oil control rings within the engine cylinders could lead to excessive oil consumption. In rare instances, this could result in oil coming into contact with hot exhaust components, significantly increasing the risk of a fire.
Specifically, the recall affects approximately 53,635 Kia Seltos SUVs produced from July 2, 2020, to July 1, 2022, covering the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years. The Kia Soul Recall encompasses an even larger number, with 83,621 units potentially affected. It is important to note that both the Seltos SUVs and Soul hatchbacks included in this recall were assembled at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant in South Korea. Crucially, this recall is specific to vehicles equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Nu engine, which is the standard engine option. Models equipped with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, such as the higher-trim Seltos S-Line and SX, are not affected by this recall.
Over time, defective piston oil control rings can fail to properly lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. These rings are essential for preventing oil from entering the combustion chamber. When they malfunction, oil can leak into the combustion chamber and the exhaust system. Kia’s internal review of field data, initiated in September, led to the discovery of this issue. Subsequent investigations and teardowns of engines repaired under warranty confirmed the need for this widespread recall.
Kia Soul Parked
The Recall Solution: Engine Replacement and Detection Software
For owners affected by the Kia Soul recall and the Seltos recall, the remedy is being implemented in two phases. Owners will be officially notified of the recall via first-class mail starting April 4, 2025. However, Kia dealerships were alerted to the problem starting February 17 and have already received instructions on how to proceed with inspections and repairs.
The primary solution involves engine replacement. Dealership technicians will inspect affected vehicles, and if engine damage is found to be significant due to the piston ring issue, a complete engine replacement will be performed. For vehicles that have not yet sustained critical engine damage, Kia will implement a preventative measure. Technicians will install special engine noise-sensing software. This software is designed to detect early signs of engine trouble related to the faulty piston oil control rings and will activate a warning light on the dashboard to alert the driver to potential engine damage. If this warning light illuminates, owners are instructed to immediately bring their vehicle to a Kia dealer to receive a new replacement engine.
Kia understands that this recall may cause inconvenience and concern for owners. While the majority of vehicles under this recall should still be within their original powertrain warranty period, Kia has confirmed that it will provide reimbursement for any documented repair expenses that owners have already incurred directly related to this piston oil ring problem.
The automaker has clarified that Kia Soul hatchbacks manufactured after April 19, 2022, and Kia Seltos SUVs built after July 2, 2022, are equipped with improved piston oil control rings sourced from a different supplier. These later production vehicles do not have the quality deviation concerns that prompted this recall action, offering peace of mind to owners of more recently manufactured models. Owners of 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models are strongly encouraged to watch for recall notices and contact their local Kia dealership to schedule the necessary inspection and repair as part of this important Kia Soul recall and Seltos recall campaign. The NHTSA recall number for this campaign is 25V-099, and the Kia internal recall number is SC336.
