Kia Recalls Over 137,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Defect

Kia America, Inc. has initiated a safety recall affecting 137,256 vehicles, including certain 2021-2023 Kia Seltos and Kia Soul models. The recall, designated as NHTSA Recall No. 25V-099 and Kia Recall No. SC336, involves vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines that may suffer from engine damage, posing a safety risk.

The affected Kia Seltos vehicles were produced between July 2, 2020, and July 1, 2022, with 53,635 units involved. Meanwhile, 83,621 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2020, through April 19, 2022, are also impacted. The issue stems from a quality deviation in the piston oil ring supplied by Dongsuh Federal-Mogul. Over time, the defective ring may damage the cylinder wall, causing increased oil consumption, engine noise, and potentially triggering the oil pressure warning light. If left unaddressed, the defect could lead to engine damage, loss of power, or in rare cases, a fire from engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component.

To address the problem, Kia will notify owners by mail beginning April 4, 2025, instructing them to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection and potential engine replacement. As a preventative step, dealers will install a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software to provide an early warning for potential engine damage. If the system detects a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), the engine will be replaced. Kia will also reimburse owners for repair expenses previously incurred under its General Reimbursement Plan.

The defective oil rings were used in engines until October 1, 2021, after which a different type supplied by a new manufacturer was implemented. This change applies to 2023 Kia Soul vehicles produced from April 20, 2022, and 2023 Kia Seltos models from July 2, 2022. Dealers were notified of the recall on February 17, 2025.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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