Kia is initiating a significant recall affecting its popular Soul hatchback and Seltos SUV models to address a critical engine issue. The recall centers around a defect in the 2.0-liter “Nu” multi-point injection engine, which could lead to serious engine damage and, in certain scenarios, even pose a fire risk. According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this problem potentially involves approximately 137,256 vehicles from the 2021 to 2023 model years. Kia has identified that faulty piston oil control rings within the engine cylinders are the root cause, potentially leading to excessive oil consumption. In rare instances, this could allow oil to come into contact with hot exhaust components, thereby increasing the risk of a fire.
The recall specifically impacts 53,635 Kia Seltos SUVs manufactured between July 2, 2020, and July 1, 2022, covering the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years. A larger number of Kia Souls are also included, totaling 83,621 units. Both the affected Kia Soul and Seltos models were produced at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant in South Korea. It’s crucial for owners to note that this recall is exclusively for vehicles equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Nu engine, which is the standard engine option. The issue does not appear to affect models with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, such as the higher-trim Seltos S-Line and SX.
The core problem lies in the defective piston oil control rings. These rings are essential for maintaining lubrication between the cylinder walls and pistons while preventing oil from entering the combustion chamber. When these rings are faulty, they can damage the cylinder walls, allowing oil to leak into both the combustion chamber and the exhaust system. Kia stated that they first recognized this issue during a routine data review in September of last year. Subsequently, they collected engines that had been repaired under warranty for detailed analysis, leading to the decision to initiate this widespread recall.
Kia Soul Parked
The remedy for this engine defect, while straightforward, requires a significant intervention: engine replacement. Owners of affected Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles will receive notification of this recall via first-class mail, starting around April 4, 2025. Kia dealerships were informed about the recall and provided with repair instructions starting February 17. Dealers are instructed to inspect the engines of recalled vehicles and replace them if necessary. For vehicles that have not yet sustained engine damage requiring replacement, technicians will install a specialized noise-sensing software. This software is designed to detect early signs of engine damage and will activate a warning light to alert the driver. If the warning light illuminates, owners are advised to bring their vehicle to a dealership to receive a new engine replacement.
While the majority of the vehicles included in this recall (NHTSA recall number 25V-099, Kia recall number SC336) are likely still covered under Kia’s original powertrain warranty, Kia has confirmed that it will offer reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair expenses related to this piston oil ring issue incurred by vehicle owners.
Kia has clarified that Soul hatchbacks manufactured after April 19, 2022, and Seltos SUVs built after July 2, 2022, are equipped with piston oil control rings from a different supplier. These newer components are not affected by the quality concerns that prompted this recall campaign, ensuring vehicles produced after these dates do not suffer from the same potential engine defect.
