Kia Piston Ring Recall Affects Over 137,000 Soul and Seltos Models

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Kia has issued a recall affecting more than 137,000 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles due to a defect in the piston oil rings.

Improper manufacturing of these components can lead to engine damage, increased oil consumption, and, in severe cases, engine fires.

Owners of affected vehicles will begin receiving official recall notifications by mail starting April 4, 2025. Kia dealerships will inspect the engines and replace them if necessary.

If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos, you can check if your vehicle is included in the 2025 Kia Piston Ring Recall by entering your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or Kia’s official recall page.

You can also contact your local Kia dealership for more details and to schedule an inspection.

What Causes the Kia Piston Oil Ring Issue?

The Kia piston oil ring issue stems from defective piston oil control rings, which were improperly manufactured due to a supplier-related quality deviation.

Over time, these faulty rings can wear down the surface of the cylinder wall, leading to excessive oil consumption.

This may result in abnormal engine noise, the illumination of the oil pressure warning light, and, if left unaddressed, severe engine damage or seizure, potentially causing a sudden loss of power.

In more serious cases, oil leakage from a compromised engine block can reach hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of fire.

The primary safety concerns associated with this defect include engine failure, vehicle stalling, and fire hazards—all of which heighten the risk of crashes and injuries.

Drivers may notice warning signs such as increased oil consumption, unusual engine noises, or the oil pressure warning light activating.

Kia has acknowledged this issue and issued a recall affecting certain models, including the Seltos and Soul.

The recall involves inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the affected engines to prevent further risks.

How Do I Know If My Vehicle Is Included?

To check if your vehicle is affected by the piston oil ring recall, follow these steps:

1. Locate Your VIN: Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s side door frame, your vehicle registration, or insurance documents.
2. Check for Recalls Online:
   1. NHTSA Recall Lookup: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall website and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is included in any active recalls.
   1. Kia Recall Website: You can also check Kia’s official recall website by entering your VIN for manufacturer-specific recall information.
3. Contact Your Kia Dealership: Your local Kia dealer can look up your VIN and confirm whether your vehicle is part of the recall.

This recall applies to certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Kia Seltos models equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. If your vehicle is affected, Kia will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine at no cost to you.

How Will the Manufacturer Resolve the Issue?

Kia has outlined the following steps to address the piston oil ring defect in affected vehicles:

1. Inspection and Engine Replacement: Kia dealerships will inspect the engines in affected vehicles and replace them, if necessary, free of charge.
2. PNSS Software Installation: As an additional safeguard, dealers will install the Piston-Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. This system is designed to detect abnormal piston ring noise early, helping to prevent potential engine damage in the future.
3. Owner Notification: Kia will begin notifying affected vehicle owners through mailed recall letters starting April 4, 2025. These letters will provide details on how to proceed with the recall.

If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Seltos or Soul, it’s important to check if your vehicle is included in the recall by entering your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or Kia’s official recall page.

If your vehicle is affected, contact your local Kia dealership to schedule an inspection and any necessary repairs.

Investigation Timeline

• October 7, 2024: Kia North America (Kia NA) identified a rising trend in engine replacement warranty claims for 2021 Kia Soul and Seltos models with 2.0L Nu MPI engines supplied by Kia Autoland Hwaseong.
• December 5-17, 2024: Kia conducted a teardown investigation of collected engines, revealing damaged oil rings and cylinder wall scoring, including one engine with a hole in the block. However, no evidence of smoke or fire was found.
• December 18, 2024 – February 5, 2025: Kia worked with the supplier to investigate manufacturing defects and confirmed a quality deviation in the piston oil rings.
• February 6-10, 2025: Field data analysis revealed 409 reports of stalling while driving for Seltos models and 400 for Soul models, along with four fire-related incidents (all involving the Soul, with no crashes or injuries reported).
• February 10, 2025: Kia North America officially decided to recall affected 2021-2023 Kia Seltos and Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.

If you experience increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, or an illuminated oil pressure warning light, don’t wait for the official recall notice—schedule an inspection with your Kia dealership as soon as possible.

How Should I Proceed If My Vehicle Is Affected?

If your 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos is part of this recall, follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is inspected and repaired promptly:

1. Check for a Recall Notification: Kia will begin sending official recall notices by mail starting April 4, 2025. Be sure to read the letter carefully for instructions.
2. Contact Your Local Kia Dealer: Once you confirm your vehicle is affected, schedule an inspection with your nearest Kia dealership. You can also call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 for further assistance.
3. Schedule a Free Inspection & Repairs: Kia dealers will inspect the engine and, if necessary, replace it at no cost. Additionally, dealers will install the Piston-Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software, which helps detect potential engine issues early. If the PNSS software later detects a problem, your engine will be replaced under warranty.
4. Reimbursement for Previous Repairs: If you’ve already paid for repairs related to this issue, you may qualify for reimbursement through Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan, which was filed on May 1, 2024.

If your vehicle has had multiple repair attempts for these engine issues, you may also qualify for a Lemon Law claim, which could provide a refund or cash compensation.

If you believe your vehicle qualifies, consider consulting a lemon law attorney for further guidance. If your vehicle has been repeatedly repaired for the issues that are subject to this recall, you could qualify for a lemon law claim and get a refund or cash compensation:

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past cases and should not be interpreted as a prediction of your case’s outcome. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Repeat Kia Engine Problems? We Can Help!

Kia has issued a recall affecting over 137,000 Soul and Seltos models due to a critical engine problem caused by faulty piston oil rings.

This issue can lead to engine damage, increased oil consumption, and even a potential fire hazard. If you’re dealing with engine troubles in your Kia Soul or Seltos, it’s important to take immediate action.

Starting April 4, 2025, Kia will notify owners by mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a certified Kia dealership for an inspection.

If necessary, the engine will be replaced at no cost. Additionally, Kia will install new Piston-Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software to help detect any future engine problems.

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing engine issues with your Kia, you may be eligible for a Lemon Law claim.

A qualified Lemon Law attorney can assess your situation and help you pursue a replacement vehicle, a refund, or other compensation.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in automotive defect cases, and we’ve been helping consumers like you get the compensation they deserve since 2009. If your Kia continues to face engine problems, contact our team today for assistance.