Kia Seltos and Soul Recall Engine Issue | Latest Kia Recall News

Whether it is an engine leak or door issues, any defect in a vehicle can cause disastrous results if not addressed promptly. Usually, companies issue a recall to address these manufacturing defects seriously. A similar incident has been reported regarding Kia’s vehicles, advising all owners to act promptly to save lives.

The Seltos and Soul recall engine issue is the latest in Kia’s long string of fire issues, and addressing it properly becomes vital. If you are a Kia Seltos or Soul owner and wish to know whether your vehicle is affected, this blog is a must-read.

A Brief Description of the Kia Seltos Soul Recall Engine Issue

The story began in late February 2025 when NHTSA declared a recall of approximately 37,256 Kia vehicles. Moreover, the Kia vehicle engine recall was officially filed with NHTSA on February 25, 2025, and a similar date to dealer notification. According to the reports, Kia owner notifications started on April 4, 2025.

The Kia vehicle engine recall indicated serious issues in 2.0 L Nu MPI (Atkinson) engines manufactured at Kia’s Hwaseong plant. It was noticed that the problem started from supplier-manufactured piston oil rings that were incorrectly heat-treated, making them excessively hard, chipping the rings, and scoring the cylinder walls.

However, no VIN ranges have been published; the recall population was determined using the exact production dates and engine serials. The piston ring defect compromises the engine’s integrity and can lead to disastrous outcomes, like fires and stalls. The affected Kia vehicle engine recall vehicles were those built from mid‑2020 to 2022, including 2L MPI engine.

To this, Kia clearly stated, “Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury“. In the meantime, NHTSA added, “Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the engine and install piston-ring noise sensing system software at no cost.”

Why Is Kia’s Recall Serious?

Kia’s recall of the 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul variants due to the faulty piston oil rings is considered vital for multiple reasons. However, if not addressed in time or repaired sooner, it can put the vehicle’s owner in massive trouble. The defective piston rings may damage the engine’s cylinder walls, cause excessive engine oil consumption, oil-pressure issues, and engine noise. If left untreated, the vehicle engine can seize and stall, causing loss of motive power while driving.

In severe cases, the piston connecting the rod can impact the engine block, allowing oil to leak onto the hot exhaust components and causing engine bay fire risks. The sudden engine shutdown or stall in traffic can cause collisions due to unexpected loss of control.

According to verified Seltos Soul recall engine issue sources, four engine fires have been confirmed to date, involving the Kia Soul. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported, addressing the need for the sudden recall. Over 800 engine stalling or sudden power loss cases have been reported. 

It has been found that 2012 to 2019 Soul and Seltos models have a long line-up of engine failure reports. However, it left people with terrifying experiences, and no injuries occurred.

How to Find If Your Kia Seltos or Soul Is Affected?

If you’re still driving a 2021-2023 Kia Seltos or Soul with the 2L Nu MPI engine, you should check if it is defective. It is noted that Kia Seltos Soul recall engine issue is a serious concern, and addressing it properly must be done as quickly as possible.

Checking if your Kia vehicle is subject to a recall is a straightforward process. You can find your vehicle’s VIN near the dashboard, usually on the driver’s windshield.

Additionally, the unique number can be found on the driver’s door frame or your vehicle documents. Sooner you have the VIN, visit the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool official website and enter the required credentials. Alternatively, check through Kia’s Recall website to confirm whether your car is affected.

Your vehicle may exhibit early signs of a piston ring defect that you must address before it causes terrible results.

• A knocking or ticking noise can be a sign of defective piston rings or internal issues.
• If you are getting an oil pressure warning light, it can be a clear indication of engine damage.
• An excess of exhaust smoke can be a sign of burning oil due to cylinder wall damage.
• Smoking issues from the engine bay usually indicate that oil is leaking onto the hot exhaust, which might catch fire.
• If you’re finding your vehicle consuming excessive engine oil, it could be an indication of burning or leaking oil from faulty engine parts.
• A sudden power loss or stalling can lead to Kia’s engine failure.

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What Should Kia Owners Do If Their Vehicle is Affected?

If you find your Kia Seltos or Soul is affected by the recall, it becomes vital that you act promptly to ensure it remains safe. Start by scheduling a recall repair appointment through your local dealership. Visit and inform them about your car being a part of Recall SC336 and the early symptoms.

You should bring necessary documents, including photo ID, VIN, and the vehicle’s registration, to the nearest Kia dealer. Moreover, provide them with any required documentation of service history, symptoms, or warning lights. It is advised to schedule your visit to the nearest dealership sooner, as the availability can vary depending on the parts required or technical demand.

The Kia Seltos Soul recall engine issue repair is free, as it is a federally mandated Kia vehicle engine recall. The Kia Seltos or Soul recall service is applicable even if your vehicle is out of warranty. Not only this, Kia will also cover towing charges or loaner vehicles; however, the availability might differ according to the dealer.

Repair times usually depend on the severity and signs of the engine’s damage. Below is a comprehensive table indicating the tentative time for Kia Seltos Soul recall engine issue repair.

Initially, Kia will install the PNSS Software to detect abnormality in the piston. If you find defects in the piston, a complete engine replacement may be required. After the Kia vehicle engine recall repair, Kia owners will receive service documentation and recall resolution. You should schedule immediate service from the dealer if they reappear or if you find any abnormality or warning signs. For more assistance, you can contact NHTSA Recall Hotline or Kia Consumer Assistance.

Will This Recall Affect Kia’s Reputation or Resale Value?

The large-scale 2021-2023 Kia vehicle engine recall, potentially affecting engine defects and fire, is likely to impact Kia’s legacy in the short term. Kia has acknowledged the vehicle’s faults publicly and has been working with NHTSA.

According to the sources, the affected Kia Seltos Soul recall engine issue cars will receive cost-free engine inspections, replacements, and PNSS software installation. The company issued notification letters to all affected Kia Seltos and Soul owners starting April 4, 2025.

Kia’s customer support team is actively working with vehicle owners for hassle-free assistance, primarily towing or loaner vehicles. In addition, it provided technical bulletins and detailed 573 fraud reports, hinting at the problem’s cause, helping customers with optimal transparency. 

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What Kia Said About Seltos Soul Recall Engine Issue? 

Kia has been working tirelessly to provide hassle-free analysis and support through the repairs. However, it is said that the company’s engine replacements included extended part warranties, boosting post-repair confidence. While being limited to 2021 to 2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles, other models like Forte, Sportage, etc., have discovered multiple unrelated recalls.

While addressing the Seltos and Soul recall engine issue, Kia stated that “Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury”. They also added that dealers will monitor and inspect the root cause through PNSS software, all free of charge. Kia announced that the fix is an integral part of the safety-first approach, which helps customers detect early warnings through the software, followed by engine replacement if required.

Summing-Up

Whether it’s notifying Seltos and Soul owners or providing free-of-cost repairs, Kia has been trying every corner to serve consumers best to maintain its legacy. The company acknowledges that it is a safety issue while taking full responsibility for the Seltos and Soul recall engine issue-free fixes.

If you noticed early symptoms on your Seltos and Soul variants, you should check them with VIN today. You can share this article with other Kia Seltos and Soul owners to inform them about the possible hazards.

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