- How Did Kia Address the Problem?
- Why Is NHTSA Concerned and Investigating?
- Summary of Technical Specifications and Impact of the Issue:
- Important Recommendations for Affected Vehicle Owners
- Significance of the Investigation and Its Impact on Kia and Customers
Kia has stirred widespread controversy after recalling more than 137,000 vehicles—specifically 2021 to 2023 models of the Seltos and Soul—due to defects related to piston oil rings in their 2.0-liter engines. This recall, announced by the company in February 2025, followed multiple complaints about issues that could lead to engine damage, increased oil consumption, and even the risk of engine compartment fires.
However, it appears that the repairs issued by Kia have not been sufficient, prompting the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open a comprehensive investigation to assess the effectiveness of these fixes in preventing severe damages and safety hazards for drivers and vehicle owners.
Overview of the Recall and Its Problem:
Affected Vehicles: 137,256 cars including 53,635 Seltos and 83,621 Soul units, model years 2021-2023
Core Issue: Piston oil rings manufactured out of specification, causing damage to the cylinder wall surface inside the engine over time
Potential Consequences: Increased oil consumption, unusual engine noises, reduced oil pressure, risk of sudden engine failure, and sometimes fires in the engine compartment
Reported Complaints: The company received over 800 reports about engine failures and 4 confirmed fire incidents
How Did Kia Address the Problem?
In late March 2025, Kia launched a repair program involving:
Engine inspections using vibration measurement technology to detect potential issues without full engine disassembly
Updates to piston noise monitoring software to detect early signs of engine trouble during operation
Free engine replacements in cases where damage or deterioration is confirmed
Kia started notifying vehicle owners in April 2025, directing them to authorized service centers for inspection and repair
Why Is NHTSA Concerned and Investigating?
Between April 29 and June 27, 2025, NHTSA received more than 47 complaints from owners alleging:
Ineffectiveness or insufficient availability of the repairs in some service locations
Inconsistent inspection results regarding which vehicles require engine replacement
Delays in supplying replacement parts and diagnostic software
The investigation aims to evaluate Kia’s commitment to customer safety and the effectiveness of corrective measures, given some doubts raised by ongoing complaints
Summary of Technical Specifications and Impact of the Issue:
Important Recommendations for Affected Vehicle Owners
Schedule an inspection appointment immediately upon receiving the recall notice
Do not ignore unusual engine sounds or warning lights related to oil or engine issues
Follow official updates from Kia and authorized centers to ensure receipt of all necessary repairs free of charge
If repairs are delayed or denied, contact regulatory authorities like NHTSA to file formal complaints
Significance of the Investigation and Its Impact on Kia and Customers
The investigation reflects rising pressure on automakers to provide prompt and effective safety recall responses
NHTSA may compel Kia to issue additional recalls or amend repair programs if current solutions are deemed insufficient
Protecting consumers and ensuring road safety is paramount, especially when engine failures or fires pose serious risks to drivers
The Kia recall for Seltos and Soul engines highlights the critical importance of quality control and efficiency of corrective actions following automotive recalls. Although Kia took quick steps to address the fault, continuing complaints led federal authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation to ensure consumer safety.
If you own one of these vehicles, it is crucial to monitor your car’s status with the official dealer and not delay maintenance, as this could prevent deeper problems and life-threatening hazards.