The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·25V099000·Announced 2025-02-17

Kia Seltos and Soul piston oil rings can cause engine damage

Kia is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles because incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings can result in engine damage, which may cause a stall or a fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: incorrectly manufactured piston rings damage the engine internally, and the source states this can stall the vehicle or start a fire.

Plain-English summary

Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. About 137,256 units are potentially affected.

The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

NHTSA states that engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge, and will also install piston-ring noise sensing system software free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 4, 2025. Owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA SELTOS, SOUL
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Engine
Hazard
Affected units
137,256

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • SELTOS
  • SOUL

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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