Kia Engine Investigation Launched by NHTSA, After Multiple Recall Solution Failure Reports

More than 40 complaints have been received by the manufacturer, suggesting that a previous Kia engine recall repair was ineffective.

An investigation has been launched by federal safety officials into 137,256 model year 2021 through 2023 Kia Seltos and Soul vehicles, after reports suggested a prior recall repair for an engine defect may be ineffective, potentially raising the risk of a fire or crash.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Kia Soul and Seltos investigation on August 6, stating that an earlier solution may fail to address potentially defective piston oil rings.

The original Kia Soul and Seltos recall (25V099) warned that manufacturing errors in the vehicles’ piston oil rings, which manage lubrication and oil control, could damage the cylinder wall over time, potentially leading to engine problems, vehicle stalling or even a fire.

That recall was first announced on February 17, after more than 400 reports of the affected vehicles stalling while driving, as well as at least four potential fires linked to the defect. 

At the time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advised owners to watch for signs of trouble, including increased oil consumption, unusual engine noises, or the oil pressure warning light coming on.

Kia’s recall fix involved inspecting engines to determine whether replacement was necessary. However, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has since received 47 additional complaints, filed between April 29 and June 27, 2025, claiming the repair program was ineffective, inspections were inconsistent, and replacement engines were not readily available.

In response, ODI has opened an Audit Query to review the effectiveness of Kia’s recall solution and evaluate how the company has handled owner complaints.

Information about recalls and investigations of specific vehicles can be found by entering the license plate, VIN number or year, make and model into the NHTSA website.

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