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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.

Kia Engine Investigation Initiated After Multiple Recall Solution Failure Reports NHTSA
Darian Hauf

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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.

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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.

Sign up for more recall and legal news that may affect you or your family.

Tags: Engine Invetigation, Engine Stall, fire risk, Kia engine investigation, Kia Seltos, Kia Seltos recall, Kia Soul, Kia Soul recall
Image Credit: Stoqliq / Shutterstock.com
Written By: Darian Hauf

Consumer Safety & Recall News Writer

Darian Hauf is a consumer safety writer at AboutLawsuits.com, where she covers product recalls, public health alerts, and regulatory updates from agencies like the FDA and CPSC. She contributes research and reporting support on emerging safety concerns affecting households and consumers nationwide.

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2 Comments

Amanda
My husband bought a 2019 kia soul from kia dealership as a certified pre-owned vehicle. 13 months later, the engine went into limp mode, had it towed to dealership, they replaced the engine. Thats when we realized they sold the vehicle as certified, with a known defect and did not disclose info to us or on the persale checklist. Less than 3000 miles later, its back at the dealership. Check engine light came back on, but this time its something not covered by warranty. We asked them to help us trade it in, but since we still owe over $14,500, thats not even possible. We asked the dealership to buy it back, they didnt respond. Now, we cant get any help with this situation.
Araceli
I used to have a Kia soul 2021. Around six months ago. The motor breakdown. And I just traded in. Because the car was making a funny sound again. Like it happened. The first time when the motor wrecked down on me. So I was afraid that was gonna happen again, and I ended not with a broken Card again. I have copies of everything. When the motor was changed. And I really wanna be able to qualify for a compensation It’s unfair. We have a to pay money on the top of everything to get another car. I do have a higher monthly payment. I was sold the Kia solento didn’t have a recall.

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About the writer

Darian Hauf

Darian Hauf

Darian Hauf is a consumer safety writer at AboutLawsuits.com, where she covers product recalls, public health alerts, and regulatory updates from agencies like the FDA and CPSC. She contributes research and reporting support on emerging safety concerns affecting households and consumers nationwide.