Kia is initiating a recall of more than 137,000 vehicles due to a potential manufacturing defect in piston oil rings, which could lead to severe engine issues and even fires.
The recall affects the 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models, both equipped with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The Soul accounts for a significant portion of the affected vehicles, with 83,621 units, while the Seltos recall includes 53,635 units.
Government safety regulators have determined that a “quality control lapse” during manufacturing could result in progressive damage to the cylinder walls. This damage can lead to increased oil consumption, potentially causing engine failure or seizing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also warned that, in rare instances, oil leaking onto hot exhaust components through a hole in the engine block could trigger a fire.
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The faulty piston rings were supplied by Dongsuh Federal-Mogul. Kia first identified the potential problem in September of last year, when they observed a rising trend in engine replacement warranty claims for the 2021 Seltos and Soul. Subsequent inspections of returned engines revealed damaged oil rings and scoring on the cylinder walls, with one engine showing a hole in the block.
The issue was traced back to the defective piston rings, and Kia has reported 409 incidents and 400 potential cases of engine stalling. The automaker is also investigating four possible fire incidents, all involving Soul models.
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As part of the recall, Kia dealerships will conduct inspections and replace engines where necessary. They will also install software designed to detect abnormal piston-ring noise. Owners can expect to receive notification letters in early April.
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