The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an audit into more than 137,000 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles following concerns that a previous recall repair for defective piston oil rings may not be working. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation received 47 complaints from owners claiming that the fix is either ineffective or unavailable. The defect, which affects specific 2021–2023 models with 2.0-liter Nu MPI engines, can lead to engine failure or increased fire risk.
Here’s why it matters:
Engine failure and fire risk pose serious safety hazards that can seriously endanger drivers. Kia’s proposed remedy includes software updates and engine inspections, but NHTSA’s review suggests these steps may not fully address the issue. If Kia’s fix proves insufficient, the automaker could face additional recalls or mandated remedies. The audit echoes growing scrutiny on the effectiveness of automaker recall campaigns, especially when safety is at stake.
Key takeaways:
- Scope of audit
NHTSA is investigating 137,256 Kia vehicles, including 2021–2023 Soul and Seltos models, to evaluate the effectiveness of a recall fix issued earlier this year. - Defect details
The issue involves defective piston oil rings that can cause engine scoring, increased oil consumption, internal noise, and, in severe cases, engine failure or fire. - Owner complaints trigger review
Between April 29 and June 27, the agency received 47 complaints alleging the recall remedy was either ineffective, inconsistent, or unavailable. - Current recall remedy
Kia’s solution includes inspecting engines, installing piston-ring noise detection software, and replacing engines if certain trouble codes are triggered. According to the automaker, only about 1% of vehicles are expected to be affected. - Next steps for owners
Until the agencies resolve the audit, vehicle owners can check their vehicle’s status using the NHTSA or Kia recall lookup tools.
