Kia America has issued a major recall that should concern owners of 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos models. Our legal team at Consumer Action Law Group is tracking this situation closely as it affects over 137,000 vehicles nationwide.
Critical Engine Defect Identified
The recall stems from faulty piston oil rings that were improperly manufactured. This defect is serious – it can cause engines to fail without warning while driving or, in some cases, lead to engine fires.
Our firm has already heard from several Kia owners who experienced these issues before the official recall was announced. Many reported their vehicles suddenly stalling in traffic or exhibiting warning signs that mechanics initially misdiagnosed.
What’s Happening to Affected Vehicles
When these defective oil rings fail, they allow excessive oil to enter places it shouldn’t be. We’ve seen cases where this caused catastrophic engine damage, with repair costs exceeding $5,000 for some clients. The safety risk cannot be overstated – engine fires have occurred in multiple documented cases.
Vehicles Included in This Recall:
- Kia Soul (2021-2023 model years)
- Kia Seltos (2021-2023 model years)
Kia’s Proposed Fix
Dealers will inspect affected engines and, if necessary, replace them entirely. They’ll also install new software designed to detect potential ring failures before they cause major damage. While we appreciate Kia taking action, many of our clients have already faced significant hardships due to this defect.
Kia plans to mail owner notification letters by April 4, 2025. In our experience with similar recalls, however, these letters often arrive late or get overlooked.
Warning Signs We’re Seeing
Our clients typically report these symptoms before complete failure:
- Knocking or ticking sounds from the engine
- Blue smoke from the exhaust
- Sudden power loss while driving
- Check engine light illumination
- Having to add oil between regular service intervals
Immediate Steps to Take
- Verify if your vehicle is included using your VIN at Kia’s website
- Document any unusual engine behavior you’ve experienced
- Save all repair records and communications with Kia
- Schedule your repair as soon as possible
- Contact our office if you’ve already paid for related repairs
Your Legal Rights Matter
At Consumer Action Law Group, we’ve represented numerous clients affected by automotive defects like this one. If you’ve already paid for repairs related to this issue, experienced a breakdown, or suffered property damage from an engine fire, you may be entitled to compensation beyond just the recall repair.
California’s consumer protection laws provide strong remedies for vehicle owners facing manufacturing defects. Our attorneys have successfully recovered repair costs, rental car expenses, and compensation for diminished vehicle value for clients in similar situations.
Get a Free Case Review
Call our office at 818-254-8413 to speak with an experienced auto fraud attorney about your specific situation. The consultation is free, and we can quickly determine if you have a case worth pursuing.
We’ve handled hundreds of cases against major manufacturers, and we know how to get results when warranty claims and recall repairs aren’t enough to make consumers whole.
