Kia has announced a recall of 137,256 small utility vehicles due to an engine issue that could potentially result in stalling and, in rare cases, fires. The affected models include the 2021-2023 Kia Seltos and Kia Soul vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified that the engines in these vehicles may have piston oil rings that were improperly manufactured, leading to damage to cylinder walls over time.
This issue can cause an increase in oil consumption as the engine may not be adequately lubricated, resulting in power loss or seizing of the engine due to internal components heating up and deforming under increased friction. Additionally, oil leaks could occur, potentially leading to fires if the oil comes into contact with hot exhaust components. Warning signs of this issue include the need to top off oil more frequently, unusual engine noises, and an illuminated oil pressure warning light on the dashboard.
Kia had previously conducted a recall for the 2021 Seltos and 2020-2021 Soul models for a similar issue. Despite being aware of four fires prior to the previous recall, there were no reported injuries or crashes. However, Kia has acknowledged four additional fires that may be related to the current recall, again with no reported injuries or crashes.
As part of the recall process, Kia dealers will inspect the engines and replace them if necessary. They will also install piston ring noise-sensing software to monitor for any potential issues in the future. All repairs and replacements will be done free of charge, and Kia will reimburse owners for any related expenses incurred.
Owner notification letters are set to be mailed out starting on April 4th. Owners can also contact Kia’s customer service department at 800-333-4542 or visit Kia’s recall site for more information. The recall reference number for this issue is SC336.
This recall serves as a precautionary measure by Kia to address potential safety concerns and ensure the well-being of their customers. It is important for affected vehicle owners to take action promptly to have their vehicles inspected and repaired to prevent any further complications.
