You’ve probably seen the headlines about Kia recalls. They seem to pop up every few months like clockwork. But lately, the conversation has shifted from "what's broken?" to "did they actually fix it?" Honestly, that’s a much scarier question for anyone sitting behind the wheel of a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos.
The federal government isn't just taking Kia’s word for it anymore. On August 6, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially opened what they call an Audit Query (AQ25001). This isn't just another routine check-up. It is a deep-reaching investigation into whether Kia America’s previous attempt to fix over 137,000 vehicles actually worked or if they just put a digital Band-Aid on a mechanical hemorrhage.
The Piston Ring Problem That Wouldn’t Die
Basically, the whole mess started with the 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine.
Back in February 2025, Kia admitted that certain piston oil rings in these engines were essentially manufactured "wrong." When these rings don't fit perfectly, they start scraping. They damage the cylinder walls. They gulp down oil like it's free. Eventually, the engine can stall out in the middle of a highway or—in the absolute worst-case scenario—erupt into flames.
Kia’s solution (Recall 25V099) was simple on paper. Dealers would inspect the engine using a special vibration test harness. If the engine vibrated too much, you got a new one. If it didn't, they just updated some software and sent you on your way.
But then the complaints started rolling in.
Drivers began telling the NHTSA that the "fix" didn't do a thing. Some people were told their engines passed the vibration test, only to have the same engine seize up a few weeks later. Others reported that dealers were flat-out refusing to perform the repair because they didn't have the parts or the "vibration sensor" software was acting up.
Why the NHTSA Stepped In
The Kia America NHTSA audit query exists because of 47 specific complaints. That might not sound like a lot when you're talking about 137,256 vehicles, but in the world of federal safety, 47 "remedy failures" in a two-month window is a massive red flag.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) noticed a pattern:
- Inconsistent inspection results across different dealerships.
- Software updates that triggered "limp mode" for no reason.
- A total lack of availability for replacement engines.
The investigators are now digging into the technical specifics. They are looking at the Engine Vibration Inspection Test Harness and asking if it's even capable of catching a bad piston ring. One particularly weird detail from the audit notes involves Kia telling dealers not to use USB-C headphone adapters with their diagnostic tablets because it might mess up the vibration readings. If the safety of your engine depends on whether a mechanic used a specific dongle, you've got a problem.
A History of "Park Outside" Warnings
It’s hard to talk about this audit without acknowledging the elephant in the room. Kia and its sibling Hyundai have been under the microscope for nearly a decade over engine fires.
We’ve seen the "park outside" orders. We’ve seen the $137 million in fines for moving too slowly on previous recalls. In 2023 alone, they recalled over 3.3 million vehicles because brake fluid could leak into the ABS module and cause an electrical short.
But this new Kia America NHTSA audit query feels different. It’s not about a new defect. It’s a direct challenge to the company's ability to handle repairs. The NHTSA is effectively saying, "We don't trust your solution."
What’s Really Happening at the Dealership?
If you own an affected Soul or Seltos, the experience on the ground is kinda chaotic.
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Some owners report that their cars were held for weeks with no loaner provided. Others were told their engine "passed" the test even though it was making a "death rattle" noise. There's a real disconnect between the corporate promises made in Irvine, California, and the reality of a busy service bay in Ohio or Florida.
The audit is looking at these "non-safety field actions" too. They want to know if Kia is using software updates to avoid the massive cost of replacing 137,000 engines. Replacing an engine is expensive. A software patch is basically free.
The Nuances of the Nu MPI Engine
The 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine is a workhorse for Kia. It's in the cars that regular people buy to get to work. It’s not a high-performance racing engine. It’s supposed to be reliable.
When a piston oil ring fails, it’s not always a sudden "kaboom." It’s a slow burn.
- Oil Consumption: You notice you're adding a quart every 500 miles.
- The Knock: A faint tapping sound that gets louder when you accelerate.
- The Stall: The car loses power, usually at the worst possible time.
- Thermal Event: The industry term for "your car is on fire."
The audit query is specifically focusing on the 2021–2023 model years. If you’re driving one of these, you aren't just looking for a recall notice—you’re looking for the effectiveness of that notice.
Is This Just Kia Being Kia?
Skeptics will say this is just more of the same. But the NHTSA doesn't open audit queries for fun. They do it when they suspect a manufacturer is being "untimely" or "inaccurate" in their reporting.
In the past, Kia has argued that many of these fires were caused by improper maintenance or outside factors. The NHTSA isn't buying that anymore. The agency is looking at the long-term viability of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This software is supposed to be the "early warning system" for engine failure. But if the KSDS doesn't trigger until the engine is already trashed, is it actually a safety feature? Or is it just a way to limit liability?
The Legal Ripple Effect
This audit isn't happening in a vacuum. Trial lawyers are watching this very closely. If the NHTSA finds that the recall remedy was intentionally insufficient, it opens the door for massive class-action lawsuits.
We've already seen settlements for the Theta II engines. Those payouts were in the billions. The Soul and Seltos audit could be the first domino in a similar saga for the Nu engine family.
What You Should Actually Do Right Now
If you own a Kia Soul or Seltos from the 2021-2023 range, don't wait for the audit to finish. These things can take a year.
Check your VIN immediately. Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls. Don't just look for "open" recalls. Look at the "completed" ones. If your car had the piston ring recall "fixed" but you're still smelling burning oil or hearing a tap-tap-tap from the front of the car, you need to document it.
Keep every receipt. If you have to buy oil between changes, keep the receipt. If you pay for a private mechanic to look at a noise that the dealer ignored, keep that paperwork.
File your own complaint. If the dealer tells you the repair isn't available or that your engine is "fine" despite obvious problems, tell the NHTSA. Those 47 complaints are the only reason this audit exists. Your voice is the data they use to squeeze the manufacturers.
The Next Steps for Kia
Kia America has to provide a mountain of data to the NHTSA as part of this query. They have to explain why the remedy changed multiple times in just a few months. They have to justify the vibration test's accuracy.
Ultimately, this might lead to a "recall of the recall." That would mean every single one of those 137,000 vehicles would need to go back for a more invasive—and likely more expensive—physical inspection or a mandatory engine replacement regardless of vibration levels.
Actionable Insights for Kia Owners:
- Monitor oil levels weekly. Do not rely on the dashboard light; use the dipstick.
- Record engine sounds. If your car sounds different today than it did last month, record a video on your phone.
- Demand a written report. If a dealer performs a vibration test and says you "passed," demand the actual data printout.
- Park outside if you smell smoke. It sounds dramatic, but it’s the standard advice for a reason.
The Kia America NHTSA audit query is a rare look behind the curtain of automotive safety. It’s a reminder that a recall notice isn't the end of the story—it's often just the beginning of a much longer struggle for accountability.
Next Steps for You:
Check your 17-digit VIN on the NHTSA website today. If your vehicle was part of the 25V099 recall and you are still experiencing engine issues, file a formal complaint on the NHTSA's Report a Safety Problem page to ensure your case is included in the ongoing audit data.