You’re driving along, maybe heading to work or grabbing a coffee, and suddenly your engine starts making a sound like a bag of marbles in a dryer. Or worse, you notice a weird smell—like something is cooking, but it definitely isn't dinner. If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Seltos or Soul, this isn't just a "car person" paranoia. It’s a documented safety nightmare that has left over 137,000 drivers wondering if their car is a ticking time bomb.
The kia seltos soul recall engine issue isn't just one single bad day at the factory. It’s a saga involving "incorrectly manufactured" piston rings, oil-thirsty engines, and a fire risk that sounds like something out of an action movie. Honestly, it’s frustrating. You buy a modern car expecting reliability, and instead, you’re checking your oil level every three days just to make sure the block doesn't seize on the highway.
The Gritty Details: What’s Actually Wrong?
Basically, it comes down to a supplier messing up the heat treatment of the piston oil rings. These rings are supposed to be tough but flexible enough to seal the combustion chamber. In the affected 2.0L "Nu" MPI engines, these rings were made too hard.
When they’re too hard, they don't play nice with the cylinder walls. Instead of gliding, they start "scuffing" or scratching the metal.
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Imagine taking a piece of sandpaper and rubbing it against a polished surface every time the piston moves up and down. That’s thousands of times a minute. Eventually, those scratches get deep enough that engine oil starts leaking past the rings and into the combustion chamber. Your car starts "consuming" oil—which is a polite way of saying it's burning it.
Why This is a Fire Risk
You might think, "Okay, so I just add more oil, right?" Not exactly. If the damage gets bad enough, a connecting rod bearing can seize. When that happens, the engine can literally throw a rod through the side of the engine block.
Now you have a hole in your engine.
Hot oil sprays out of that hole and hits the scorching exhaust components. That is exactly how these engine fires start. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia was aware of several fires before the most recent recall expansions in early 2025. It’s rare, but "rare" doesn't mean "impossible" when you're the one behind the wheel.
Which Models Are Actually Part of the Recall?
It’s easy to get confused because Kia has had multiple recalls for similar issues. This specific piston ring disaster is focused on the 2.0-liter Multi-Point Injection (MPI) engine. If you have the 1.6-liter Turbo engine, you’re likely in the clear for this specific mess.
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The core group includes:
- 2021-2023 Kia Seltos (specifically those built between July 2, 2020, and July 1, 2022)
- 2021-2023 Kia Soul (specifically those built between July 2, 2020, and April 19, 2022)
Interestingly, Kia switched suppliers for these rings in mid-2022. If your Soul was built after April 19, 2022, or your Seltos after July 1, 2022, you might have dodged the bullet. But don't just take my word for it—VINs are the only way to be 100% sure.
The "Fix" That Has People Worried
Kia's solution to the kia seltos soul recall engine issue is a two-step process. First, dealers perform a vibration inspection. They use a special tool to "listen" to the engine. If the engine is already damaged, they’re supposed to replace the "long block" (the core of the engine) for free.
If the engine passes the test, they install something called Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software.
This software is basically a digital ears-to-the-ground. It’s designed to detect the specific vibration patterns of a failing piston ring before the engine actually dies. If it hears something suspicious, it puts the car into "Limp Home Mode" and flashes the oil pressure light or check engine light.
The Audit Query Controversy
Here’s where it gets messy. In August 2025, the NHTSA opened an "Audit Query" (AQ25-001) because owners were complaining that the recall fix wasn't working. Some people had their cars "inspected," were told everything was fine, and then had their engines seize two weeks later. Others reported that dealers were refusing to replace engines even when the PNSS software triggered a warning code (specifically DTC P1327).
There are also reports of massive parts shortages. Some owners have had their cars sitting on dealer lots for months waiting for a replacement engine block. If you're in this boat, you're likely feeling the "lemon law" itch, and honestly, you wouldn't be alone.
Warning Signs You Can't Ignore
If you're driving one of these cars, you need to be a bit of a detective. Don't wait for a letter in the mail. Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- The "Ticking" Sound: If your engine sounds like a sewing machine or has a distinct rhythmic knocking that gets faster when you accelerate, that's bad news.
- Vanishing Oil: Check your dipstick every time you fill up at the gas station. If you’re losing a quart of oil every 1,000 miles and there’s no puddle under the car, the engine is eating it.
- The Smell of Burning: A sweet or acrid smoky smell coming from the vents is a sign that oil might be leaking onto the exhaust.
- Losing Power: If the car suddenly feels sluggish or won't let you go above a certain speed, the computer might have detected a failure.
Real-World Impact and What to Do
The reality is that Kia has recalled millions of vehicles over the last decade for fire risks, ranging from ABS modules to these piston rings. It has put a huge dent in the brand's "bulletproof warranty" reputation. While the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is great on paper, it doesn't help much if you're stranded on the side of the road with a smoking hood.
If you think your car is affected, here are the non-negotiable next steps:
- Run your VIN immediately: Go to the NHTSA Recall Website or the Kia owners' portal. Don't wait for the mail.
- Document everything: If you’ve paid for oil top-offs, rentals, or previous engine repairs, keep the receipts. Kia is legally required to reimburse you for expenses related to a safety recall.
- Ask for a loaner: If your dealer says your engine needs a replacement and it'll take weeks, push for a loaner car. They aren't always required to give one, but many will if you're firm about the safety risk.
- Monitor the NHTSA Audit: Keep an eye on the news regarding the 2025 audit query. If the government decides Kia's "software fix" isn't enough, there might be a more aggressive engine replacement program coming.
Dealing with a recall is a massive headache, especially when it involves something as vital as the engine. But ignoring it is worse. This isn't just a minor trim piece or a radio glitch—it's the heart of the car. Stay on top of your oil levels, listen to your engine, and don't let the dealership brush you off if something feels wrong.