Imagine driving your Kia Soul or Seltos, trusting it’s safe, only to learn it has a defect that could cause engine failure or even a fire. In February 2025, Kia recalled over 137,000 vehicles due to faulty piston oil rings. Soon after, a class action lawsuit claimed Kia’s fix doesn’t fully solve the problem, leaving owners with less valuable cars. This article explores the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit, the defect, Kia’s response, and what owners should do next. Stay informed to protect your safety and rights.
Background of the Kia Soul Seltos Engine Recall
Kia announced a significant recall on February 17, 2025, targeting 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The recall affects approximately 137,256 vehicles, including 83,621 Souls and 53,635 Seltos. The issue originates from a manufacturing error by supplier Kia Autoland Hwaseong, which produced defective piston oil rings. These faulty rings can damage the engine’s cylinder walls over time, leading to serious issues like increased oil consumption, engine stalling, or fires. Kia reported over 800 engine stalls and four fires linked to this defect between March 2021 and February 2025, with no crashes or injuries noted (CarComplaints.com).
The recall applies to vehicles produced between July 2, 2020, and July 1, 2022, for Seltos, and July 2, 2020, to April 19, 2022, for Souls. Kia plans to notify owners by April 4, 2025, but encourages earlier action. Owners can check their vehicle’s status using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or Kia’s recall portal. The recall, identified as SC336, aims to address safety concerns promptly (USA TODAY).
Understanding the Piston Oil Ring Defect
The piston oil ring plays a critical role in engine performance by controlling lubrication and preventing oil from entering the combustion chamber. However, in affected Kia vehicles, these rings were manufactured incorrectly, causing excessive wear on the cylinder walls. This wear leads to increased oil consumption, as oil leaks past the rings, reducing engine efficiency. Over time, the damage can escalate, potentially causing engine seizure, loss of power, or even fires if oil leaks onto hot exhaust components (AboutLawsuits.com).
Owners may notice warning signs, such as unusual engine noises, increased oil consumption, or the oil pressure warning light illuminating. These symptoms indicate potential engine damage, which could compromise vehicle safety. For instance, engine stalling while driving increases the risk of accidents, while oil leaks pose a fire hazard. The severity of the defect prompted Kia’s recall, but the subsequent lawsuit questions whether the proposed fix adequately addresses these risks (The Lemon Law Experts).
Details of the Kia Soul Seltos Engine Recall Lawsuit
On March 6, 2025, Eric Jasinski, a 2021 Kia Soul owner, filed a class action lawsuit against Kia America, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 2:25-cv-01234). The lawsuit alleges Kia knowingly sold over 130,000 defective Soul and Seltos vehicles, concealing the piston oil ring issue from buyers. Jasinski claims he purchased his vehicle in June 2021, trusting Kia’s reputation for quality, but was never informed of the defect despite regular dealership maintenance (Top Class Actions).
The lawsuit argues that Kia’s recall remedy—inspecting and replacing engines while installing piston-ring noise-sensing software—is insufficient. It claims the fix does not guarantee a permanent solution, leaving owners with vehicles prone to future issues. Additionally, the recall process diminishes vehicle value, as buyers may perceive recalled cars as less reliable. The lawsuit seeks over $5 million in damages, citing claims like breach of implied warranty, fraud by omission, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (ClassAction.org).
| Lawsuit Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Eric Jasinski, 2021 Kia Soul owner |
| Defendant | Kia America, Inc. |
| Filing Date | March 6, 2025 |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Pennsylvania (Case No. 2:25-cv-01234) |
| Claims | Breach of warranty, fraud, unjust enrichment, Magnuson-Moss Act violation |
| Damages Sought | Over $5 million |
| Vehicles Affected | 2021-2023 Kia Soul, 2021-2023 Kia Seltos |
Kia’s Response to the Recall and Lawsuit
Kia has taken steps to address the defect through its recall program. The company offers free engine inspections and replacements at authorized dealerships, along with the installation of piston-ring noise-sensing software to detect potential issues early. Owners who incurred out-of-pocket expenses for related repairs may be eligible for reimbursement by contacting Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236. Kia began notifying dealers on February 17, 2025, and will mail owner letters by April 4, 2025 (Top Class Actions).
As of June 15, 2025, Kia has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the lawsuit. However, the recall’s scope and offered remedies suggest Kia acknowledges the defect’s severity. The lack of a direct response to the lawsuit may indicate ongoing legal proceedings or a strategy to focus on resolving the recall first. Owners seeking clarity can monitor updates from Kia or legal sources like ClassAction.org.
What Should Affected Kia Owners Do?
If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos, act quickly to ensure your vehicle’s safety. First, locate your VIN on the driver’s side dashboard, door frame, or vehicle registration. Then, visit the NHTSA recall website or Kia’s official recall page to check if your vehicle is affected. If it is, contact your local Kia dealership to schedule a free inspection and repair. The process may take 10-12 hours per vehicle, so plan accordingly (CarComplaints.com).
Owners experiencing symptoms like increased oil consumption or engine noises should address the issue immediately, as delaying repairs could worsen damage or increase safety risks. If you’ve paid for related repairs, keep receipts and contact Kia for reimbursement details. Staying proactive protects your safety and preserves your vehicle’s value while the lawsuit unfolds (The Lemon Law Experts).
Legal Implications for Kia Owners
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit raises important questions about consumer rights and automaker accountability. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for compensating owners when recall remedies fall short. It highlights challenges in ensuring transparency, as Jasinski claims Kia withheld defect information. Owners may explore lemon law protections or join the class action if they believe their vehicles are unsafe or devalued (Top Class Actions).
This case also draws parallels to earlier Kia engine issues, such as a 2022 settlement for Optima, Sorento, and Sportage models with similar defects (Kia Engine Settlement). While Kia wasn’t found liable in that case, the settlement provided compensation, suggesting a possible outcome for the current lawsuit. Owners should stay informed about legal developments and consult professionals if considering action.
FAQs About the Kia Soul Seltos Engine Recall Lawsuit
Which Kia models are affected by this recall?
The recall includes 2021-2023 Kia Soul and 2021-2023 Kia Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, totaling over 137,000 units.
What are the symptoms of the piston oil ring defect?
Look for increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, or an illuminated oil pressure warning light, which may signal engine damage.
How can I check if my vehicle is part of the recall?
Enter your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or Kia’s official recall page to confirm your vehicle’s status.
What is Kia doing to fix the issue?
Kia offers free engine inspections, replacements if needed, and installs piston-ring noise-sensing software to detect issues early.
Is there a lawsuit related to this recall?
Yes, a class action filed in March 2025 claims Kia’s recall fix is inadequate and that vehicles have lost value.
Can I get reimbursed for previous repairs related to this defect?
Owners who paid for related repairs may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 for details.
Conclusion: Take Action to Protect Your Safety
The Kia Soul and Seltos engine recall and lawsuit highlight critical issues of vehicle safety and consumer trust. With over 137,000 vehicles at risk of engine failure or fires, owners must act swiftly to schedule free repairs. The lawsuit, alleging Kia’s fix is inadequate, underscores the need to stay informed about your rights. Don’t wait—check your VIN, contact your dealership, and explore legal options if affected. Your safety and peace of mind depend on it. Call Kia at 800-333-4542 or visit NHTSA.gov today.
