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Federal safety officials are taking another look into one of Kia’s multiple engine recalls. The NHTSA has announced it is looking into a recall regarding piston oil ring issues in certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul models. The safety regulator’s Recall Management Division is looking into allegations that the remedy, which includes engine inspections and possible engine replacement, is delivering inconsistent results. If the RMD finds that to be the case, it could result in a recall of the recall and the possibility of even more engine replacements.

According to NHTSA documents, Kia started the recall remedy on April 4, 2025. The fix, which the NHTSA calls a remedy, was for Kia dealers to inspect the engines in every Seltos covered under the recall notice.

Engine Recall Has Had Multiple Changes

Kia’s original recall remedy called for dealers to inspect the engines using vibration inspection. Instead of cracking open every block, dealers used an Engine Vibration Inspection Test Harness. If the vibration levels were too high, the car would get a new engine. Pass or fail, cars got a software update that would add vibration sensing to the vehicle for future alerts.

After the fix was launched in early April, Kia changed it multiple times. The most recent change was on June 9, when Kia advised dealers not to use USB-C headphone adapters if their diagnostic tablet also had a 3.5-mm jack. Most of the changes across the six issued technical service bulletins had similarly pedantic adjustments – things like being more specific as to how an alligator clamp was attached to the battery negative terminal.

The NHTSA is most worried about a change on May 7, revision 3. This change canceled all prior engine replacement authorizations, requiring re-inspections. It also changed how the tests were completed. Since then, the NHTSA has received 47 complaints about the fix, alleging that it was ineffective and that it was inconsistent in deciding if a new engine was needed.

47 Complaints After Recall Fixes

There were also complaints that owners couldn’t even get the recall fix in the first place. One owner complained that their engine failed in a way that matched the recall, but their dealer wouldn’t replace it without a charge. Another owner said that they got the noise sensor update from the recall, but were later denied warranty coverage when a check engine code for the noise-sensing system was set. This was the second engine failure on that particular 2021 Soul.

The RMD has just started its investigation, so it hasn’t made a determination or finding on the issue yet. That will likely take several months to complete. This is also not the first time the models and engines have been recalled.

Kia’s original recall covered the piston oil ring on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. 137,256 vehicles were affected. Kia said that the oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which could damage the cylinder wall. The cylinder wall damage could lead to increased oil consumption and an abnormal noise. Eventually, it could lead to engine damage and the possibility of a fire.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration