Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH uphill, there was an abnormal knocking sound from the rod bearings inside the engine. The contact stated that the rod bearings had gone through the engine block, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The diagnostic test and repair were pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Backup camera intermittently glitches and cuts to a black screen. Display will also occasionally appear darker than normal. Concern began suddenly with no known cause. It first occurred after vehicle was parked for 10-11 hours.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
• a theft attempt caused by the widely reported Kia software vulnerability (documented in my police report) • a display failure that Kia refused to repair • a recall that Kia refused to perform because the display was broken • repeated defects lighting, battery warning indicators never come on when the oil is beinf consumed • and now a complete engine failure on a 2022 vehicle
No injuries · No fire · No crash
03/17/26: Kia Soul 2022 was brought into the dealership to have the safety recall (NHTSA: 25V099; Kia: SC336) addressed. There is a description of the service that says, “Piston Oil Ring.” Dealership stated everything was "good to go" upon completion of this service. Per dealership document, causal part says “Ring Set-Piston”, Issue number SC336. Issue Type: Safety Recall; Description: Piston Oil Ring. 04/20/2026: While driving, the engine light turned red/blinking. The car was immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was towed to the aforementioned Kia dealership via AAA. The engine needed to be replaced. Regarding the engine: Issue number SC336Y1; Issue Type: Service Campaign; Description: DTC P1327 Engine R&R. 05/05/2026: While using the car, it would not move with attempt to accelerate from a 4-way stop. The oil light and battery light were red; the engine light was orange. A message on screen displayed: “Battery discharge warning. Please use the system after starting the vehicle.” When attempting to turn the key, the engine did not make any sound. Approximately 10-12 minutes later, I went through the same steps and the car turned on. Kia dealership was notified. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was told "these things happen," "it is likely the battery," and, "The fuel saving start-stop function that cars like the Soul have can lead to this kind of thing." It was also stated that the "battery was good, but the charge was low." Finally, I was told "the car should be fine to drive, since it made its way to the dealership" without issues. I verbalized the significant safety risk and stated I needed it assessed. The car remains at the dealership, as there is no root cause and this is a major safety hazard that, notably, occurred 6 days after the engine replacement. The dealership maintains that "there is nothing that can be done." This has been escalated to Kia Corporate. No issues with car prior to engine light turning red on 04/20/26.
No injuries · No fire · No crash
Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at a red light on my way to get gas, I noticed the vehicle vibrating unusually. I made it to the gas station, filled up, and drove away. However, as I entered a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably and completely shut off in traffic. I was unable to restart the vehicle and had to have it towed, and later towed again to a Kia dealership/service center. The diagnostic codes identified were: * P0014:00 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced/System Performance (Bank 1) * P0017:00 – Crankshaft Position/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B – Exhaust) * P0303:00 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected I am extremely concerned because the vehicle is only about four years old, and I purchased it a little over a year ago. I have previously taken the vehicle to Kia for recalls, including recalls related to engine issues. Based on my research and the symptoms of my vehicle, I believe the recall involving the piston oil rings may be related to the camshaft and crankshaft issues now occurring. I am concerned this may represent an additional safety-related defect or recall issue that has not yet been fully recognized by Kia. I am submitting this complaint to bring awareness to this issue and request that a proper investigation be conducted before more drivers experience a dangerous failure in traffic. I would also like to request direct follow-up regarding my specific vehicle and this incident. Due to the seriousness of the failure and the safety risk of the vehicle shutting down in active traffic, I believe my vehicle should be reviewed as part o
No injuries · No fire · No crash