If you own a 2021–2023 KIA Soul or KIA Seltos, you may have already heard about the major KIA Soul recall and KIA engine recall impacting over 137,000 vehicles nationwide. This isn't just another routine recall – real owners are reporting serious engine problems, and class action lawsuits are underway. If your KIA is stalling, burning oil, or has left you stranded, read on to learn how you may be entitled to compensation and how our law office can help.

What's Behind the KIA Soul and Seltos Engine Recall?

In February 2025, KIA announced a recall on KIA Soul and KIA Seltos models from 2021 to 2023 due to a critical defect in the piston oil rings. This defect can cause the engine to burn excessive oil, suffer catastrophic damage, stall suddenly, or even catch fire, leading to the now-infamous KIA Soul recall exploding engine reports.

Key Facts:

• Affected Vehicles: Over 137,000 KIA Seltos and KIA Soul vehicles built between July 2, 2020 and mid-2022.
• Defect: Faulty piston oil rings can damage the engine, causing stalling, loss of power, and in rare cases, engine fires.
• Complaints: Hundreds of owners have reported sudden stalls, engine failure, and four fire-related incidents (all involving the Soul, with no injuries).
• KIA's Response: Dealers are offering free engine replacements and installing a piston-ring noise sensing system, but many owners say this doesn't address the loss of resale value or time lost to repairs.

What Are Owners Experiencing?

On forums and in official complaints, KIA Soul and Seltos owners describe:

• Engines stalling in traffic, sometimes at highway speeds.
• Repeated trips to the dealership for oil consumption and engine noise, often with no permanent fix.
• Anxiety over potential engine fires, especially after seeing the oil pressure warning lamp or hearing abnormal noises.
• Loss of resale value, as vehicles with a history of KIA Soul engine recall issues are worth less on the used market.

Lawsuits and Class Actions: What's Happening in Court?

A major KIA Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit was filed in March 2025 (Jasinski v. Kia America Inc.), alleging that KIA knowingly sold these vehicles with a dangerous engine defect and failed to warn consumers. The suit seeks damages for loss of value, out-of-pocket repairs, and more. Plaintiffs argue that the recall and KIA's proposed fix don't fully compensate owners for their losses or guarantee a permanent solution.

Interesting Numbers:

• 409 reports of stalling for Seltos, 400 for Soul, and 4 fire incidents (all Soul).
• Lemon law settlements for these models have averaged between $38,898 and $46,114 in recent cases.

Your Rights and Legal Options

If your 2021–2023 KIA Soul or Seltos has suffered engine problems, don't wait. Our experienced attorneys can help owners navigate the KIA Soul Seltos recall lawsuit process, maximize compensation, and hold automakers accountable. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis – if we don't win, you don't pay.

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Sources:

• Kia Engine Recall Report - NHTSA
• Kia class action claims 2021-2023 Soul, Seltos vehicles sold with an engine defect – Top Class Actions
• Kia initiates recall for Seltos, Souls due to potential engine defect – Top Class Actions
• Kia Recall: Class Action Lawsuit Says Alleged Oil Ring Defect in 2021-2023 Soul, Seltos Poses Fire Risk – ClassAction.org
• Kia Piston Ring Recall Affects Over 137000 Soul and Seltos Models – Lemon Law Experts
• Kia Recalls Nearly 150,000 Seltos, Soul Models Over Engine Stall and Fire Risks – AboutLawsuits.com
• Kia Issues Recall for Potential Engine Damage in Seltos, Soul Vehicles – Ratchet+Wrench

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