Introduction
Due to a broken engine part, Kia Soul and Seltos owners in 2021 and 2023 are dealing with serious issues. A recall announced in February 2025 addresses faulty piston oil rings that may cause engine damage or fires. However, a class action lawsuit claims Kia’s fix is inadequate, leaving vehicles unsafe and devalued. The Kia Soul and Seltos engine recall lawsuit is the subject of this article, which examines the issue, legal claims, and the effects on consumers.We aim to provide clear, actionable insights for affected owners while adhering to Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines for trustworthy content.explore joining the class action. Staying proactive ensures your safety and protects your rights.
Key Points
- Overview of the Recall: In February 2025, Kia recalled 137,000 Soul and Seltos vehicles from 2021 to 2023 due to faulty piston oil rings that could cause engine failure or fires.
- Lawsuit Claims: A class action lawsuit, filed in March 2025, alleges Kia’s recall fix (engine replacement and software) is insufficient, leaving safety risks and reduced vehicle value.
- Consumer Impact: Owners face potential safety hazards, financial losses, and repair inconveniences, with no guaranteed permanent fix.
- Controversy: The lawsuit disputes Kia’s response, but Kia has not publicly addressed the legal claims, creating uncertainty for owners.
What’s the Story Behind the Engine Recall for the Kia Soul and Selto?
In February 2025, Kia initiated a recall for approximately 137,256 vehicles, including 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models. The problem can cause damage to the engine’s cylinder wall if the piston oil rings are manufactured incorrectly. Increased oil consumption, engine stalling, unusual noises, and even fires may result from this defect. Kia offers free engine replacements and software updates, but a lawsuit argues these measures fall short. Owners should receive recall notices by April 4, 2025, and can check their vehicle’s status using their VIN on the NHTSA website.
Why Was a Lawsuit Filed Against Kia?
A class action lawsuit, Jasinski v. On March 6, 2025, Kia America, Inc. was registered in Pennsylvania. Plaintiff Eric Jasinski, a 2021 Kia Soul owner, claims Kia knowingly sold defective vehicles without disclosing the issue. The lawsuit argues that the recall’s fix—replacing engines and installing noise-sensing software—does not fully resolve the defect, leaving vehicles unsafe.Jasinski seeks compensation for diminished vehicle value and other losses. The United States-filed case The United States is represented by the District Court for the District of Pennsylvania. owners or lessees of affected models.
How Does This Affect Kia Owners?
The recall and lawsuit raise serious concerns for Kia Soul and Seltos owners. The defective piston oil rings pose safety risks, including engine failure or fires, which could endanger drivers. Financially, the defect may lower vehicle resale values, and repairs, though free, require significant time (10-12 hours per vehicle). The lawsuit’s claim that Kia’s fix is inadequate adds uncertainty, leaving owners worried about long-term reliability. Affected consumers should stay informed and consider legal options if they’ve incurred losses.
What Should Affected Owners Do?
Check the status of your vehicle’s recall using your VIN on the recall page of Kia or the NHTSA website if you own a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Selto. Schedule a free inspection and repair at a Kia dealership once notified. Keep records of any related expenses, as reimbursement may be available. For those interested in the lawsuit, contact legal representatives like Carpey Law to explore joining the class action. Staying proactive ensures your safety and protects your rights.
Background on the Kia Engine Recall
On February 17, 2025, Kia America, Inc. announced a recall for 137,256 vehicles, which included models of the Kia Soul and Seltos with 2.0L Nu MPI engines from 2021 to 2023The defect, traced to manufacturing errors by supplier Kia Autoland Hwaseong, involves piston oil rings that can damage the cylinder wall.Consequently, this may lead to increased oil consumption, engine stalling, abnormal noises, oil pressure warning light activation, engine seizure, or fires. . Kia reported over 800 engine stalls and four fires between March 2021 and February 2025, with no crashes or injuries noted.
Kia became aware of the issue on September 27, 2024, and investigated engine parts from October to December 2024. A second investigation into the production process ran from December 2024 to February 2025. On February 10, 2025, Kia issued a voluntary recall (SC336). Owners will receive notification letters starting April 4, 2025, instructing them to visit dealerships for free engine inspections, replacements if needed, and piston-ring noise-sensing software installation. Reimbursement is available for prior repair costs.
| Recall Details | Information |
| Recall Date | February 17, 2025 |
| Affected Vehicles | 137,256 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos |
| Defect | Faulty piston oil rings damaging cylinder wall |
| Reported Incidents | 800+ stalls, 4 fires (March 2021–February 2025) |
| Repair Offered | Free engine replacement, noise-sensing software |
| Notification Date | April 4, 2025 |
| Recall Number | SC336 |
Details of the Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit, Jasinski v. Kia America, Inc., was filed on March 6, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 2:25-cv-01234). Plaintiff Eric Jasinski, who bought a 2021 Kia Soul in June 2021, alleges Kia sold over 130,000 defective vehicles without disclosing the piston oil ring issue. Despite regular dealership visits, Jasinski was not informed of the defect, which he claims made his vehicle unsafe and devalued. He argues he would not have purchased it or would have paid less if aware.
The lawsuit contends that Kia’s recall fix—engine replacement and noise-sensing software—is inadequate, failing to guarantee a permanent solution.It accuses Kia of breaching the implied warranty of merchantability, fraud by omission, unjust enrichment, strict liability for design and manufacturing defects, and violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Jasinski seeks class action certification for all U.S. owners or lessees of 2021-2023 Soul or Seltos models, requesting damages, legal fees, costs, and a jury trial. Carpey Law is handling the case.
| Lawsuit Details | Information |
| Case Name | Jasinski v. Kia America, Inc. |
| Filing Date | March 6, 2025 |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Pennsylvania |
| Case Number | 2:25-cv-01234 |
| Plaintiff | Eric Jasinski |
| Claims | Inadequate recall fix, safety risks, diminished value |
| Legal Representation | Carpey Law, P.C. |
Impact on Kia Soul and Seltos Owners
The lawsuit and recall have a significant impact on owners of the Kia Soul and Seltos models from 2021 to 2023.The piston oil ring defect poses safety risks, including engine failure or fires, endangering drivers and passengers. Over 800 reported stalls and four fires underscore the severity. Additionally, the alleged inadequacy of Kia’s fix leaves owners uncertain about their vehicles’ reliability. Financially, the defect may reduce resale values, impacting owners’ investments. Repairs, though free, require 10-12 hours per vehicle, causing inconvenience. Jasinski’s lawsuit estimates a collective 1,300,000 hours (148 years) for all repairs, highlighting the burden on consumers.
Owners may also face towing costs (e.g., $38 for an 8-mile trip) and time losses (11-13 hours, including waiting). The lawsuit’s claim that vehicles are “worthless” due to unresolved defects amplifies concerns. Affected owners should document expenses and monitor the lawsuit’s progress to protect their interests.
Kia’s Response to the Recall and Lawsuit
Kia has addressed the defect by recalling affected vehicles and offering free engine replacements and noise-sensing software installation. The company claims these measures mitigate risks, with new piston rings sourced from a different supplier. Owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 or check Kia’s recall page. Reimbursement is available for prior repairs. However, Kia has not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of June 14, 2025. Typically, automakers defend recalls as sufficient, but the lawsuit’s allegations of inadequacy may pressure Kia to enhance its response or face legal consequences.
Legal Implications for Consumers and Kia
The lawsuit’s outcome could reshape how automakers handle recalls. A ruling favoring plaintiffs may set a precedent for stricter safety and transparency standards, compelling companies to ensure robust fixes. For consumers, a successful lawsuit could yield compensation for diminished vehicle values and repair-related costs. It may also prompt Kia to improve its recall measures. Conversely, if the court rules for Kia, it could affirm the recall’s adequacy, limiting consumer recourse. The case’s resolution will likely influence future automotive defect litigation, impacting both industry practices and consumer protections.
Steps for Affected Owners
Owners of 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos models should take proactive steps. First, verify your vehicle’s recall status using your VIN on the NHTSA website or Kia’s recall page. Schedule a free inspection and repair once notified (post-April 4, 2025). Retain receipts for any prior repair costs, as reimbursement may be available. For lawsuit participation, contact Carpey Law or monitor updates via ClassAction.org. Staying informed ensures safety and protects your financial and legal rights.
Conclusion
The Kia Soul and Seltos engine recall lawsuit underscores critical issues of vehicle safety and consumer rights. With over 137,000 vehicles affected by a potentially dangerous defect, owners face safety risks and financial losses. The lawsuit challenges Kia’s recall efforts, demanding better solutions. Affected owners should act swiftly—check your vehicle’s recall status, schedule repairs, and explore legal options. Visit the NHTSA website or contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for recall details. For lawsuit inquiries, reach out to Carpey Law. Stay informed and protect your safety and investment today.
FAQs
Which models are affected by the recall?
The recall includes 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.
What is the engine defect?
Faulty piston oil rings may damage the cylinder wall, causing stalling, oil consumption, noises, or fires.
What is Kia’s proposed fix?
Kia offers free engine replacements and installs piston-ring noise-sensing software.
When will owners be notified?
Notification letters will be mailed starting April 4, 2025
Can owners get reimbursed for repairs?
Yes, those who paid for related repairs before the recall may be reimbursed.
Key Citations
- Kia Class Action Lawsuit Says Soul Seltos Recall Inadequate
- Kia Engine Recall Lawsuit Alleges Soul Seltos Worthless
- Kia Recalls 150,000 Seltos Soul Models Fire Risks
- Kia Recall Class Action Lawsuit Oil Ring Defect
- Kia Initiates Recall for Seltos Souls Engine Defect
- Kia Seltos Soul Recalled Due to Engine Trouble
- Kia Recall Seltos Soul Vehicles Engine Problem