Kia Recall 2021: Your Vehicle Could Have Engine Damage And Need Repairs

Following a recall in March that requested some vehicle owners to park their cars outside due to a possible engine compartment fire, Kia is again recalling some of its SUVs and wagons due to a possible fire risk.

The recall affects 147,249 2020 to 2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Seltos models outfitted with a 2.0 L Nu MPI engine that may have improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, which could result in a fire risk if oil leaks into the hot exhaust components.

Additional damage could also occur to the engine, causing it to stall. This could also increase the risk of a crash, the South Korean automaker said.

To repair the issue, Kia said dealers will inspect and replace the engine free of charge, if required. Dealers will also deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software on the vehicle.

Soul and Seltos vehicle owners are expected to begin being notified of the recall on June 11, Kia said. Questions about the recall can be directed to Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

In the previous March recall, nearly 380,000 2017 to 2021 Kia Sportage SUVs and 2017 to 2019 Cadenza sedans were recalled over a hydraulic electronic brake control unit short circuit that could cause an engine fire.

Owners of these vehicles will start being notified on April 30, when Kia dealers will repair the issue by replacing the fuses in the electrical junction box.