The 2020-2021 Kia Soul and the 2021 Kia Seltos are at the heart of a new recall. The Korean brand is recalling 147,249 vehicles as a result of an engine flaw that could lead to a fire.
The recall relates specifically to vehicles fitted with the 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine whose piston oil rings may have been improperly heat-treated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Inconsistent heating-treating could make the oil rings too hard. Its outer periphery can thus chip, causing the cylinder liner to scuff allowing oil to seep past it. That will lead to excessive oil consumption and could eventually lead to abnormal noises from the engine bay. The fault can even lead to connecting rod bearing seizure, which would lead to a loss of power.
Stalling increases the risk of a crash and oil could leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire, says the NHTSA. In all, it estimates that just one percent of the vehicles involved in the recall have the default, but the consequences could be quite severe.
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Drivers who notice increased oil consumption, odd engine noises, or the illumination of the oil pressure warning light could have an affected vehicle.
The remedy to the issue could require extensive work. Kia will inspect the engines of the vehicles and will replace affected parts. That could mean a new engine, free of charge. Kia will also install a piston-ring noise sensing system to alert drivers to the issue when the software becomes available.
The issue of the over-hardened piston rings has been solved at the supplier. Kia plans to notify owners to bring their cars in by June 4.
