Kia recalls Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire

Kia recalls Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire

March 18, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – March 18, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 137,256 cars that may stall or catch fire. This defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

This recall is the latest in the long string of Kia fire-related recalls and comes on the back of hundreds of stalls and four fires.

The list of the recalled models includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Seltos
  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Soul

Recall summary  

An engine piston ring is part of the engine whose function is to keep the engine cool and make sure there is enough oil to keep it running.

Due to a supplier error, the affected vehicles’ piston rings can damage the engine block, causing increased oil consumption. 

If the oil level drops below a certain threshold, this may result in the engine seizure. The oil can also leak out and drip onto hot exhaust components, causing the car to catch fire.

Recall risks

Both possible scenarios – loss of motive power and vehicle fire – increase the risk of a crash and injury. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please read this article.

Warning signs  

Besides increased oil consumption, the driver may notice odd engine noises and an illuminated oil pressure warning light if the oil level drops low. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of over 800 allegations of stalls and four fires. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Kia fires

As reported, Kia and its sister company Hyundai have recalled millions of vehicles due to fire-related issues. They were also subject to an U.S. government investigation to assess the adequacy of these recalls. The investigation was closed last month as the government found that the recall remedies were adequate and Kia committed to re-notifying drivers whose cars still have not been repaired.

Other Kia recalls

In February 2025, Kia recalled over 80,000 Niro EVs and hybrids over malfunctioning seat belts and airbags.

In January 2025, nearly 75,000 Kia Sorrento SUVs were recalled because their headlights and tail lights would stop working.

The repair

Dealers will either replace the engine or install engine-monitoring software to warn the driver about “potential damage.”

Both measures will be implemented free of charge.

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 4, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 140,000 cars are affected by this Kia engine stall recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire
Kia recalls crossovers with malfunctioning airbags, seat belts

Kia recalls crossovers with malfunctioning airbags, seat belts

February 4, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – February 4, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 80,255 electric and hybrid crossovers whose airbags and seat belts may not work as intended. This augments the risk of an injury in a crash.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro EV
  • 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid 
  • 2023 – 2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

Recall summary  

Seat belt pretensioners tighten around the occupant’s torso to prevent him from getting ejected from the car in the event of a crash. Both these and airbags are activated by a dedicated control module. 

In the affected crossovers, the wiring that connects all components may get damaged due to improper routing and the movement of the passenger’s seat.

As a result, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash or may deploy when not needed.

Recall risks

Inoperable airbags and seat belt pretensioners reduce the level of protection in a crash, upping the risk of injury. 

Similarly, an accidental airbag deployment may hurt the car occupants, especially small children.

Warning signs  

The driver may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard.  

Other Kia recalls

Last month, Kia recalled close to 75,000 Sorento SUVs over a issue that could cause their headlights and tail lights to stop working, as reported.

On a separate note, in October 2024 over 12,000 Kia EV9 electric SUVs were recalled due to the risk of crash while self-parking, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reroute or replace the wiring under the passenger seat free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by March 14, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 80,000 crossover SUVs are affected by this Kia airbag deployment recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls crossovers with malfunctioning airbags, seat belts
Kia recalls new Sorento SUVs over reduced visibility

Kia recalls new Sorento SUVs over reduced visibility  

January 28, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – January 28, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 74,469 SUVs whose headlights and tail lights may stop working. This defect ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Kia Sorento
  • 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 

Recall summary  

The headlights and tail lights in the affected SUVs may unexpectedly shut off due to a software error within a computer called the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC), which controls their operation. 

Recall risks

Inoperable headlights and tail lights limit the driver’s field of view and make the vehicle less visible, especially in low-visibility conditions. This increases the chances of a crash and injury.   

Other Kia recalls

This is not the first time Kia vehicles have suffered from inoperable headlights, with certain Telluride SUVs being recalled over a similar issue in April 2024. 

Earlier this month, Kia recalled their electric EV9 SUVs whose third-row seats were not properly secured, as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will update the BDC software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information by February 21, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia inoperable headlight recall affects almost 75,000 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls new Sorento SUVs over reduced visibility  
Kia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

Kia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

January 8, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – January 8, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 22,883 2024-2025 Kia EV9 electric SUVs whose seats may fail to restrain occupants during a crash.

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing oversight, the bolts holding the second and third-row seats in place are missing.

Recall risks

Insufficiently secured seats may not provide adequate occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.    

Warning signs

A loose seat might rattle. 

Other Kia recalls

In October 2024, over 12,000 EV9 SUVs were recalled because they could crash while self-parking, as reported.

On a separate note,  more than 460,00 Kia Telluride SUVs were recalled in June 2024 over electrical issues that may have led to a vehicle fire, as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will install the missing bolts free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information on January 24, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 23,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Kia missing bolt recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats
Kia recalls EV9 SUVs that may crash while self-parking

Kia recalls EV9 SUVs that may crash while self-parking

October 4, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – October 4, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 12,400 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUVs over a software glitch that may cause them to crash into pedestrians or surrounding objects while performing self-parking maneuvers, increasing the risk of an injury.  

Recall summary

The listed SUVs are equipped with autonomous driving features, including remote smart parking assist, which allows the driver to park the car with a push of a button.

However, a software error may cause the car “to miscalculate stopping distances,” potentially causing it to crash into pedestrians or surrounding objects.

Recall risks

The defect ups the risk of injury and property damage.

Other Kia recalls

Both Kia and its sister company Hyundai are subject to countless fire-related recalls, as well as an ongoing US government investigation to access the adequacy of the existing recalls and see if more cars have a defect that may make them catch fire.

In June 2024, Kia recalled more than 460,000 Telluride SUVs whose seat adjustment knob may get stuck, potentially causing vehicle fire “while parked or driving.”

Moreover, Kia Stinger and K900 cars were recalled in March 2024 over a fire risk caused by an oil leak inside the engine compartment.   

The repair

Dealers will update the corresponding software free of charge.

The owners should receive notifications by mail on October 18, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia parking recall affects more than 12,000 EV9 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls EV9 SUVs that may crash while self-parking
Kia recalls Telluride SUVs over fire risk, tells owners to park outside

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs over fire risk, tells owners to park outside 

June 20, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – June 20, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 462,869 2020-2024 Kia Telluride SUVs over an electrical issue that may result in a fire “while parked or driving.”

This defect increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.  

This recall is the latest contribution to the long list of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls and comes on the back of the “driver seat [catching] on fire while driving.”

Recall summary

The seats in these SUVs are adjusted by electric motors that only come on when the driver engages the seat slide knob. Due to a supplier error, the knob may jam in the ON position, leaving the motors to run continuously.  

Recall risks

A continuously operating electric motor may overheat and burst into flames. The resulting vehicle fire ups the chances of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Warning signs

Besides the inability to adjust the seat, the occupant may notice a burning smell or smoke emerging from underneath it.

Safety tips

Before the repair is done, the manufacturer recommends that drivers park outside and away from structures.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of at least six instances of “localized melting of seat tilt motor” and one instance of the driver seat catching fire. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

This recall is the latest edition of the never-ending Kia fire saga which saw it and its sister company Hyundai recall millions of vehicles over the recent years. Both companies are also subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, as reported.

Other Kia recalls

Some of these Kia Telluride SUVs may have been affected by an April recall concerning faulty high beams. 

The same vehicles were recalled later that month over the risk of rollaway when parked, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install an improved slide knob and an additional supporting bracket free of charge. 

The owners should receive notifications between July 30, 2024, and July 31, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia seat fire fire recall affects more than 460,00 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Telluride SUVs over fire risk, tells owners to park outside 
Kia recalls Telluride SUVs over rollaway risk after driver complaints

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs over rollaway risk after driver complaints

April 22, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – April 22, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) is recalling 427,407 2020-2022 Kia Telluride SUVs which may roll away when in Park. The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

Driveshaft is one of the most critical components in a car which transfers power to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move forward.

The driveshaft of the affected vehicles may not fully engage due to a manufacturing error. Over time, “partial engagement can cause damage” to the part, allowing the vehicle to roll away even though the gear is placed into Park.

Recall risks

The risks of this recall are laid out in an article about a Kia recall due to the same risk.

Warning signs

Apart from a “grinding noise,” the driver may notice the SUV lacks power during acceleration. 

Safety tips

The manufacturer advises drivers to engage the emergency parking brake when they leave the car to prevent the rollaway.

Background of the recall

The recall follows “ten warranty claims, three techline cases and four customer complaints.” No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Some of these 2020 Kia Telluride SUVs are possibly affected by a recent recall caused by inoperable highlights, following a U.S. government investigation. 

On a separate note, a potential fire caused by an oil leak was the reason why certain Kia Stinger and K900 were recalled a month ago.  

The repair

Dealers will update the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) software so it activates when the transmission is shifted into Drive or when the driver opens the door. The repair will be free of charge.  

Letters with detailed instructions will be sent to drivers between May 15, 2024 and May 17, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Telluride rollaway recall affects more than 400,000 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Telluride SUVs over rollaway risk after driver complaints
Kia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams

April 9, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Irvine, CA – April 9, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has issued a recall for 35,031 2020 Telluride SUVs equipped with “inoperative” high beams. The defect ups the risk of a crash and comes on the back of thousands of customer complaints, alleged deer strikes and a U.S. government investigation.

Recall summary  

Halogen headlights have a high beam shield gear mechanism that allows drivers to switch between low beam and high beam modes. In the affected vehicles, the heat generated by the halogen bulb could damage the shield gear mechanism, disabling the high beam mode.  

Recall risks

For the risks associated with this defect, please refer to this article about a similar Jaguar recall.

Background of the recall

The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation into the issue in January 2023. Kia initially refused to recall the cars  – offering an extended warranty instead –  but eventually relented after meeting with NHTSA. 

The recall comes on the heels of nearly 5,000 warranty claims, 839 “techline cases,” 543 customer complaints and “three unconfirmed deer strikes.” No injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

In February 2023, Kia issued a Telluride SUV recall due to airbags that would not deploy, as reported.

More recently, the automaker recalled Kia K900 and Stinger cars that could catch fire due to an oil leak. The recall was the latest in the long string of Kia fire-related recalls, some of which are also subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by either attaching a clip to hold the shield gear in place or replacing the headlight assembly. The repairs will be free of charge. Kia will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners will receive letters with more information on April 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 35,000 SUVs are affected by this Kia headlight recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams
Kia issues another fire-related recall; K90 and Stinger cars affected

Kia issues another fire-related recall; K90 and Stinger cars affected

March 21, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – March 21, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 36,248 cars over an oil leak that may cause a fire. This ups the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of a fire and represents the latest episode in the series of Kia- and Hyundai-fire related recalls.

The affected cars have a turbo gasoline 3.3-liter engine and encompass the following models:

  • 2019 – 2020 Kia K900
  • 2018 – 2023 Kia Stinger

Recall summary

To increase power output, the engines in these cars are fitted with two turbochargers, one for each cylinder bank. Each turbocharger is lubricated with engine oil, which is delivered through a metal pipe. 

In the affected vehicles, the pipe for the left-hand turbo may become brittle because of heat exposure and develop a leak, allowing oil to drip onto hot exhaust components.  

Recall risks

Oil leaks inside the engine bay can lead to a fire, upping the risk of a crash and injury. In addition, the fire from a burning car may spread to other vehicles or structures, causing property damage. 

Warning signs

Oil dripping on the hot exhaust may cause a strong “burning smell” and “white smoke.” In addition, the “oil pressure warning light” may come on. 

Other Kia recalls

The 2019 Kia Stinger was previously recalled for the risk of fire in October 2020, as reported. As of October 2023 – the last date for which information was available – over 4,241 cars still needed repair.

To see if your car is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of one engine compartment fire. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Over the past couple of years, Kia and its sister company Hyundai have recalled millions of cars because of non-crash related fires, some of which may occur even when the car is turned off and parked. 

The manufacturers are currently subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to determine both the adequacy of existing recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the left-hand oil feed pipe free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 26, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia fire recall affects more than 35,000 cars. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia issues another fire-related recall; K90 and Stinger cars affected
Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

February 2, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – February 2, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento SUVs whose engines may malfunction and catch fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and is the latest in the ongoing saga of Kia and Hyundai non-crash related fires.

Recall summary  

All SUVs affected by this recall have a Theta II 2.4L gasoline engine, which may catch fire “while driving.” Kia does not explain how and why this occurs.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.  

Warning signs

In addition to an unusual “engine noise” and an illuminated check engine light, occupants could notice a burning smell and smoke. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes following an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to determine the adequacy of existing Hyundai and Kia recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled due to non-crash related fires.

The investigation was launched after the agency received more than 100 complaints about vehicles bursting into flames, either while driving or being turned off.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from the said investigation, certain Kia Sorrento SUVs were recently recalled over an issue with their rearview cameras. 

In addition, these SUVs, alongside many other Kia and Hyundai models, were the subject of a massive fire-related recall that took place in October 2023. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine if necessary. Otherwise, the cars will receive Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, which should detect any abnormal engine operation and take measures to prevent further damage. 

The repair will be free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on February 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia engine fire recall affects almost 80,000 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 
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