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.