The Kia Seltos and Kia Soul engine recall involves certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI gasoline engines that may experience premature engine damage caused by defective piston oil rings. The manufacturing defect can damage cylinder walls, increase engine oil consumption, and potentially lead to engine failure or loss of motive power. Kia has issued safety recall campaigns addressing this problem, including SC209 and SC336, affecting specific vehicle production groups.
The affected vehicles include certain 2020–2021 Kia Soul models and 2021 Kia Seltos models covered by an earlier recall, as well as certain 2021–2023 Kia Seltos and Soul vehicles covered by a later recall. However, not every vehicle from these model years is affected. Recall eligibility depends on the vehicle identification number (VIN), engine configuration, and production history.
Kia owners should verify their VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Kia America before assuming their vehicle qualifies for a free engine repair or replacement. This guide explains the affected models, the underlying engine defect, warning signs, official recall remedies, and how to check recall eligibility.
Which Kia Seltos and Soul Models Are Affected by the Engine Recall?
Certain 2020–2023 Kia Soul and 2021–2023 Kia Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines are covered by Kia engine safety recall campaigns SC209 and SC336. These recalls address defective piston oil rings that can damage engine cylinder walls, increase oil consumption, and potentially cause engine failure. However, the affected vehicles belong to specific production groups, meaning not every Kia Soul or Seltos from these model years is included.
The earlier recall, SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V-259), covers certain 2020–2021 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured between November 24, 2018, and October 24, 2020, and certain 2021 Kia Seltos vehicles manufactured between November 20, 2019, and October 15, 2020. Kia initially identified approximately 147,249 vehicles in this campaign, including 125,400 Soul vehicles and 21,849 Seltos vehicles. The affected vehicles use the 2.0L Nu MPI Atkinson-cycle engine. The recall was introduced in 2021 to address piston oil rings that may have been improperly heat-treated during production.
The later recall, SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-099), covers certain 2021–2023 Kia Seltos vehicles manufactured between July 2, 2020, and July 1, 2022, and certain 2021–2023 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured between July 2, 2020, and April 19, 2022. Approximately 137,256 vehicles are included, consisting of 53,635 Seltos units and 83,621 Soul units. This campaign addresses a supplier quality deviation involving piston oil rings that may gradually damage the cylinder walls. Kia announced this safety recall in February 2025, with owner notification beginning in April 2025.
The two campaigns cover different production groups and should not be treated as one identical recall. SC209 addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, while SC336 addresses a supplier quality deviation that can damage cylinder surfaces over time. Although both campaigns involve the 2.0L Nu MPI engine and similar symptoms, their production ranges and inspection procedures are different. Owners should ask an authorized Kia dealer to check both campaign numbers when verifying their vehicle’s recall history.
A model year alone cannot confirm whether a vehicle qualifies for either recall. Kia determined the affected population using vehicle and engine production records, and the vehicles were not necessarily manufactured in sequential VIN order. A 2021 Kia Seltos, for example, may fall within a production group associated with one campaign but not another. Checking the full 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) through Kia or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the most reliable way to establish individual recall eligibility.
Why Are Kia Seltos and Soul Engines Being Recalled?
Kia Seltos and Soul engines are being recalled because defective piston oil rings can damage the cylinder walls, causing excessive oil consumption and potentially leading to engine failure. The problem involves the piston oil ring assembly inside certain 2.0L Nu MPI engines. These rings help control the amount of engine oil remaining on the cylinder walls during piston movement. When the rings do not meet the required manufacturing specifications, their operation can damage internal engine surfaces over time.
The SC209 recall identified piston oil rings that may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing. Excessive hardness can cause the outer edges of the rings to chip, creating contact damage on the engine cylinder bore. As the cylinder surface becomes damaged, the engine may consume more oil than normal. Continued operation can increase mechanical wear and eventually contribute to connecting rod bearing seizure. If the bearing seizes, the engine may suffer severe internal damage and lose its ability to operate.
The SC336 recall involves a different manufacturing concern. According to Kia’s official recall documentation, a quality deviation by the piston oil ring supplier may allow the rings to damage the cylinder wall surface during normal engine operation. As the damage progresses, oil consumption may increase, followed by abnormal engine noise or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. Continued operation under these conditions can result in engine damage or seizure. In limited cases, a hole in the engine block may allow oil to leak onto a hot exhaust component, creating a potential fire risk.
The piston oil ring plays an important role in maintaining the engine’s lubrication and combustion conditions. It controls excess oil on the cylinder wall while helping prevent engine oil from entering the combustion chamber in excessive quantities. When the ring becomes damaged or causes cylinder wall scoring, the engine may no longer maintain normal oil control. Increased oil consumption can then reduce the amount of lubricant available to protect internal components, especially if the driver does not notice the changing oil level.
Both recalls identify a potential loss of motive power as a safety concern. A damaged connecting rod bearing or severe internal engine failure can cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is moving. Kia also identifies a potential fire risk if engine oil escapes through a damaged engine block and contacts hot exhaust components. These risks explain why the campaigns are classified as safety recalls rather than routine maintenance recommendations. Owners of potentially affected vehicles should have the recall status verified and follow Kia’s inspection and repair instructions.
What Happens If You Continue Driving With a Defective Kia Engine?
Continuing to drive a Kia Seltos or Soul with a defective piston oil ring can lead to progressive cylinder wall damage, excessive oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and potentially complete engine seizure. The severity depends on how extensively the internal components have deteriorated and whether the engine continues operating with insufficient lubrication. Kia’s SC209 and SC336 recall documents identify engine failure and loss of motive power as potential safety consequences of the defect.
The damage can begin when defective piston oil rings create abnormal contact with the cylinder walls. As the pistons move repeatedly inside the cylinders, damaged surfaces can develop scoring and increased wear. This can allow additional engine oil to enter the combustion chamber, increasing oil consumption and reducing the lubricant available to protect internal components. If the driver does not recognize the declining oil level, continued operation can accelerate damage to the pistons, cylinder walls, and other engine components.
Connecting rod bearing damage is a particularly serious consequence because these bearings support the crankshaft and operate under substantial mechanical loads. When lubrication becomes inadequate, friction and operating temperatures can increase, causing bearing surfaces to deteriorate. Severe bearing damage may result in connecting rod bearing seizure, preventing the crankshaft from rotating normally. At this stage, the engine may stop operating and require replacement rather than a minor mechanical repair.
Engine seizure can also create an unexpected loss of motive power while driving. If the engine stops producing power, the vehicle may become difficult to maneuver, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The driver may also lose normal power assistance depending on the vehicle’s steering and braking system design. This creates a significant safety concern because an unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a collision.
Kia also identifies a potential fire risk associated with severe engine damage. In certain failure scenarios, a hole in the engine block can allow engine oil to leak onto hot exhaust components. Contact between leaking oil and high-temperature surfaces can create conditions for an engine compartment fire. Although this outcome does not occur in every affected vehicle, it is an important reason owners should take the recall seriously and avoid ignoring abnormal engine symptoms.
A Kia Seltos or Soul displaying persistent engine knocking, an oil pressure warning, or sudden loss of engine performance should not continue operating until the problem has been evaluated. Stop the vehicle in a safe location, switch off the engine, and contact Kia roadside assistance or an authorized dealer for instructions. If the vehicle is covered by SC209 or SC336, the dealer should verify recall eligibility and explain the required inspection and repair procedure. Continuing to drive a potentially defective engine can turn a recall-related inspection into a more extensive mechanical failure.
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How Does Kia Fix the Seltos and Soul Engine Recall?
Kia addresses the Seltos and Soul engine recall by inspecting affected 2.0L Nu MPI engines, replacing engines when they meet the applicable replacement criteria, and installing the required Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software update. The repair procedure depends on the recall campaign, the vehicle’s VIN, and the results of the authorized dealer’s inspection. Owners whose vehicles qualify for SC209 or SC336 should have the recall remedy performed by an authorized Kia dealer rather than paying an independent repair shop to address the recall defect.
Under recall SC209, Kia’s remedy includes an engine inspection using the prescribed diagnostic procedure. If the inspection identifies the specified engine problem, the dealer replaces the engine assembly as required by the campaign. Kia also provides a PNSS software update designed to monitor engine operating conditions associated with piston ring problems. The software helps identify abnormal engine noise and can provide an early warning when the system detects conditions requiring further attention.
The later SC336 campaign also includes engine inspection and PNSS software installation. If the engine meets Kia’s replacement criteria, the authorized dealer replaces it at no charge under the recall. The inspection is important because not every vehicle included in the affected population automatically requires a replacement engine. The final repair decision follows Kia’s campaign-specific diagnostic procedure and the condition of the individual engine.
The PNSS software update is an important part of the recall remedy because it adds an additional monitoring function to the engine management system. It is designed to detect patterns associated with abnormal piston-related engine noise and alert the driver when further inspection is necessary. However, software installation does not physically repair existing cylinder wall damage or replace defective mechanical components. If the engine already meets the replacement criteria, the required mechanical repair must also be completed.
Owners should request documentation showing which recall campaign was completed, whether the engine passed inspection, whether an engine replacement was necessary, and whether the PNSS software was installed. Keeping the repair order and service records helps establish the vehicle’s recall history and provides useful documentation for future maintenance or resale. If the engine develops knocking, excessive oil consumption, or warning lights after the recall service, the owner should contact Kia promptly for another inspection.
How Can You Check If Your Kia Seltos or Soul Has an Engine Recall?
You can check whether your Kia Seltos or Soul has an engine recall by entering its 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall database or Kia’s official owner portal. The VIN identifies the specific vehicle and allows recall records to be matched against its production history. This is more reliable than checking the model year alone because Kia’s SC209 and SC336 campaigns affect selected production groups rather than every vehicle from the listed years.
The NHTSA recall lookup provides information about outstanding safety recalls associated with an individual vehicle. Owners can find the VIN on the lower-left corner of the windshield, on the driver’s door identification label, or on the vehicle registration documents. After entering the VIN, the database displays applicable unrepaired recalls and relevant manufacturer information. However, NHTSA notes that its search does not necessarily display recalls that have already been repaired, certain newly announced campaigns, or non-safety service actions.
Kia owners can also use the official Kia Owners Portal to review recall information and access vehicle-specific service resources. When checking the Seltos or Soul engine recall, owners should specifically ask an authorized Kia dealer to verify campaigns SC209 and SC336. Providing the VIN allows the dealer to check Kia’s internal campaign records and determine whether the vehicle requires inspection, software installation, or engine replacement. This additional verification is important because the two campaigns involve different production groups and repair procedures.
A vehicle that does not appear in the public NHTSA search should not automatically be considered free from every engine-related service campaign. NHTSA’s database focuses on safety recalls and does not display every manufacturer warranty extension, customer satisfaction program, or technical service bulletin. Owners should therefore confirm the vehicle’s complete campaign history directly with Kia, especially when the engine exhibits excessive oil consumption, abnormal knocking, or other warning signs.
Once the recall status is confirmed, owners should request written documentation identifying the campaign number, repair eligibility, required inspection, and applicable remedy. If the vehicle qualifies for SC209 or SC336, the authorized dealer can explain how to schedule the recall service and whether the engine requires replacement. Keeping the VIN verification and completed repair records helps protect the owner’s warranty and recall documentation.
How Much Does Kia Seltos and Soul Engine Replacement Cost?
Kia Seltos and Soul engine replacement can cost several thousand dollars when the repair is not covered by a safety recall, warranty, or manufacturer assistance program. The final expense depends on whether the vehicle receives a new OEM engine, a remanufactured assembly, or a used replacement engine. Parts prices, labor hours, engine availability, and additional installation requirements also influence the total repair bill.
For a reference point, Kelley Blue Book estimates that replacing the engine in a 2025 Kia Seltos can cost approximately $7,029 to $7,569 at a dealership in the Denver, Colorado market. This estimate includes approximately $4,226 to $4,532 in parts and $2,803 to $3,037 in labor. These figures are specific to the selected vehicle and geographic market, so they should not be treated as a nationwide fixed price or a direct estimate for every recalled 2.0L Nu MPI engine.
The type of replacement engine also affects the total expense. A used engine may have a lower initial purchase price, but its previous mileage, maintenance history, compatibility, and remaining service life must be evaluated. A remanufactured engine generally undergoes component inspection and rebuilding, while a new OEM assembly provides a manufacturer-supplied replacement. Each option has different warranty coverage and installation requirements. Owners should compare complete written estimates rather than considering the engine purchase price alone.
Labor is another significant part of the replacement cost because removing an existing engine involves disconnecting electrical connections, cooling components, fuel lines, exhaust connections, and drivetrain-related components as required by the vehicle design. Technicians must then install the replacement assembly, reconnect the systems, refill necessary fluids, and perform post-installation checks. Additional expenses may arise if related components are damaged or require replacement during the procedure.
However, owners whose vehicles qualify for Kia’s SC209 or SC336 safety recall should not pay the standard retail engine replacement price for the covered recall remedy. Kia’s official recall procedures require authorized dealers to perform the applicable inspection, software update, and necessary engine replacement without charge. Before approving an out-of-pocket repair, owners should have Kia verify the VIN and applicable recall campaigns. This step can prevent thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses when the vehicle qualifies for free recall service.
What Should You Do If Your Kia Engine Shows Recall Symptoms?
If your Kia Seltos or Soul shows symptoms associated with the engine recall, stop driving when serious warning signs appear and contact an authorized Kia dealer to arrange an inspection. Persistent engine knocking, an oil pressure warning light, sudden loss of power, or abnormal engine performance can indicate internal damage related to defective piston oil rings. Continuing to operate the engine may increase mechanical damage and create a safety risk.
If the oil pressure warning light illuminates or the engine produces loud knocking sounds, pull over in a safe location and switch off the engine. Do not continue driving simply to reach a dealership because insufficient lubrication can cause severe internal engine damage. Contact Kia roadside assistance or arrange towing if necessary. If you notice smoke, burning smells, or signs of an engine compartment fire, move away from the vehicle and contact emergency services.
Once the vehicle is in a safe location, contact an authorized Kia dealer and provide your 17-character VIN. Ask the service department to check recall campaigns SC209 and SC336, confirm whether the vehicle qualifies, and explain the required inspection and repair procedure. Describe any symptoms, including excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, or previous engine repairs. Keep oil change receipts, repair invoices, and maintenance records because they may help establish the vehicle’s service history and support potential reimbursement requests.
If your vehicle qualifies for an engine recall, arrange the required inspection and repair without unnecessary delay. Request written documentation of the inspection results, PNSS software installation, and any approved engine replacement. Taking these steps helps protect your safety, preserve your repair records, and ensure that your Kia receives the applicable manufacturer recall remedy.