The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the automotive world, affecting thousands of vehicle owners across the United States. In February 2025, Kia announced a massive recall of over 137,000 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles from the 2021-2023 model years due to defective piston oil rings that could lead to engine failure, stalling, or even fires. This serious issue has sparked a nationwide class-action lawsuit, with owners claiming Kia’s fix is inadequate and their vehicles have lost significant value. Led by plaintiff Eric Jasinski, the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit argues that Kia failed to inform buyers about the defect, leaving them with unsafe cars and financial losses. This article dives deep into the recall, the lawsuit, its impact, and what it means for affected owners, all explained in clear, simple terms for easy understanding.
What Is the Kia Soul Seltos Engine Recall Lawsuit?
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit centers on a defect in the piston oil rings of 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. These faulty rings, manufactured at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant, can damage the engine’s cylinder walls, leading to excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, and, in severe cases, engine failure or fires. The recall, announced on February 17, 2025, affects 83,621 Souls and 53,635 Seltos vehicles. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit, filed by Eric Jasinski in Pennsylvania, claims Kia knew about the defect but didn’t disclose it to buyers. Owners like Jasinski argue they wouldn’t have purchased these vehicles or would’ve paid less if informed. The lawsuit also questions the recall’s effectiveness, as the proposed fix—engine replacement and noise-sensing software—may not fully resolve the issue.
Why Was the Recall Issued?
Kia initiated the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit after discovering a “quality deviation” in the piston oil rings supplied by Dongsuh Federal-Mogul. The issue came to light in September 2024 during a routine review of warranty claims, which showed a spike in engine replacements. By December, Kia’s investigation revealed damaged oil rings and cylinder wall scoring, with one engine even having a hole in its block. Over 400 stalling incidents and four fires, all in Kia Souls, were linked to the defect. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit highlights that these problems increase the risk of crashes and injuries. Kia’s recall (NHTSA ID: 25V-099, Kia ID: SC336) aims to inspect and replace affected engines while installing piston-ring noise-sensing software to detect issues early, but owners remain skeptical about its long-term effectiveness.
Details of the Class-Action Lawsuit
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania by Eric Jasinski, a Florida resident who bought a 2021 Kia Soul. He claims Kia’s failure to disclose the defect misled buyers, resulting in unsafe vehicles and reduced resale value. The lawsuit seeks to represent all U.S. owners and lessees of 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models, alleging violations of consumer laws, including fraud by omission and breach of warranty. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit argues that the recall’s engine replacement process, which takes 10-12 hours, is time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee a permanent fix. Jasinski also notes the financial burden, like towing costs, and the emotional stress of driving a potentially dangerous vehicle. The lawsuit demands compensation for diminished value, repair costs, and other damages.
Impact on Kia Soul and Seltos Owners
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit has left owners frustrated and worried. Many report their vehicles stalling unexpectedly, consuming excessive oil, or showing warning lights, creating safety concerns, especially on highways. For example, one owner’s 2021 Seltos stalled multiple times, while another’s 2022 Soul required multiple dealership visits with no clear fix. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit emphasizes that these issues have slashed the vehicles’ resale value, as buyers are wary of cars with known engine problems. Owners also face practical challenges, like long repair times and lack of loaner cars during inspections. The lawsuit argues that Kia’s recall doesn’t fully compensate for these inconveniences or the financial hit from owning a defective vehicle, leaving many feeling betrayed by a brand they trusted for reliability.
Kia’s Response to the Recall and Lawsuit
Kia has responded to the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit by offering free engine inspections and replacements at dealerships, along with installing piston-ring noise-sensing software to catch issues early. The company began notifying dealers on February 17, 2025, and plans to mail recall letters to owners by April 4, 2025. Kia also promises to reimburse owners for prior repair costs related to the defect. However, the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit claims these measures fall short, as the software may not prevent future failures, and engine replacements are a temporary fix. Kia maintains that vehicles built after April 19, 2022 (Soul) and July 1, 2022 (Seltos) use parts from a different supplier, free of the defect. Still, the lawsuit argues Kia should have disclosed the issue earlier to avoid misleading buyers.
How Owners Can Check If Their Vehicle Is Affected
If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos, you can check if your vehicle is part of the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on your vehicle’s dashboard, driver’s side door frame, or registration documents. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.gov or Kia’s official recall page and enter your VIN to confirm. You can also contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 or your local dealership. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit encourages owners to act quickly, as the recall process involves scheduling an inspection, which may lead to a free engine replacement. Staying proactive ensures your safety and helps you stay informed about potential compensation through the lawsuit.
What Compensation Can Owners Expect?
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit seeks various forms of compensation for affected owners. These include damages for the reduced resale value of their vehicles, out-of-pocket repair costs, and incidental expenses like towing or alternative transportation. The lawsuit also demands “benefit of the bargain” damages, meaning the difference between what owners paid for a supposedly defect-free vehicle and its actual value with the defect. Additionally, it seeks injunctive relief to force Kia to address the issue permanently. While Kia offers free repairs and reimbursements under the recall, the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit argues these don’t fully cover losses like time spent at dealerships or the emotional toll of driving an unsafe car. If the lawsuit succeeds, owners may receive financial payouts, though amounts will depend on the court’s ruling.
Previous Kia Engine Recalls and Settlements
Kia has faced engine-related issues before, which adds context to the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit. In 2021, Kia recalled 147,249 2020-2021 Soul and Seltos models for similar piston oil ring issues due to improper heat treatment. That recall also involved engine replacements and software updates. Additionally, settlements like the 2022 Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation (No. 8:17-cv-00838) addressed defects in 2011-2019 Kia models, offering reimbursements for repairs and extended warranties. These past issues suggest a pattern of engine problems, fueling criticism in the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit that Kia hasn’t fully resolved manufacturing flaws. Owners affected by earlier recalls may still qualify for benefits under those settlements, but the current lawsuit focuses on the unique 2021-2023 defect.
What Should Owners Do Next?
Owners affected by the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit should take immediate steps to protect their safety and rights. First, check your vehicle’s status using your VIN on the NHTSA or Kia websites. Schedule an inspection with a Kia dealership as soon as possible, as delays could worsen engine damage. Keep records of all repair attempts, costs, and communications with Kia, as these may support claims in the lawsuit. Joining the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit may be an option—contact a class-action attorney or visit sites like ClassAction.org for guidance on signing up. Owners can also call Kia’s customer service for recall details. Staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring your vehicle is safe and that you’re compensated for any losses caused by the defect.
The Bigger Picture: Kia’s Reputation and Consumer Trust
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit raises questions about Kia’s commitment to quality and transparency. Known for affordable, tech-packed vehicles, Kia now faces scrutiny over repeated engine issues. The lawsuit alleges the company prioritized sales over safety by not disclosing the defect sooner. This has damaged consumer trust, as owners like Jasinski feel misled about their vehicle’s reliability. The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit could impact Kia’s reputation if the court finds the company liable for significant damages. For now, owners are left navigating the inconvenience of repairs and the fear of driving potentially unsafe cars. The outcome of this lawsuit may push Kia to improve manufacturing processes and communication with customers to rebuild confidence in the brand.
FAQs About the Kia Soul Seltos Engine Recall Lawsuit
1. What is the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit about?
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit involves a class-action claim against Kia America for selling 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles with defective piston oil rings. These defects can cause engine damage, stalling, or fires, and the lawsuit argues Kia’s recall fix is inadequate and that owners weren’t informed about the issue, leading to unsafe vehicles and financial losses.
2. How do I know if my vehicle is part of the recall?
To check if your 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos is affected, find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your dashboard, door frame, or registration documents. Enter it on the NHTSA website (.nhtsa.gov) or Kia’s recall page. You can also contact Kia at 800-333-4542 or your local dealership to confirm and schedule an inspection.
3. What does Kia’s recall fix involve?
Kia’s recall for the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit offers free engine inspections and replacements for affected 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos models. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise-sensing software to detect issues early. However, the lawsuit claims this fix may not permanently resolve the defect, leaving owners at risk.
4. Can I join the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit?
If you own or lease a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos, you may be eligible to join the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit. Contact a class-action attorney or visit websites like ClassAction.org to sign up. Keep records of repairs and expenses, as these could support your claim for compensation.
5. What compensation might I receive from the lawsuit?
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit seeks damages for reduced vehicle value, repair costs, towing expenses, and emotional distress. If successful, owners could receive financial payouts, though amounts depend on the court’s decision. Kia also offers reimbursements for prior repair costs under the recall, but the lawsuit argues these are insufficient.
Conclusion
The Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit highlights serious concerns about vehicle safety and corporate accountability. With over 137,000 vehicles at risk of engine failure or fires, owners are rightfully frustrated by Kia’s handling of the defect. The lawsuit, led by Eric Jasinski, seeks justice for those who bought vehicles under false pretenses, facing safety risks and financial losses. While Kia offers free repairs, the Kia Soul Seltos engine recall lawsuit argues these measures don’t fully address the problem or compensate owners adequately. If you own an affected vehicle, check your VIN, schedule an inspection, and consider joining the lawsuit to protect your rights. This case could set a precedent for how automakers handle defects, urging Kia to prioritize transparency and safety in the future.
