If you own a 2021, 2022, or 2023 Kia Seltos or Kia Soul, you may have received notices regarding a serious engine defect. However, for many owners, the “fix” turned out to be just as frustrating as the problem. In August 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an official Audit Query into Kia’s handling of this massive recall.
This audit, triggered by over 40 consumer complaints, revealed confusion at dealerships, inconsistent testing procedures, and a temporary halt on repairs. While the federal investigation has since concluded, understanding what happened—and whether your vehicle is truly safe—is critical for every Kia driver.
This article covers everything you need to know about the Kia Seltos and Soul recall, the NHTSA audit, and how to ensure your vehicle is properly repaired.
The Big Picture: Why Were the Kia Seltos and Soul Recalled?
The root of the issue lies inside the engine. On February 17, 2025, Kia America issued Safety Recall 25V099 covering 137,256 vehicles. The affected models included:
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2021-2023 Kia Seltos (53,635 vehicles)
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2021-2023 Kia Soul (83,621 vehicles)
The Defect: Faulty Piston Oil Rings
The problem traces back to a manufacturing error involving the piston oil rings within the 2.0-liter Nu MPI engines. These rings are supposed to scrape excess oil from the cylinder walls. However, in these specific vehicles, the rings were manufactured incorrectly.
What happens? Over time, the improperly heat-treated rings can damage the cylinder wall. This damage leads to increased oil consumption, a loss of engine power, and—most dangerously—oil leaks. If leaking oil comes into contact with hot exhaust components, it can result in an engine compartment fire.
Drivers were warned to look for signs such as unusual engine noise (knocking), an illuminated oil pressure warning light, or the smell of burning oil. Kia’s original remedy involved a software update and an engine inspection. If the inspection failed, dealers were required to replace the engine free of charge.
Escalation: The NHTSA Audit Query (AQ25001)
Despite the recall being active, owners continued to report problems. Between April 29 and June 27, 2025, the NHTSA’s Recall Management Division (RMD) received 47 complaints alleging that Kia’s remedy program was ineffective.
This led the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) to open Audit Query AQ25001 on August 6, 2025.
Why Did the Feds Step In?
The NHTSA didn’t just investigate the engine defect; they investigated how Kia was handling the repair. The complaints outlined three major failures :
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Ineffective Remedy: Owners claimed that after taking their cars in for the recall, the engine issues persisted or were not fixed.
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Inconsistent Inspection Results: Different dealerships were giving different verdicts on the same cars.
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Unavailability of Parts/Remedies: Owners were told to bring their cars in, only to be informed that the necessary software or replacement engines were not available, or that the fix was “under engineering review.”
In one complaint cited by Car Complaints, a Kia Soul owner accused the company of prioritizing profits over safety, stating the dealer had the car for three weeks and did nothing because the “recall remedy test was substandard”.
Confusion at the Dealership: The “Cold Engine” vs. “Warm Engine” Fiasco
The most significant technical failure uncovered by the NHTSA audit was the change in how Kia inspected the engines. This issue perfectly illustrates why the government felt the need to step in.
The Original Test (The “Cold” Engine)
When the recall was first launched on April 4, 2025, Kia dealerships used a specific diagnostic tool to detect abnormal engine vibrations. However, this test was designed to be performed on a “cold” engine—meaning the vehicle had to sit unused for at least 24 hours
The Problem with the Test
Almost immediately, Kia realized the “cold” test was providing inaccurate results. In some cases, perfectly healthy engines were flagged for replacement (false positives), but more concerning, damaged engines were passing the test (false negatives).
The Revised Test (The “Warm” Engine)
On May 7, 2025, Kia abruptly changed the procedure. The inspection was revised to require a “warm” engine operating at a minimum temperature of 185°F (85°C). This change forced Kia to pause the entire recall campaign temporarily to update the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and software.
The Communication Blackout
One of the NHTSA’s sharpest questions to Kia was: Did you tell the owners?
In response to the NHTSA’s request for copies of letters sent to owners regarding the pause or the re-test, Kia admitted that no letters were mailed. The automaker argued that mailing letters would create more confusion and that most affected vehicles were already at dealerships. However, this left thousands of other owners driving cars with unresolved recalls, unaware that the testing criteria had changed.
Resolution: How the Audit Concluded
By late December 2025, the NHTSA closed the audit query. After reviewing Kia’s data regarding the “warm” engine testing and ensuring new protocols were in place, the government concluded that Kia had addressed the insufficiencies.
What Kia changed to satisfy the NHTSA:
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Updated Software: Kia installed the “Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS).” This system continuously monitors the engine for noise patterns indicative of piston ring damage.
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Standardized Testing: The “warm” engine protocol (minimum 185°F) became the mandatory standard to ensure accurate vibration readings.
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Warranty Coverage: Kia clarified warranty coverage for vehicles that passed the inspection but later developed symptoms.
What Does This Mean for Your Kia?
Since the audit is now closed, the recall remedies are technically “available.” However, given the history of this recall, owners cannot simply trust that a recall notice is the end of the story.
If you own a 2021-2023 Kia Seltos or Soul, you must be proactive.
Step 1: Verify Your VIN Immediately
Do not rely solely on mail notices. Mailers can get lost, or if you bought the car used, you might not be on the list.
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Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls.
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Enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (found on your dashboard or driver’s side door jamb).
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If the recall 25V099 shows as “Incomplete,” your vehicle needs service.
Step 2: Know the Symptoms to Watch For
Even if your car passed the “warm” inspection, monitor your vehicle for:
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A flashing Check Engine Light.
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Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1327 (this specifically triggers the PNSS software).
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Knocking noises coming from the engine.
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Visible oil leaks under the car.
Step 3: Insist on the Latest Remedy
When you schedule your appointment, confirm that the dealer is using the “Warm Engine” testing protocol and the final version of the PNSS software. Since the April/May 2025 confusion, all Kia dealers should now be aligned on this fix.
Step 4: Keep Your Documentation
If your engine was replaced, keep the paperwork in your glove box. If your engine was not replaced but you continue to hear noises, return to the dealer. The NHTSA audit specifically ensured that warranty coverage extends to vehicles that pass the test but later fail.
Recent Model Clarification: The 2026 Kia Seltos
There is some confusion online regarding the 2026 Kia Seltos. According to safety monitoring services like CarDog.app and Kelley Blue Book, as of early 2026, the 2026 model year Kia Seltos does not have an active safety recall for this specific piston oil ring issue. The audit and defect were strictly isolated to the 2021-2023 model years. If you own a brand-new 2026 model, you do not need to worry about this specific NHTSA audit.
FAQ: Kia Seltos and Soul Recall
Here are the most common questions drivers have about the Kia engine recall and the NHTSA audit.
Q: Is it safe to drive my 2021 Kia Soul if the recall repair hasn’t been done yet?
A: Kia and the NHTSA recommend having recall repairs completed as soon as possible. While not every car will fail immediately, the risk of engine stalling (loss of motive power) or an engine fire exists. If you hear knocking or see an oil light, stop driving and tow the vehicle to a dealer.
Q: Do I have to pay for the engine inspection or replacement?
A: No. Safety recall repairs are always free of charge (parts and labor) for the affected vehicle, regardless of whether you bought it new or used, and regardless of the mileage (within the 10-year statute of limitations).
Q: What is “Audit Query AQ25001”?
A: It was an official investigation launched by the NHTSA in August 2025. It was not a standard recall expansion; it was a regulatory audit into how Kia was performing the recall. The government was checking if Kia was moving fast enough and if the testing (cold vs. warm) was accurate.
Q: My car was inspected in April 2025 and passed. Do I need to go back?
A: Possibly yes. If your car was tested using the original “cold engine” protocol (before May 7, 2025), there is a chance the test was inaccurate. Kia was required to re-test some vehicles that previously passed but still exhibited symptoms. You should contact your dealer and ask if your VIN qualifies for a re-inspection under the new “Warm Engine” standard.
Q: The dealer said they have no parts to fix my recall. What should I do?
A: This was a common complaint during the audit (the “unavailability of recall remedies”). If a dealer cannot provide a remedy, you should contact Kia Customer Service directly (1-800-333-4542). You can also file a complaint with the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 to bring the parts shortage to the government’s attention.
Q: Is the 2026 Kia Seltos part of this recall?
A: No. The NHTSA audit and the piston oil ring recall for engine failure apply only to the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years of the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul.
Q: I had to rent a car because my engine was being fixed. Will Kia reimburse me?
A: This varies. During the audit, the NHTSA pressed Kia on loaner car availability. While Kia offered some warranty coverage for related symptoms, you must ask your specific dealer for a loaner or check Kia’s reimbursement policy for out-of-pocket rental expenses incurred specifically due to the recall delay.