Recall 21V259 affects 147,249 2020-2021 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles for piston oil ring defects. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 147,249 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines because the recall involves improperly heat-treated piston oil rings. Engine damage can lead to a stall or oil leaking onto hot exhaust parts, increasing crash and fire risk; Kia dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The piston oil ring is a small metal ring fitted around each piston inside the engine. It helps seal the combustion chamber and controls the thin film of engine oil on the cylinder wall as the piston moves up and down. On certain 2020-2021 Kia Soul and 2021 Kia Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, that ring is the part at issue.
The oil rings were not heat-treated consistently during production. Heat treating sets the metal so it keeps its shape and sealing surface under engine heat and friction. When the ring is not treated correctly, it can wear or lose its seal, which lets oil move where it should not go. That can lead to engine damage.
Owners can notice increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, or the oil pressure warning lamp turning on. Those are warning signs that the piston oil ring problem has started to affect engine operation.
Who's affected?
Spans the Soul and Seltos across the 2020 and 2021 model years, with the same piston assembly listed for the engine.
| 2020 Kia Soul | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Seltos | Engine |
| 2021 Kia Soul | Engine |
| Units affected | 147,249 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine can stall and increase crash risk. Oil leaking onto hot exhaust parts also raises fire risk. Watch for higher oil use, abnormal engine noise, or the oil pressure warning lamp, and schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Kia Soul or Seltos with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free engine inspection, engine replacement if needed, and Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software update that address piston-ring damage and engine-stall or fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V259 and Kia recall SC209 when you call.
- Stop driving and park safely if the engine stalls or you see oil leaking, then call Kia service before driving again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the engine for the recall condition and replaces the engine if the inspection shows it is needed. The technician also installs Kia's Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall repair, including parts and labor, is free. Kia's general reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already paid before the recall notice. If you've already paid for related engine work, bring receipts or repair documentation and ask the service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 4, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 4, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V259?
Recall 21V259 covers 147,249 2020-2021 Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The issue is piston oil rings that were not properly heat-treated, which can damage the engine. Kia dealers will inspect the engine, replace it if needed, and install PNSS software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Kia Soul or Seltos is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V259. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the engine inspection and PNSS software installation. Reference recall number 21V259 or Kia recall SC209 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will inspect the engine, replace it if needed, and install PNSS software free of charge at a franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A damaged engine can stall, increasing crash risk. Oil can also leak onto hot exhaust parts, increasing fire risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer repair and ask Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 about the next step if the vehicle shows engine noise, stalling, or oil leakage.
What if I bought the Kia Soul or Seltos used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Soul or Seltos is included, then give the dealer recall number 21V259 or Kia recall SC209 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V259000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V259 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V259000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →