Kia is recalling over 100,000 vehicles due to issues involving the piston oil ring.
The affected vehicles are Kia MY SOUL and Seltos from 2021, 2022 and 2023 that are equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The piston rings in these vehicles over time could damage the surface of the cylinder bore. That can lead to increased oil consumption, which can lead, in turn, to “abnormal noise from the engine” and or the oil pressure warning turning on.
If the vehicle continues to run in this condition, the engine could become damaged, causing a loss of motive power. This could even cause a fire due to engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component because of a hole in the engine block.
“Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the engine,” the report states.
Dealers will also be instructed to install a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software to provide an early warning light to drivers with potential damage to the engine. The engine will be replaced if the PNSS sets a diagnostic trouble code.
