Thousands of American drivers are also coming to know that their Kia vehicles could have a major fault with their engines. With numerous complaints, a large-scale kia soul seltos recall lawsuit has come into limelight, with more than 137,000 vehicles in the country. Having a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Kia Seltos, you are expected to be aware of what exactly the suit is, how it happened and what can be done to defend your rights.
What Triggered the Kia Soul and Seltos Recall

In February 2025, Kia America announced a recall affecting certain 2021–2023 Kia Soul and Seltos models. The problem is about faulty piston oil rings that are small yet delicate parts of the engine that control the amount of oil flow and pressure. These rings will collapse and lead to excessive consumption of oil and poor performance of the engine to the extreme result of a total engine breakdown and even a fire.
The recall is applied to the vehicles that were manufactured in July 2020 to the middle of 2022. Kia will inform the impacted owners by April 4, 2025, with free engine inspection, replacement of necessary ones, and installation of a piston-ring noise sensing system.
Although the recall is intended to correct the defect, several owners claim that the response offered by Kia is inadequate considering the losses they have experienced to result in the current kia soul seltos recall lawsuit.
Inside the Kia Soul Seltos Recall Lawsuit
The lawsuit against kia soul seltos alleges that Kia America sold cars that were defective; and it did not provide consumer information about the known defects. According to the class action suit, Kia engaged in “improper engineering, design, or manufacturing” of its cars which led to mass engine issues and cost damages to its owners.
The case includes U.S. consumers that have purchased or rented a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or Seltos. Plaintiffs claim that recall made by Kia does not provide them with complete compensation in the form of low resale value, wasted time spent on repairs, or un-recovered safety issues.
The complaint suggested that the owners of Kia paid money to get reliable and defect-free cars but most importantly got a car of lesser value because of the defect. The plaintiffs also claim that the remedy used by Kia to fix the problem by replacing engines and putting in place software is not effective in ensuring that the problem no longer occurs.
How Drivers Are Affected
There have been thousands of Kia drivers that have reported the same symptoms before their vehicles were recalled. Common issues include:
- High speed stalling or idling.
- Sudden deceleration or acceleration.
- Excessive oil consumption.
- Abnormal engine sounds or knocking.
- Oil pressure warning light turning on.
There are also reports by some drivers whose vehicles got on fire because of the defect though no notable injuries have been reported yet.
In addition to safety, a lot of owners are complaining about the time and money spent on repeated visits to the dealership, loaner cars, and waiting in too long queues to collect replacement parts. Some of them have claimed that their resale value has declined drastically due to the recall even after they have been repaired.
Legal and Financial Implications for Kia Owners
The kia soul seltos recall lawsuit would aim at restoring compensation of multiple forms of damages:
- Car depreciation: The reputation of the car tends to be less valuable in the used market.
- Repair related expenses: With Kia having free repairs, the owners lose time and during the repair process they have difficulties transporting.
- Exposure to safety risks and emotional distress: There was the anxiety of owners with the possibility of stalling or engine fires.
- Violation of warranty and lemon laws: There are certain claims of violations of federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws by Kia that sold unsafe vehicles.
Owners of a Kia Soul or Seltos with such problems can claim compensation in the event that you have been part of these problems. Lawyers taking the case will freely consult and many of them take such cases on a contingency fee basis, which implies that you will not pay any attorney fees unless you win.
What Kia Owners Should Do Now
In case your car is under the recall, the following actions should be taken:
- Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site and verify that you are in recall by entering your VIN.
- Arrange a salvage inspection in your closest Kia dealership.
- Record every problem such as engine records, engine noise and oil consumption.
- Keep a track of the case developments and possible settlements.
- See an expert lawyer in the event that your car has suffered severe loss or damage.
The advantage of being proactive is that you will not only be able to receive the repair which your car requires but save your financial claims in the event the lawsuit leads to compensation.
The Bigger Picture
Kia soul seltos recall lawsuit indicates an upward pattern in the automobile industry where massive recall frequently causes legal action by consumers. The contemporary cars rely on a sophisticated production line and a single fault can pose a significant safety problem.
For Kia, this is a lawsuit that can challenge consumer confidence. To the owners, it serves as a reminder that they must be watchful of recall notices and to agitate for justice wherever there is a failure by the automakers to provide safe and reliable vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Kia soul seltos recall lawsuit is not only a technical issue; it is regarding consumer safety, corporate responsibility and good compensation. The owners of the Kia ought to remain updated as the court case happens and do whatever it takes to make sure they are not victims. It should be either through the free repair, the buyback, or settlement of the case but the drivers featured by the scandal must be heard and they must have their cars fixed.