Kia Motors North America (KMNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with Nu 2.0L naturally-aspirated petrol engine, to check and replace the piston oil rings that may not have been properly heat-treated, which may end up damaging the engine and ultimately stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Four fire incidents
In a document sent to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia said that it became aware of the issue in October 2020 when a Soul customer complained of engine noise followed by the vehicle stall. The company also mentions that owners of the Soul and Seltos vehicles equipped with the aforementioned engine reported the loss of power while driving. The first Soul’s engine was sent to Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in January 2021 and it discovered a chipped piston oil ring, bore scratched and connecting rod bearing seized. Later in January 2021, a 2020 Soul caught fire due to oil leaking onto the exhaust following connecting rod puncturing the engine block. A total of 4 fires were reported, which could all be related to the aforementioned issues. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall is expected to begin on June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC209.
Source: NHTSA
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