Federal audit targets Kia’s recall remedy for 2021–2023 Seltos and Soul

Federal audit targets Kia recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday that it has opened an Audit Query (AQ25001) into 137,256 vehicles to evaluate the effectiveness of Kia’s February 2025 recall 25V099. The recall involved certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul models over defective piston oil rings.

NHTSA began its review after receiving dozens of complaints from owners. The agency’s audit will check whether Kia’s recall remedy was effective and properly implemented.

Models under review

The recall covers 53,635 2021–2023 Seltos and 83,621 2021–2023 Soul vehicles (total 137,256). These vehicles were recalled because piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly.

According to NHTSA, this defect can cause engine damage over time. The recall affects vehicles sold in the United States and is now the subject of a federal audit.

Defect details

According to the Houston Chronicle, defective piston oil rings in the recalled vehicles may lead to significant engine damage. This type of defect can cause the engine to stall while driving, which increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA also warned that it can raise the chance of a fire starting in the engine. Kia acknowledged the problem earlier this year and began recalling affected models in February 2025.

Risks to drivers

The faulty piston oil rings could cause loss of motive power while a vehicle is in use. This means a driver could suddenly lose the ability to move the vehicle, which could be dangerous in traffic.

NHTSA added that the defect also increases the risk of an engine fire. Both issues can heighten the chances of injury or an accident.

Recall remedy plan

According to USA Today, Kia’s remedy plan for the recall included an inspection to decide if an engine replacement was needed. Kia made this inspection process available starting April 4, 2025.

The automaker then changed its inspection procedures on May 7, 2025, after the initial rollout. NHTSA will examine whether these procedures addressed the safety concerns linked to the defective piston oil rings.

Complaints triggering the audit

NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation reviewed 47 complaints submitted between April 29 and June 27, 2025, about Kia’s recall remedy. According to Reuters, vehicle owners said the fix did not work as intended.

Other complaints pointed to inconsistent inspection results for similar issues. Some owners also reported that they could not get repairs when they attempted to schedule them.

Scope of the audit

The audit will review the effectiveness of Kia’s recall remedy for the Seltos and Soul models. It will also look into Kia’s handling of complaints from vehicle owners.

NHTSA said it wants to understand whether procedural changes caused repair delays or problems. The agency’s findings will help determine if additional steps are required to resolve the defect.

Kia’s statement

According to USA Today, Kia said it actively monitors the quality and safety of its vehicles. The company stated that this includes reviewing the effectiveness of recall remedies, such as the one currently under audit.

Kia also said it will cooperate fully with NHTSA during the audit process. However, the automaker did not comment directly on the 47 complaints mentioned by the agency.

Sales performance amid recall

Kia America sold 71,123 vehicles in July 2025. This marked a 12% increase compared to the same month last year.

Between January and July 2025, Kia reported selling 487,634 vehicles in the United States. The company’s sales during this period were led by its Sportage SUV and K4 or Forte sedan models.

Earlier recalls this year

Kia issued two other recalls in 2025, separate from the piston oil ring issue. These earlier recalls affected over 300,000 vehicles, including Telluride models from 2023 to 2025 and the Kia K5 from the same years.

The problem in these cases was linked to faulty adhesive applications. The two other recalls involving over 300,000 Kia vehicles in 2025 are separate issues and are treated independently from the ongoing NHTSA federal audit of the piston oil ring recall.

NHTSA’s safety role

NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for vehicle safety oversight in the United States. Its duties include investigating driver complaints and ensuring automakers fix safety issues.

When necessary, NHTSA can require a company to recall more vehicles or adjust repair programs. The agency also uses audits to confirm that remedies fully address the problems they are meant to solve.

Why the audit matters

The audit will reveal whether Kia’s remedy is effective and accessible. It will also check if repair delays or inspection changes have impacted owners.

If the remedy is found ineffective, NHTSA could require updated fixes or expanded recalls. The audit findings could influence how Kia handles similar safety issues in the future.

Inspection changes under review

Kia changed its inspection procedure one month after it became available to customers. NHTSA’s audit will examine whether this change created new challenges for affected owners.

The agency also plans to review Kia’s explanation for altering the process. These details will be crucial in determining whether the recall fix meets safety requirements.

Kia’s parent company

Kia is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, a South Korean automotive company. This group also includes Hyundai Motor Company and the Genesis luxury brand.

Kia America manages the brand’s operations in the United States, including sales and service. The current audit applies specifically to Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. market.

How owners can check recalls

Vehicle owners can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s online recall database to check for open recalls. By entering the Vehicle Identification Number, drivers can confirm if their vehicle is part of a safety recall.

The database also provides information on whether a remedy is available. Kia owners are advised to check the system regularly for any new updates or repair instructions.

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Broader recall landscape

NHTSA issued multiple 2025 recall notices across brands industry-wide; this Kia audit is part of that broader safety oversight. Brands such as Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, and Genesis were among those affected.

These recalls covered hundreds of thousands of vehicles across various models and years. Safety regulators said they continue to monitor these cases closely to ensure repairs are completed and safety risks are addressed effectively.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.