general problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

My 2021 kia Soul has stalled unexpectedly while being driven on multiple occasions. When the vehicle stalls, the engine shuts off and the vehicle loses propulsion, creating a risk of a collision, particularly if it occurs in moving traffic. There have been no warning lights or messages before the vehicle stalls or when the stalling occurs. The vehicle has severe engine oil consumption. After approximately 3,000 miles, the oil level can become so low that no oil is visible on the dipstick. I do not know whether the excessive oil consumption is causing the stalling, but I believe that to be the reason. I previously brought the vehicle to an authorized kia dealership while it was under warranty because of the oil-consumption problem. The dealership told me that the vehicle was probably leaking oil, that a part needed to be ordered, and that they would contact me when the part arrived. They never contacted me, and the problem was not resolved. I have since reported the repeated stalling and excessive oil consumption to kia corporate. Kia instructed me to return the vehicle to the dealership for additional testing. I told kia that I do not feel safe driving the vehicle approximately 40 minutes to the dealership because it has repeatedly stalled while being driven. I asked whether kia would tow the vehicle, but kia would not commit to providing a tow. I also asked kia to put in writing its instruction that I should drive the vehicle to the dealership despite the reported stalling, and kia declined. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The cause of the repeated stalling is most likely due to burning of excessive oil. I am concerned about an unexpected loss of propulsion occurring again while the vehicle is in traffic.

My 2021 kia Soul has a recall order for p1327 code which is the knocking noise from the piston ring. The kia dealership in idaho falls is denying the recall order, claiming that it has to be from the upper chamber, not the lower chamber. Which is not stated in the recall letter. They have done everything to avoid this recall. I have evidence that they know the engine have all the symptoms of the piston ring, but trying to avoid everything to replace the engine. They even deny giving the part name that is causing the knocking noise and not giving me the diagnostic report. Even charging $6,000 for the engine replacement.

Vehicle: 2021 kia Soul lx, 2. 0l engine subject: loss of motive power and stall while driving under recall sc336 description of incident: on 07/02 @ roughly 6:15pm, while driving on the highway I-35e at approximately 60 mph, my vehicle's engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power, stalling while in motion. I was able to safely navigate to the shoulder, activate my hazard lights, and restart the vehicle after pulling over. This stall occurred despite the vehicle being covered by recall sc336 for defective piston oil rings . The recall condition explicitly warns that engine seizure can result in "loss of motive power," creating a significant risk of crash or injury. Ongoing symptoms (documented): · excessive oil consumption: over 2. 5 quarts low after approximately 1,000 miles since the last oil change. This aligns with the recall's "increased oil consumption" warning. · audible engine knocking when shutting off and ticking during acceleration. This matches the "abnormal noise from the engine" described in the recall. · active diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) stored: p0017, p0014, p000b, p0172, p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304. These indicate timing issues, misfires on all four cylinders, and oil pressure-related failures. Vehicle had similar codes when visited for recall February of this year. Was told everything looked fine. · the vehicle shows signs of instability when accessories (a/c, headlights) are engaged, suggesting the engine is struggling to maintain idle. Safety risk: the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The stall on the highway presented an immediate crash risk due to the sudden loss of power, which also disables power steering and power brakes.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while checking the engine oil level, the contact noticed that the vehicle was consuming excessive oil. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact's husband did not find any leaks. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the piston oil rings needed to be replaced, and the engine was consuming excessive oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall due to the vehicle mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

States having problems with oil lost, but only inside the motor as if the rings are faulty.

I took my 2021 kia Soul to the dealership for a piston ring recall; they ran their standard test and said it passed, but my car is still showing a misfire fault. I replaced the ignition coil, spark plug, and fuel injector, yet the problem persists. I’ve taken it back to the kia dealership twice, but they refuse to inspect it because it already passed their test.

Was issued a recall from kia for an oil piston ring that wasn't heat treated properly, kia told me the problem was fixed and the recall shouldn't affect me, my car was in an out of the shop for months after that, they replaced my timing belt and transmission under warranty, said I Sould be fine between oil changes my car started knocking, I checked the oil and it was completely dry, no warning lights which is part of the recall fix is early detection warning light. I add oil to my car seems to run better for the day, the next morning on my way to an oil change the engine starts knocking the warning light comes on and then im on the side of the road with all my oil on the ground.

Cv joint and axle causing car to stall when turunning.

2021 kia Soul | VIN: [xxx] | recall sc336 (NHTSA 25v099) | kia America case no. Xxx dealer: team kia of el cajon, 541 n. Johnson Ave, el cajon, CA 92020 symptoms: rapid oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, overheating, vehicle stalling at complete stops, difficulty restarting. All symptoms are explicitly documented in sc336 TSB (rev 6, 10/21/2025) as consequences of defective piston oil rings. Dealer conduct issues: 1. Charged $280 diagnostic fee to perform a recall. Owner confirmed open recall on VIN before arrival. Dealer required $280 diagnostic payment as condition of recall service, in violation of 49 u. S. C. 30120. 2. 24-hour TSB protocol violation. Sc336 TSB requires engine vibration inspection no sooner than 24 hours after r/o open date. R/o opened may 16 at 7:38 am. Inspection report also dated may 16 with no timestamp. If test ran same day, pass result is invalid under kia's own guidelines. 3. Failed to open required techline case. Sc336 TSB page 2 states: if engine noise is present and inspection results in pass, dealer must open a techline case. Owner continues to experience engine noise. Dealer has not provided a techline case number despite two written requests. 4. Demanding $2,500 for recall-related symptoms. Dealer is attributing stalling and oil consumption to a separate camshaft issue and demanding $2,500 more. Sc336 TSB documents that piston ring damage causes cascading engine damage including timing components. 5. Owner is [xxx] , drives for uber. Vehicle out of service 12+ days. Lost income and rental costs incurred. Kia America corporate (case xxx) has been copied on correspondence but has not responded. Requesting NHTSA review of this dealer's sc336 recall compliance. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the oil pressure sensor light was illuminated. The vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact had to add additional oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the vehicle was related to the recall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft and timing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken previously to the local dealer for NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, where the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a local independent dealer, where it was determined that the engine oil level was low. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The local dealer was contacted and submitted a claim along with service records. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a claim was not filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated while at a light the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the engine light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that one cylinder had low pressure while the other three cylinders had pressures higher than 100%. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the engine was not replaced. The piston ring was tested and passed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The engine is consuming a quart of oil per thousand miles.

My 2021 kia Soul experienced repeated overheating despite replacement of major cooling system components including the thermostat and water pump. The vehicle continued to overheat and was later diagnosed by a kia dealership with engine damage requiring full engine replacement. This failure occurred around 105,000 miles. The symptoms and failure pattern are consistent with known issues affecting similar kia engines, yet my VIN is not included in any recall. I am concerned this represents a broader defect that may not be fully captured in current recalls.

The contact noticed the oil drained quickly and rpms increased rapidly upon starting the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ecu was replaced twice, the piston rings were not replaced; the issue persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was not available.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned? the engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? the engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clog, causing loss of power on highways and increasing the risk of a crash. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent shop? yes. A kia dealer found the engine 2 quarts low, with no external leak, and recommended replacing the catalytic converter at a cost of over $6,000. An independent mechanic confirmed code p0420, which indicates catalytic converter failure. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer? the vehicle was inspected by an authorized kia dealer, but they did not complete the required inspection for recall sc336 (defective piston oil rings). They did add the software. Were there warning lamps or other symptoms? yes. The oil pressure warning light and other dashboard lights came on. The engine made a rattling noise. The vehicle later felt sluggish on acceleration, fuel economy dropped, and the exhaust developed a smell. The check engine light came on and later turned off, but code p0420 was stored in the system.

Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz DE la engine, lo lleve a checar y salió en la computadora que era un problema DE power train system, que era secondary dtcs p1c28 y p1c28000, lo busque en google y salía que era un problema muy recurrente en kias Souls y sorentos. Que podría causar incendios.

Hi my vehicle was stolen and the police found the vehicle. The car was damaged part of the damages was a broken ignition. I am unable to fix the damages until I get paid from the kia classaction lawsuit. The car still starts and stays running. I have the key for the car but I have been starting the car was butter knife bc it's easier then the key. I made an appointment to have the oil piston ring looked at. When I brought it I. They refused to look at it bc it has a broken ignition. I don't think the safety recall has anything to do w the ignition. The car is easy to turn on and shut off. I wouldn't care if my car wasn't stalling at traffic lights. My car is going thru a lot of oil. I am not working currently. This car was purchased for me by my dad. He paid cash for it. He bought it bc I had just been diagnosed w a rare autoimmune disease. He bought it so I would have something safe and reliable to drive in. We have had nothing g but problems since day 1. All I wanted was for them to look at it so im not going to be in harms way. Idk what to do the dealership said they cant look at it until I fixed the ignition. But like I said I won't have money to do that until I get the class action lawsuit.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact added engine oil to the engine and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after each failure. The contact stated that during one of the failures, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a quart of oil needed to be added to the engine after driving every 30 miles. Additionally, on one occasion while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle stalled and failed to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,261.

On [xxx], the check engine light illuminated. No other warning indicators activated — no low oil pressure warning, no low oil level warning, no driver alert of any kind regarding engine condition. On [xxx], at approximately 53,845 miles, the vehicle began running rough. I checked the engine oil and found the dipstick registered empty — no measurable oil in the engine. No low oil level or low oil pressure warning had been provided by the vehicle at any point prior to this discovery. I added two quarts of oil. The vehicle stalled while being driven to obtain the oil, and stalled again after the oil was added. I drove the vehicle to jiffy lube and had a full oil change performed. Mileage at the oil change was 53,852. I then scheduled an appointment with gervais kia in lowell, massachusetts, the nearest kia dealer, less than one mile from my home. The earliest available appointment was approximately one week later. Because the vehicle stalled repeatedly at idle, I drove it to the dealer using both feet — keeping engine revs elevated with the accelerator while braking — to prevent stalling at stops. The vehicle is currently at gervais kia for diagnostic inspection. The symptoms match the failure mode documented in NHTSA recall campaign 25v-099 (kia recall for 2021-2023 Soul and seltos with 2. 0l nu mpi engines, piston oil ring manufacturing defect). My vehicle has the 2. 0l nu mpi engine and was manufactured at the kia autoland hwaseong plant identified in the recall filing. However, my VIN does not appear in the current recall population per NHTSA VIN lookup and kia’s recall lookup. The recall remedy includes installation of piston-ring noise sensing system (pnss) software specifically because the defect provides no driver warning before failure — consistent with my experience, in which the engine ran empty of oil with no warning whatsoever. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am writing to formally report a failure by classic kia of streetsboro to provide the federally mandated safety remedy under recall sc336 for my 2021 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ). I have reason to believe the dealership has bypassed the mandatory safety protocols by intentionally omitting my documented diagnostic data—specifically codes p0014/p0017, engine stalling, and excessive oil consumption—from the techline case narrative. Evidence of non-compliance: 1. Improper component installation: despite the documented timing failures, the dealership appears to have installed a short block (part # 21102) instead of the required long block assembly (part # 21101-qqk). This leaves my oil-contaminated camshafts, valves, and vvt solenoids in the vehicle, posing a continued stalling risk. 2. Failure to address consequential damage: the dealership is attempting to charge me a $99 "customer pay" fee for a catalytic converter back-pressure test. Under sc336, testing for consequential damage caused by a defective engine is the manufacturer's responsibility. 3. Withholding documentation: the dealership has refused to provide the techline case number or the engine part number upon request, preventing me from verifying that the safety remedy was performed correctly. I will not be taking possession of the vehicle until kia corporate verifies that a long block assembly was installed and that all diagnostic fees related to the recall symptoms are waived. This matter is currently being escalated but could definitely use your assistance. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall (NHTSA recall 25v099) on my 2021 kia Soul that was marked as completed, but the defect was not properly repaired. On 3/17/26, I took my vehicle to a kia dealership to have the recall addressed. The dealership performed only a software update and diagnostic testing and marked the recall as complete. No engine repair or replacement was performed. Within approximately one week of this recall service, my engine suffered a catastrophic failure while driving, resulting in a hole in the engine block and total engine failure. This created a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power and fire hazard. I then had the vehicle inspected by a second kia dealership. They informed me that the engine failure was consistent with the defect described in recall 25v099 (piston oil ring failure) and that the prior recall repair did not correct the underlying issue. This indicates that the recall remedy performed on my vehicle was incomplete or ineffective, and that the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe condition. I am concerned that other vehicles may be receiving only software updates without proper inspection or repair, which could lead to similar dangerous failures. I am requesting that this situation be investigated as a failed recall remedy and a continued safety risk. Timeline: 3/17/recall repair performed (software update only) 3/29/engine failed catastrophically 4/2/second dealership confirmed failure related to recall defect.

Nhtsa safety complaint: recall sc336 (campaign 21v-301) non-compliance VIN: [xxx] I. Pattern of recall evasion vehicle (2021 kia Soul) was towed to classic kia [xxx] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes p0014/p0017 (vvt/timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from kia techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities intervened. Ii. Mechanical impossibility & remedy violation on Saturday 3/28, the dealer claimed a full engine swap was "installed and tested" in only 6. 5 hours (7:30 am–2:15 pm). Per the sc336 mandate, a compliant long block assembly (part # ending in qqk) requires extensive fluid flushes, software reflashing, and safety recalibrations that cannot be performed correctly in this window. I suspect a "short block" shortcut was taken, reusing contaminated components in violation of the federal safety remedy. Iii. Fraud by omission & unified safety hazard the dealership is demanding a $99 "diagnostic fee" for an exhaust back-pressure test. Under sc336, testing for "consequential damage" (clogged catalytic converter) caused by the recall defect must be covered by the manufacturer. By omitting the stalling/timing symptoms from the initial techline report, the dealer bypassed the mandatory exhaust safety testing. Reusing oil-contaminated vvt solenoids, camshafts, and valves from the failed engine poses an immediate fire and safety hazard. Iv. Demand for investigation I request NHTSA oversight to ensure classic kia provides: 1. Proof of long block (21101-qqk) installation vs. Unauthorized short block (21102). 2. Time-stamped devt and gds full system scan logs from 3/28. 3. Verification that all contaminated components were replaced, as a partial remedy leaves the vehicle in a hazardous state. Reusing oil-soaked vvt/cams & skipping exhaust tests creates a fire risk. An incomplete remedy violates sc336, leaving the car a high-risk liability for fire & stalling. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The message that the engine was overheating warning was flashing on the instrument panel with an audible chime. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); and was advised by the dealer that the engine failure was not related to the recall, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Dealer admission of non-compliance: I am updating my complaint to document that kia of streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by recall sc336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "loss of motive power" (stalling in traffic) and "abnormal engine noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else. " the dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help. " technical violation: the dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB sc336, step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a pass result," the dealer must open a techline case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the federal recall protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "early warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). Safety risk: this is a documented ineffective remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "consumer affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.

1. Component or system malfunction engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety risk vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of problem symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle inspection the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning lamps / symptoms clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional notes the vehicle is a candidate for kia engine piston/piston ring recall (sc209 / sc336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.

My 2021 kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in recall sc336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("loss of motive power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at kia of streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "pass" result from the piston ring noise sensing system (pnss) software diagnostic. As the TSB sc336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a kia techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle idled abnormally rough, and the engine was pulsing. The oil level was checked and was noticeably low. The contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to precision auto care for an oil change. The contact was informed that the oil level was low. The contact informed the technician that the oil had been recently topped off. The contact was informed of the excessive oil consumption. The contact was provided with information on NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired before the recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired before the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,431.

Vehicle consistently stalls at complete stops in traffic. After the engine stalls, it requires a manual restart to resume operation. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle becomes immobile at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership is refusing to perform the necessary diagnostic for the engine stalling issue under the havis v. Kia settlement/ksds recall protocols, claiming maintenance gaps, despite the vehicle having 0 open campaigns and the ksds software update previously installed. This stalling issue is a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation (audit query aq23-001) for this specific model and engine.

My 2021 kia Soul is having the same piston issues leading to engine failure as other previously recalled kia Soul vehicles but for some reason my VIN is not part of any recall. Now it has been determined there is heavy scoring in my engine and I will need a new engine. My car is only 5 years old and there should be no reason for such major engine damage. My car has stalled on me while driving and other very similar issues as described on previous recalls. How does NHTSA determine when a certain model/year of car needs to be part of a national recall?.

We are the 2nd owner of 2021 kia Soul bought in July 2025. Took to a dealership for open recalls shortly after purchase. After supposedly passing the piston ring recall (NHTSA 21v259) for the next several months after it had severe oil consumption but other wise drove fine. Then immediately after our last oil change on Feb 13, 2026, less than 10 miles later the car stalled and was knocking badly. Towed to nearest dealership and after diagnostic was told engine needs replacing. Wants us to pay for it. The software update (piston ring noise sensing system or pnss) installed during the recall visit did not fix the faulty piston rings and also failed to give any warning for the impending engine failure. We never had any check engine or oil pressure lights come on until this incident.