2021 Kia Soul Engine

The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues that align with Recall SC336. The vehicle frequently exhibits erratic RPM fluctuations while idling, and on multiple occasions, it's completely shut down while stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. When this happens, the vehicle does not restart immediately, leaving me stranded / creating a safety risk. I reported this issue to an authorized Kia dealership, but they refused to perform proper diagnostic tests related to the recall. Instead, they blamed a clogged air filter as the cause of the stalling. This explanation does not make sense. Why the Dealership’s Explanation is Incorrect: 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause sudden stalling at idle or failure to restart. If an air filter were completely clogged, the engine would lose power under acceleration, not stall at idle. The engine requires very little air at idle, so a dirty filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutdowns. 2. My symptoms match Recall SC336, which involves piston oil ring failure. Erratic RPMs, stalling, and failure to restart are all signs of compression loss or internal engine damage. 3. The dealership is refusing to conduct recall-related tests. I requested a PNSS (Piston Noise Sensing System) test and an oil consumption test, but the dealership refused. Instead, they tried to charge me for an air filter replacement, ignoring possible recall-related failure. Safety Risks: The vehicle stalls at stoplights and in traffic, increasing crash risk. The car fails to restart immediately after shutting down, leaving me stranded. Inspection Status: The vehicle is at the dealership, but they have not inspected it for recall-related failures. Kia Corporate was contacted but supported the dealership’s incorrect assessment. Warning Signs Before Failure: Erratic RPM fluctuations at idle began before the first shutdown. Check Engine Light was on but cleared but cleared by the dealership.

We are experiencing problems consistent with the issues identified in recall SC336, which pertains to defective piston rings potentially leading to increased oil consumption and engine damage. Specifically, for an extended period of time we have encountered significant oil consumption, the check engine light turning on repeatedly, engine overheating, and abnormal temperature gauge readings. Additionally, our vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, lost power, and exhibited jerky acceleration, along with strange noises from the engine. These stalling incidents, in particular, were extremely frightening and created unsafe conditions on the road for our traveling family. We previously contacted members of Kia’s corporate office in early April 2025 (we can forward email), but unfortunately, we initially never received a response from Kia with respect to our email. We brought our vehicle to Wesley Chapel Kia for the recall service on June 9th; however, no repairs were made. Our engine was not replaced. We were told our vehicle passed the vibration test, which we find insufficient. The check engine light returned shortly after the visit to address the recall. We are aware that Kia changed the procedure for the recall inspection after the initial recall was announced. We have read accounts online from other Kia owners whose vehicles originally failed the recall inspection and were due for engine replacement—only to pass under the new testing protocol. This shift in procedure was never explained to us during our recall appointment, and we have serious concerns about the effectiveness of the updated remedy program. The lack of transparency and the unresolved issues with our vehicle leave us deeply dissatisfied and looking for answers. We are seeking assistance in understanding what steps we can take to ensure the safety and reliability of our vehicle and to hold the manufacturer accountable for following through on their recall commitments.

In May 2025, my 2021 kia soul engine suddenly seized while I was driving close to my home. I took it to my local Kia dealership to have it inspected in which they said my engine needed to be replaced but did not identify exactly what caused my engine to fail. I have not had any issues with my car before this happened and kept up with oil changes, etc.I also told the service department about the recent recall on my vehicle regarding faulty piston rings leading to engine failure. Due to not having an extended warranty, I was told the replacement would be around $10,000. I reached out to them Kia Customer care to see if they could provide assistance considering this was something I did no t expect to happen. I decided to have it towed to a mechanic my family knows and he had my engine rebuilt for lower cost. Today (8/21/2025), we picked up the car which started out good initially but still demonstrated the same issue with the engine failing after driving it one time. My VIN is not in the recall list but I am not understanding how my vehicle which was performing perfectly, all of sudden seized on me. Prior to my engine failing, there were no dashboard indicators that anything needed to be inspected. They appeared after the engine seized. Fortunately, when my engine seized, I just turned into my neighborhood but I'm sure if I was a couple seconds or minutes late, my safety would have been at risk considering I live off a busy highway.

My vehicle was originally diagnosed (after recall) with a defective engine and I was to be notified when the replacement engine arrived. On a subsequent visit to the dealer to repair an additional check engine light episode I was informed that the replacement engine was no longer needed and that Kia was installing software to monitor the condition of the piston rings. On [XXX] (third incident) while operating my vehicle in heavy traffic the check engine light went on and the vehicle immediately started to lose power and developed an engine noise which continued as i immediately drove to the Kia dealership and when I arrived there was a burning smell when I got out of the vehicle and I was told it would be two weeks before they would diagnose the incident. The vehicle continues to sit at International Kia of Orland Hills, Il 60462. 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 had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and repaired under the recall; however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that soon after the recall repair, the failure occurred while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating. The contact stated that the engine sputtered and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,073.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal rumbling and clunking sound coming from the engine. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software was installed; however, the failure recurred and progressively worsened. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle could not be restarted. Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the starter was replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to the recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

my vehicle was part of a recall for the piston oil rings. the car was taken to KIA for testing. The car failed the test and I was told that the engine would need to be replaced (I have a video and test results of the failed test. Then KIA stated that too many cars were failing and that they were redoing the test. My car was in the Kia repair shop waiting for an engine that was ordered. KIA cancelled my engine and my car was tested with the new test and it passed. After two weeks of being in the repair shop I was told to come and get it. This not only appears unethical but a blatant attempt to circumvent the recall.

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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the steering wheel was slightly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

While driving, the vehicle began running rough and stalled shortly after. It would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where they diagnosed “excessive cylinder wall scoring” and no engine compression. This matches the symptoms described in Recall SC336, which affects piston oil rings and can lead to engine failure, stalling, or fire. The dealer confirmed the engine won’t turn over and compression is lost, but they refused to perform the required piston ring inspection under the recall. They stated I would need to pay for an engine tear-down first. However, according to the recall remedy, the inspection and engine replacement should be performed free of charge if symptoms are present. The issue occurred without warning, leaving me without transportation and unable to safely pick up my child. I have opened a case with the manufacturer and am awaiting their review.

The engine is using too much oil

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.

I have contacted Kia several times about this recall, the latest being today. I tried to schedule an appointment with Galeana Kia in Fort Myers, FL. The service departement told me there was no remedy for this recall. I referred the dealer to the Kia website. "Remedy DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ENGINE AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL PISTON-RING NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MAILED APRIL 4, 2025. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-333-4542. KIA'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS SC336." I then called Kia directly. They told me to contact the dealer. I told them I already had done so. The Kia rep told me that I had to wait for the dealer. I said I don't accept that because the KIA website lists the remedy. I eventually spoke to two supervisors. I was told that Kia does not own the dealership, so they can't force them to service the recall. Kia told me that if I went to the dealer now the dealer would bill me. I said that is unacceptable. In November 2024 I had an issue with my Kia that may be related to this recall. My vehicle stalled and I could not restart it. I had it towed to Galeana Kia. Turns out that the oil level was low in the engine. However, there was never any warning or warning light indication that the oil level was low. I was billed $315.96. I expect to receive a refund of that amount as this is related to the recall.

I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2021 Kia Soul. My vehicle is consuming excessive oil, which should not be happening under normal operating conditions. The check engine light is on, and while driving, the car suddenly shuts off and displays the battery symbol before losing power completely. This has happened multiple times, creating a dangerous situation where my vehicle loses power unexpectedly on the road. I took my car to a mechanic, who confirmed that the engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The mechanic also informed me that there is a known recall on certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul models due to defective piston oil rings, which can cause excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and even fires. However, when I contacted Kia’s customer service and provided my VIN, they stated that my vehicle is not included in the recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This is a serious safety hazard, as my vehicle is at risk of sudden engine failure while in motion. Kia has issued recalls for similar models, but my specific VIN has been excluded, even though I am experiencing the exact same defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether more vehicles should be included in the recall before this defect leads to accidents or injuries. I am available to provide further documentation, including inspection reports, oil consumption records, and any additional information needed.

Saw that there was a recall for faulty oil piston rings on my Kia 2021 soul received the letter from Kia in mid to late April made the appointment with Coughlin Kia of Newark for May 5. Coughlin Kia canceled it on May 4 June 24 had to have my Kia towed to Coughlin Kia of Newark June 20 27. They said Oil was going through my piston rings. There was vertical scoring on the cylinder walls, but they said that it was not because of the recall and I would have to pay $7000 to fix it even though I hid made the appointment and they canceled it. I had talked to Kia manufacturing in late February and had them record my call and ask them what do I do in the meantime because my Kia is burning a lot of oiland their response was we don’t know now I have engine failure and they’re claiming that they won’t fix it, even though it is under the recall.

Recall by KIA for engine malfunction--website/nhtsa shows multiple recalls, issues & motor replacements due to Piston Oil Ring issues that could result in stall or fire; had 2 recall dealer inspections citing need for camshift replacement, & SC336 Piston Oil Ring failure. Engine has used excessive oil (now 3+ qts in 3000 miles) which nhtsa lists as issue with the engines--recall was issued for this engine 2/17/2025, letters sent 4/4/2025 which I never received, oil consumption occurred over years/months. Techs at dealer told me operation of the engine "can be detrimental". KIA refuses to replace or repair the engine--this has been noted by nhtsa. Independent testing (2) indicates camshaft and crankshaft sensors are not in sync. I am fearful to operate the vehicle due to danger of stalling and/or fire, which could cause crash or injury. I ask for NHTSA to enforce their directions to KIA and replace the engine.

Unusual engine oil consumption. Engine using 1 quart of engine oil every 1000 miles. Not normal.

New updated testing for recall regarding Piston Oil Rings seems to be faulty. My engine failed with previous testing, which is consistent with the issues my engine is having. However, the new testing claims that my engine has passed even though it is evident that my engine is not in good standing and should have failed. Extreme oil consumption is the number one sign of the faulty piston oil rings, which my car does. I have to add oil every couple of weeks.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the recall repair was denied by the dealer due to poor maintenance record. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired to his expectations. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the completion of the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the piston oil rings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that on three occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shuddering mildly and then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

In late 2024 my vehicle, a 2021 KIA SOUL, stalled 3 separate times as I was driving, one of which I was driving in traffic, going about 10 mph, about mid-December. There were no warning lights that came on. I made an appt. with a KIA Service Dept. for Jan. 2025 (earliest available) I did not drive the vehicle in the interim. The KIA Service Dept. said that the problem could be low oil pressure, and performed an oil change. In April of 2025 I received the safely recall for a piston oil ring defect in my vehicle. I promptly called "Ron Bouchard KIA" in Leominster, MA, and brought the vehicle there April 16. They performed their tests which my vehicle failed. They initially said a new engine is being ordered for my vehicle, and it could take 2 to 3 weeks. Now, after 5 weeks, It appears they may not replace my engine after all. (!?!?) They stated that KIA Corporate sent out a directive that these recalled vehicles be retested. My concern is a real safety concern, especially with the stalling in traffic, which is a real danger for all. My experience of stalling in traffic, is just as described in the safety recall itself, and I do not wish to drive a vehicle that may catch on fire some day!!!

Hi, I had my car tested for recall SC336, and it initially failed, indicating the engine needed replacement. The dealership ordered a new engine from Kia. However, a few days later, they called to say that after retesting, the engine was fine and didn't require replacement. Now, I'm experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light shows code P0420, indicating a faulty catalytic converter. This issue is likely due to the car burning oil, clogging the converter, and pointing to a problem with the piston rings – the same issue covered under recall SC336. Given the recall's warning of potential engine stalling and fire risk, I'm extremely uncomfortable driving this car.

I was told that my engine failed the test for the recall for the incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings and that they would have to replace my engine. It has been turned in at the Shawnee-Mission KIA dealership since April 23rd and they said it would only take 2 weeks. I called again today at 5/5/2025 and now they are saying that repair is held indefinately and I have chemotherapy appointments that I have to show up for and they told me they do not loan cars out so I can have a means of transportation. I am given no specifics as to why this is happening. This is unacceptable.