Active Safety RecallKia SC209Kia SC336NHTSA 21V-259NHTSA 25V-099
Kia Seltos Engine Recall Engine Recalls · 2020–2023
Kia has issued 2 engine safety recalls covering certain 2020–2023 Seltos vehicles. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage. The fix is free. Here’s exactly who’s affected and what to do.
NHTSA 21V-259Seltos, Soul · 2020–2021
NHTSA 25V-099Seltos, Soul · 2021–2023
$0 · Free RepairParts and labor, any Kia dealer
Am I Affected?
Three quick checks — any one of them is reason to run your VIN above.
Check 1 · Model Year
You drive a 2020–2023 Seltos
Model years 2020–2023 are covered by these campaigns. Other Seltos model years are not part of this recall — see the Seltos recall hub.
Check 2 · Campaign Count
2 open NHTSA campaigns
This page covers NHTSA 21V-259, 25V-099 — every campaign Kia and NHTSA have filed for this engine issue on Seltos. Run the VIN checker above to see exactly which apply to your vehicle.
Check 3 · Advisory
Safe to drive
No Park Outside or Do Not Drive advisory is attached to these specific campaigns. Run your VIN above to confirm your vehicle’s exact status and schedule the free repair.
What Happened — and How It’s Fixed
NHTSA 21V-259 (Kia SC209)13/04/2021
Engine
What happened: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix: 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 began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
NHTSA 25V-099 (Kia SC336)17/02/2025
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/mechanical
What happened: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The free fix: 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 were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
What To Do — Four Simple Steps
Run your VIN
Use the checker above (or nhtsa.gov/recalls) to confirm which of NHTSA 21V-259, 25V-099 apply to your exact vehicle.
Schedule the free repair
Book online or call . Mention SC209, SC336 — we’ll confirm parts before your visit.
One-visit fix
Recall repairs are typically completed same-day once parts are confirmed. Pair it with maintenance if you like — recall labor is free either way.
Keep the paperwork
We provide written proof of completion — useful at resale, since buyers check NHTSA for open recalls.
Engine Recall FAQs
Is it safe to drive my Seltos before the engine recall repair?⌄
These campaigns (21V-259, 25V-099) carry no Do Not Drive or Park Outside advisory. Still, schedule the free repair promptly — run your VIN above to confirm your vehicle’s exact status.
Which vehicles are affected?⌄
Certain 2020–2023 Kia Seltos vehicles, depending on the specific campaign (NHTSA 21V-259, 25V-099). Run your VIN above to confirm your exact vehicle.
What does the repair cost?⌄
Nothing. By federal law, safety recall repairs are free — parts and labor — at any authorized Kia dealer, for the life of the vehicle, regardless of where it was purchased or how many owners it’s had.
I’m buying a used Seltos. Should I worry about these recalls?⌄
No — just verify. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: if NHTSA 21V-259, 25V-099 is open, any Kia dealer (including us) closes it free before or after your purchase. A completed recall has no effect on the vehicle’s safety or value.
Verified as of 2026-07-15 against NHTSA. Source: NHTSA 21V-259 · NHTSA 25V-099.