Kia Seltos, Forte, Soul Recall Hits 20,000 Units in Canada

Kia Canada is announcing a recall on the all-new 2021 Seltos as well as the 2020-2021 Soul and 2020 Forte. Nearly 20,000 units are affected.

It’s the first time the Seltos, which hit the market about a year ago, has been recalled.

• Also: Kia Follows Hyundai’s Lead With Engine-related Recall
• Also: Even More Kia, Hyundai Vehicles Recalled Because They Could Catch Fire

The problem is found in the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The piston oil rings may be defective and cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption. Eventually, this can create abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure warning light may turn on.

Kia warns that drivers who ignore these symptoms and continue to drive their vehicle could wind up with a stalled engine. This also increases the risk of a crash.

Owners will be notified by mail in the next few weeks. Kia dealers will install a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software update to alert the driver of potential damage before an engine failure occurs.

In rare cases, the engine might need to be replaced, the company says.

In related news, approximately 450 2018 Kia Forte cars are part of a separate recall that also involves the 2.0-litre engine. Small metal particles that are not captured by the oil filter can build up in the oil pump, potentially reducing engine oil pressure. This can cause engine wear and abnormal noise. Eventually, the engine could fail, too.

Kia dealers will replace the oil pan with a new one that has two magnets to capture small metal particles.