NHTSA Complaint #11665480 — 2021 KIA SOUL

[XXX], the vehicle was delivered to Crain KIA dealership located in Conway, Arkansas, due to failure of engine to start (engine would turn over but not run). I scheduled a service appointment for May 20th at 0930, for the car to be evaluated/troubleshot. While at the KIA dealership service desk, I discussed KIA SAFETY RECALL SC336, and that my VIN# was effected by the recall (verified by speaking with KIA Customer Care representative) and by using NHTSA's VIN/Recall search engine. At that time, I disclosed that the car was a SALVAGE TITLE vehicle, but was restored, looked nearly brand new and was otherwise operational prior to the engine "no start" condition (4 months of ownership). The service team at the dealership confirmed the SALVAGE TITLE via "Carfax", however they noted that KIA's internal VIN/TITLE database DID NOT REFLECT the car as salvaged. Crain Kia dealership then decided to submit the car for KIA's SAFETY RECALL inspection and possibly warranty work since the vehicle has not exceeded the 5yr/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Unfortunately, the dealership did not open a "tech-line case' until approximately 15 days later. Tech-line communication between the service technician and KIA's engineering/recall rep, directed the dealership to perform an engine wet/dry compression test (due to deficient piston oil-rings). On June 5th, Crain KIA notified me that the resulting 'LOW" compression test results indicated that the piston rings were faulty, and that the engine would need to be replaced. Additionally, they told me that the vehicle would NOT BE ELIGIBLE for factory warranty due to the SALVAGE TITLE and that I would be responsible for engine change costs. Moreover, the dealership's service team charged me for the cost of the compression testing. I have thoroughly reviewed the KIA recall SC336 documentation as well as NHTSA's 25V-099 bulletin and verified that neither notices proclaim, exclude or deny coverage to salvage title vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A