NHTSA Complaint #11665847 — 2022 KIA SOUL

I am submitting this complaint regarding the well-documented engine defect involving faulty piston rings in Kia vehicles, which has led to an official recall 25V099. While Kia has agreed to repair the engine IF it fails when it fails, they have refused to offer a repurchase or fair compensation for the diminished value of the vehicle — despite the fact that this defect is a manufacturer-responsible issue and has significantly compromised the value, safety reputation, and resale potential of our vehicle. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, unaware of any such defect at the time of purchase. The recall, once publicized, instantly reduced the car’s market value and undermined confidence in its reliability — even if a repair is offered. We do not believe a mere repair fully resolves the financial impact or the breach of trust involved. A permanently compromised engine, even when repaired, may still pose long-term risks that affect performance, safety, and value. This is a material defect that devalues the asset we financed. Kia’s current position is to offer only repair, refusing buyback or compensation for depreciation resulting from their manufacturing defect. This is not acceptable, as it disregards the economic harm to consumers and the loss in vehicle equity stemming directly from Kia's own negligence. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s broader policy in addressing this defect, including whether its refusal to compensate consumers for lost value constitutes a failure of consumer protection standards under federal safety and recall law. We respectfully ask that NHTSA: Continue oversight of Kia's recall process and consumer remedies. Encourage Kia to offer buyback or financial restitution to impacted owners. Recognize that for many consumers, a repair does not restore what was lost. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide documentation of our purchase, communication with Kia, and further details as needed