NHTSA Complaint #11718325 — 2021 KIA SOUL

ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number 11718325
Vehicle 2021 KIA SOUL
Component ENGINE
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State GA

Consumer Description

We are the 2nd owner of 2021 Kia Soul bought in July 2025. Took to a dealership for open recalls shortly after purchase. After supposedly passing the piston ring recall (NHTSA 21V259) for the next several months after it had severe oil consumption but other wise drove fine. Then immediately after our last oil change on Feb 13, 2026, less than 10 miles later the car stalled and was knocking badly. Towed to nearest dealership and after diagnostic was told engine needs replacing. Wants us to pay for it. The software update (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System or PNSS) installed during the recall visit did not fix the faulty piston rings and also failed to give any warning for the impending engine failure. We never had any check engine or oil pressure lights come on until this incident.

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