Things you need to know before buying a new car
Make sure to do your homework before purchasing a new car. There are five things to keep in mind before you shop.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun auditing treatments for automakers for more than 137,000 recalled SUVs.
Kia recalled 137,256 Sertos and Seoul 2021-2023 vehicles in February 2025, as piston oil rings were manufactured incorrectly, damaging the vehicle’s engine, causing vehicle stalls or fires, and could increase the risk of crashes or injuries.
The NHTSA reviewed the 47 complaints received between April 29th and June 27th, pursuant to the notification of August 6th, and reviewed the 47 complaints that restored KIA’s treatment program, and then began an audit query as per the notification of August 6th.
The complaint “claims inefficient recall therapy, inconsistent results, inconsistent results in testing to determine whether an engine needs to be replaced, and claims the inability to use recall remedies,” according to an agency’s notice.
Kia’s recall therapy includes testing procedures to determine if an engine needs to be replaced and was made available on April 4, 2025. KIA changed its testing procedures on May 7, 2025.
The audit said the purpose was to “assess the effectiveness of KIA’s treatment program and to understand KIA’s response to vehicle owner complaints to difficulties experienced by changes in procedures used to improve the vehicle.”
Which Kia models were affected by the recall?
Two KIA models affected by recalls involving 137,256 vehicles:
- 2021-2023 Kia Seltos (53,635)
- 2021-2023 Kia Soul (83,621)
USA Today reached out to Kia for comment.
Mike Snyder is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can follow him in the thread, send BlueSky, X with X and send him an email Bliss & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider &msnider@usatoday.com
What are you guys talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
