Kia recalls more than 137,000 vehicles for engine issue: See affected models
Kia is recalling more than 137,000 of its vehicles due to a potential issue that can damage the vehicle's engine, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reporting.
Federal safety regulators published the recall after learning the piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine failure.
According to the online Feb. 17, NHTSA post, the issue can also potentially cause a fire, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
In sum, the potential number of vehicle units impacted are 137,256, the agency reported.
Here's what to know about the recall including which Kia models and years are affected.
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The recall affects the following vehicle makes, models and years:
∎ Kia Seltos: 2021-2023
∎Kia Soul: 2021-2023
Dealers will replace the engine free of charge, federal safety regulators said, and also install piston-ring sensing noise software free of charge.
Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners on or about April 4.
Owners may contact customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The number for this recall is SC336.
Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Car owners looking to check the status of their vehicles can enter their information into the NHTSA recall check or check USA TODAY's recall database for car and motor vehicle recalls.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kia recall: Seltos, Soul vehicles recalled over engine problem

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