Kia Engine Fire Risk: Lawsuit Alleges Faulty Oil Rings

Case Overview: Kia faces a lawsuit over faulty oil rings in Soul and Seltos models, alleging fire risks and a recall that may not fully resolve the issue.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased or leased a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or 2021-2023 Kia Seltos.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania

Kia knowingly sold defective vehicles with faulty piston oil rings, leading to potential engine failure and even fire risks, a new lawsuit alleges. 

The lawsuit, filed by a Florida resident, claims the automaker failed to warn buyers about the issue in 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Kia Seltos models, which has now prompted a massive recall affecting more than 137,000 vehicles.

Kia Accused of Selling Defective Engines

Eric Jasinski, a Tampa resident, filed the proposed class action lawsuit after he purchased a 2021 Kia Soul in June 2021, believing Kia’s marketing about the vehicle’s reliability. He diligently followed all recommended maintenance but was never informed of any defects related to the oil ring system, according to the lawsuit.

Jasinski says he has suffered financial losses as his vehicle was defective from the moment of purchase. The defect has led to diminished resale value, concerns about driving safety, and unexpected costs associated with repairs. The lawsuit argues that had he known about the engine defect, he either would not have purchased the car or would have negotiated a lower price.

Recall Raises Questions About Defect Resolution

Kia issued a recall in February 2025, impacting 2021-2023 Kia Soul and Kia Seltos models. The recall involves replacing the engine and installing piston-ring sensing software at no cost to owners. However, the lawsuit argues that the fix is time-consuming, with engine replacements taking up to 12 hours per vehicle—amounting to an estimated 1.3 million hours in total repair time.

The lawsuit also questions whether Kia has truly resolved the underlying manufacturing issue. If the defect is not permanently fixed, owners may continue facing risks of engine failure and vehicle devaluation.

Kia Joins Other Automakers Facing Defect Lawsuits

This isn’t the first time Kia has faced legal trouble over vehicle defects. In 2024, the company was hit with a lawsuit alleging that certain SUVs had defective headlights, creating hazardous nighttime driving conditions. Plaintiffs claimed Kia knew about the issue but failed to address it.

Other automakers are also under legal scrutiny. Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners have sued Fiat Chrysler Automobiles over a defect that allegedly increases the risk of spontaneous fires. 

Similarly, Ford faces lawsuits related to defective batteries and engine valve issues, while Volkswagen owners have accused the company of selling Tiguan models with excessive oil consumption problems.

In his lawsuit against Kia, Jasinski wants to represent anyone in the US who purchased or leased any 2021-2023 Kia Soul or 2021-2023 Kia Seltos. He is suing for violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, strict liability: design defect, and strict liability: manufacturing defect and is seeking damages, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Jasinski v. Kia America, Inc.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-01234
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Stuart A. Carpey (Carpey Law, P.C.)

Do you own a Kia Soul or Seltos? Are you concerned about engine fires? Share your experiences below.