The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an audit into a recent recall remedy prescribed by Kia, following an investigation of complaints received.
As reported by USA TODAY, over 137,000 vehicles are included in the audit announced on Aug. 6, comprising 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul models. These vehicles were originally recalled in February for piston oil rings that were inadequately manufactured.
The issue could lead to the surface of the cylinder wall being gradually damaged, resulting in increased oil consumption. Affected vehicles may exhibit abnormal noises from the engine, and the oil pressure warning light coming on.
Dealers were instructed to replace the engine if necessary, and to install piston-ring sensing noise software. However, NHTSA said that after reviewing 47 complaints received between April and June, it sees vehicle owners alleging the solution to be ineffective and inaccessible.
