Which Kia models are affected by the engine recall

Kia issued a recall affecting the 2021–2022 Seltos and 2020–2022 Soul models with 1.6-liter turbo engines due to a defect that can cause engine stalling or failure. The recall covers vehicles with engine code G4FJ. Not all Seltos and Soul models are included — only those with the turbocharged 1.6L engine are affected, so check your vehicle's specifications before assuming your car is part of this recall.

The defect stems from a manufacturing issue where metal debris can remain inside the engine block after production. Over time, this debris can damage internal engine components, leading to loss of power, stalling, or complete engine failure while driving. Kia began notifying owners in 2022, though the recall has been expanded multiple times as the company identified additional affected vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The recall affects 2021–2022 Seltos and 2020–2022 Soul models with 1.6-liter turbo engines, identified by engine code G4FJ.
  • The defect involves metal debris left in the engine during manufacturing that can cause stalling, power loss, or engine failure.
  • Kia's remedy involves inspecting the engine and replacing it if debris is found, at no cost to the owner.
  • You can check whether your specific vehicle is included by entering your VIN on the NHTSA website or Kia's recall portal.
  • If your vehicle is recalled, contact a Kia dealership to schedule the inspection — do not ignore the notice, as engine failure can occur without warning.

How to check if your Seltos or Soul is part of this recall

The fastest way to confirm whether your vehicle is affected is to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov. The NHTSA database shows all active recalls tied to your specific VIN, including this engine defect. You can also visit Kia's official recall page or contact a Kia dealership with your VIN, and they will tell you when ready whether your vehicle is included.

Your VIN appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, and the driver's side dashboard. When you search, the system will return a list of all recalls that explore to your exact year, make, model, and engine type. This is the most reliable method because it accounts for production dates and engine codes — two vehicles with the same model year may have different engines and different recall status.

What Kia's repair process involves

Kia's remedy for this recall is a complete engine inspection at a dealership. The technician will remove the engine and inspect it for metal debris. If debris is found, Kia replaces the entire engine at no cost to you. If no debris is present, the engine is reinstalled and your vehicle is returned to you. The inspection itself typically takes several hours, and if replacement is needed, the repair can take one to two days depending on dealership availability and parts inventory.

You do not need to pay for this repair — Kia covers all labor and parts costs. However, you are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the dealership, or you can ask the dealership whether they offer loaner vehicles during the repair. Some dealerships provide this service as a courtesy, though it is not may provide.

Timeline for getting your vehicle repaired

Kia began mailing recall notices to affected owners in phases starting in 2022. If you received a notice, it includes instructions on how to contact your local Kia dealership. Call ahead to schedule an appointment rather than showing up without one — dealerships often have a backlog of recall repairs, and scheduling in advance ensures you get a confirmed date.

Wait times vary by dealership and region. Some locations can schedule you within a week or two, while others may have a several-week queue. If your dealership is heavily booked, ask whether you can be placed on a cancellation list or whether a nearby dealership can perform the repair. Kia's recall covers the repair at any authorized Kia dealership, not just the one where you purchased the vehicle.

What to do if you have not received a recall notice

If your vehicle is part of the recall but you have not received a notice in the mail, it may be because your address on file with Kia is outdated. Check your VIN on safercar.gov or Kia's website to confirm whether your vehicle is affected. If it is, contact your local Kia dealership directly with your VIN and ask them to schedule the inspection. You do not need to wait for a mailed notice to have the repair performed.

If you have recently purchased a used Seltos or Soul with a 1.6-liter turbo engine, check the recall status when ready. The previous owner may not have completed the repair, leaving you responsible for scheduling it. A dealership can confirm the status and perform the work at no cost to you, regardless of who owned the vehicle when the recall was issued.

Engine failure risk and what to watch for

The risk of engine failure increases over time as metal debris circulates through the engine. Some owners have reported sudden stalling while driving, loss of power during acceleration, or warning lights on the dashboard before complete failure. If you experience any of these symptoms before your scheduled recall appointment, stop driving the vehicle and have it towed to a dealership rather than continuing to operate it.

Kia has extended warranty coverage for engine-related failures on recalled vehicles, even if the original warranty has expired. If your engine fails before you can schedule the recall repair, contact Kia's customer service with your VIN and the failure details. The company has covered engine replacements under warranty extension for owners who were unable to get appointments quickly enough.

Your options if the dealership cannot schedule you quickly

If your local dealership has a long wait time, contact other Kia dealerships in your region to compare availability. Recall repairs are covered by Kia regardless of which authorized dealership performs the work, so you have flexibility in choosing where to go. Some owners have found that dealerships in less densely populated areas have shorter wait times than those in major cities.

If you are concerned about driving your vehicle while waiting for an appointment, ask the dealership whether they can provide a loaner or rental car during the repair period. Some locations offer this; others do not. You can also contact Kia's customer service line to report an unusually long wait time — in some cases, the company has authorized expedited repairs or provided additional support for owners facing significant delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this recall affect my vehicle's resale value?

A completed recall repair should not affect resale value — in fact, having the recall completed before selling strengthens your position because it removes a known defect. If you sell the vehicle with the recall unresolved, you are required to disclose it to the buyer in most states. Completing the repair before sale is the cleaner option.

Can I take my vehicle to an independent mechanic instead of a Kia dealership?

No. This recall requires engine removal and inspection, which is a factory-specific procedure. Only authorized Kia dealerships have the proper diagnostic equipment and access to Kia's replacement engines. An independent mechanic cannot perform this recall repair, and Kia will not cover the cost if work is done elsewhere.

What if my engine fails before I can get a recall appointment?

Contact Kia's customer service with your VIN and details of the failure. The company has extended warranty coverage for engine failures on recalled vehicles, even beyond the original warranty period. Kia has covered replacement engines for owners who experienced failure while waiting for recall appointments.

Does this recall explore to Seltos and Soul models from other years?

This specific recall covers 2021–2022 Seltos and 2020–2022 Soul models with 1.6-liter turbo engines. Other model years or engine types may have different recalls or no recall at all. Check your VIN on safercar.gov to see what recalls, if any, explore to your specific vehicle.

Can I drive my vehicle normally while waiting for the recall repair?

You can drive your vehicle to and from the dealership for the recall appointment, but avoid long trips or highway driving if possible. The longer the engine runs, the greater the risk that debris will cause damage. If you experience any symptoms like stalling, power loss, or warning lights, stop driving when ready and have the vehicle towed.