Kia is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging a defect, which risks starting fires, has harmed customers by dropping the value of certain Kia Souls and Kia Seltoses.
The lawsuit, filed March 7 in Pennsylvania, alleges defects in the piston oil rings, which caused a February 2025 recall, means the cars are "simply not worth as much" and Kia needs to compensate owners more than offering free repairs, ClassAction.org reports.
"The value of a car with a known history of engine issues is worth much less than a car with a properly working engine, or at least a history of a working engine with no critical issues," the lawsuit said.
In February, Kia recalled 137,256 of its 2021-2023 Kia Soul or 2021-2023 Kia Seltos because of the defect and offered free repairs as a solution.
Symptoms of the defect include increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noise and the illumination of the dashboard oil pressure light, Car and Driver reports.
A Kia spokesperson told ConsumerAffairs the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit aims to represent all U.S. residents who bought or leased a 2021-2023 Kia Soul or 2021-2023 Kia Seltos that was recalled.
Lawyers at Carpey Law are on the case and can be reached at scarpey@carpeylaw.com.
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