What the Kia Soul and Seltos recall lawsuit covers

A class action lawsuit against Kia involves engine failures in certain model years of the Soul and Seltos, two of Kia's most popular vehicles. The lawsuit centers on engines that can stall, lose power, or fail completely — sometimes while the vehicle is being driven — due to what owners and their lawyers say is a manufacturing defect in the engine itself.

The affected vehicles are primarily 2010–2019 Kia Souls and 2020–2023 Kia Seltos models equipped with Kia's Theta II engines. These engines have been the subject of multiple recalls by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the past several years. The lawsuit alleges that Kia knew about the defect but did not disclose it fully to buyers or act quickly enough to fix it.

The core claim is that owners paid for vehicles that were not as safe or reliable as advertised, and that Kia should compensate them for the cost of repairs, diminished vehicle value, and the inconvenience and danger of driving a car prone to sudden engine failure.

Key Takeaways

  • The lawsuit covers 2010–2019 Kia Souls and 2020–2023 Kia Seltos with Theta II engines that have experienced stalling, power loss, or complete engine failure.
  • NHTSA has issued multiple recalls for these engines, and the lawsuit alleges Kia was aware of the defect before those recalls were announced.
  • If you own an affected vehicle, you may be part of the class automatically; you do not have to do anything to join, but you do have the option to opt out or file a separate claim.
  • Compensation in class action settlements typically covers repair costs, diminished value, and sometimes a cash payment per vehicle, though the amount depends on the final settlement terms.
  • You should keep all repair records and documentation of any engine problems, as these are often required to prove your claim.

Which model years and engines are included

The lawsuit primarily targets vehicles with the Theta II engine, which Kia used across multiple model years and trim levels. For the Soul, this generally means 2010 through 2019 models. For the Seltos, which debuted in 2020, the affected range is 2020 through 2023.

Not every Soul or Seltos is part of the lawsuit — only those with the specific Theta II engine are covered. If you own a Soul or Seltos from these years, you can check your vehicle's engine type in your owner's manual or by contacting a Kia dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is printed on your registration and insurance documents and on a sticker inside the driver's side door frame.

Kia has issued multiple NHTSA recalls for these engines, including recalls for engine stalling, metal debris in the engine, and engine seizure. Each recall has a specific number (for example, 20V-XXX). If your vehicle was subject to one of these recalls, it is almost certainly part of the lawsuit.

NHTSA recalls and what they mean for your vehicle

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered Kia to recall affected Souls and Seltos multiple times since 2015. These recalls have addressed engine stalling at highway speeds, sudden power loss, and complete engine failure. In some cases, NHTSA investigations found that the engine could fail without warning, creating a safety hazard.

When NHTSA issues a recall, the manufacturer is required to notify owners and offer a remedy — usually a repair, replacement, or refund — at no cost. Kia's remedy for these engine recalls has typically been an engine software update, inspection, or in some cases, a full engine replacement under warranty.

The lawsuit argues that these recalls came too late and that Kia should have disclosed the defect sooner. The lawsuit also contends that the recalls themselves do not fully solve the problem — that some vehicles continue to experience engine issues even after the recall repair has been completed. If you have had a recall repair done and your vehicle still has engine problems, that history is important to document and report.

How class action lawsuits work and what it means to be a class member

In a class action lawsuit, one or more people sue on behalf of a large group of people who have been harmed in the same way. If the lawsuit succeeds or settles, all members of the class are may have access to to compensation, even if they did not file the lawsuit themselves. You are typically considered a class member automatically if you own or owned an affected vehicle during the time period covered by the lawsuit.

Being a class member does not require you to do anything initially. However, you will eventually receive a notice — usually by mail — that explains the settlement or judgment, tells you how much compensation you may receive, and explains your options. At that point, you can choose to accept the settlement, opt out and pursue your own claim, or object to the settlement terms.

If you opt out, you give up your right to compensation from the class settlement but preserve your right to sue Kia separately. Most people do not opt out because a class settlement is usually faster and less expensive than filing an individual lawsuit. However, if you have suffered significant damages — for example, if your engine failed and caused an accident — you might consider consulting an attorney about whether opting out makes sense for your situation.

What compensation typically looks like in engine defect settlements

Compensation in class action settlements for engine defects usually takes one or more of these forms: reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs you have already paid, a cash payment per vehicle (sometimes called a "per-unit payment"), and compensation for the loss in your vehicle's resale value. Some settlements also include an extended warranty on the engine or a full engine replacement at no cost.

The exact amounts vary widely depending on the settlement terms and the number of claims filed. In some cases, owners have received several hundred dollars per vehicle; in others, the payment has been smaller. The settlement agreement will specify what documentation you need to provide to prove your claim — typically your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and repair receipts if you paid for repairs out of pocket.

If your vehicle was repaired under a Kia warranty or recall, you may still be part of the settlement, but your compensation might be lower than if you paid for repairs yourself. Some settlements distinguish between owners who paid out of pocket and those who did not, offering higher compensation to the former group.

What you need to do if you own an affected vehicle

First, confirm that your vehicle is part of the lawsuit by checking your VIN and engine type. You can do this by contacting a Kia dealership or by checking NHTSA's website (safercar.gov), which lists all active recalls by vehicle make, model, and year.

Second, keep all documentation related to your vehicle and any engine problems. This includes your purchase agreement, registration, insurance documents, service records from any dealership visits, repair invoices (whether paid by you or covered by warranty), and any correspondence with Kia about recalls or repairs. If your engine has stalled, failed, or caused other problems, write down the dates, mileage, and circumstances — this information can support your claim.

Third, watch for a settlement notice in the mail. The notice will explain the settlement terms, the important date to file a claim, and how to submit your documentation. Do not ignore this notice. If you miss the important date to file a claim, you may lose your right to compensation. If you do not receive a notice and believe you own an affected vehicle, you can search for active settlements on the website of the court handling the case or contact a law firm involved in the lawsuit.

Your options if your vehicle still has engine problems

If your Kia Soul or Seltos has experienced engine stalling, power loss, or failure, you have several options. First, if the vehicle is still under warranty, take it to a Kia dealership and request that the engine problem be diagnosed and repaired at no cost. Bring any documentation of previous recalls or repairs.

Second, if your vehicle is out of warranty or if the dealership has been unable to fix the problem, you can file a complaint with NHTSA through its online complaint database. NHTSA complaints are public and help the agency track patterns of defects. You can also request that NHTSA investigate whether an additional recall is warranted.

Third, keep all records of the problem and any repair attempts. These records will be essential if you file a claim in the class action settlement or if you decide to pursue a separate legal claim against Kia. If the engine failure has caused an accident or injury, consult an attorney when ready, as you may have additional claims beyond the class action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do anything to join the lawsuit?

No. If you own or owned an affected vehicle during the time period covered by the lawsuit, you are automatically part of the class. You will receive a notice by mail when the settlement is finalized, and that notice will explain how to file your claim and what documents to submit. You do not have to hire an attorney or take any action before receiving the notice.

What if I already paid to have my engine repaired?

You may be able to recover that cost through the settlement. Keep your repair invoices and submit them with your claim. Some settlements reimburse owners for out-of-pocket repair costs in full or in part. The settlement notice will explain what documentation is required and what reimbursement rate applies.

Can I sue Kia separately instead of joining the class action?

Yes, but you must opt out of the class action to do so. Opting out means you give up your right to compensation from the settlement. Most people do not opt out because the class settlement is usually faster and requires less effort. However, if you have suffered major damages — such as an accident caused by engine failure — you may want to consult an attorney about whether a separate lawsuit makes sense for your situation.

How long does it take to receive compensation after the settlement is approved?

This varies. After a settlement is approved by the court, there is usually a period for class members to file claims (typically 60 to 90 days). After the claim important date passes, the settlement administrator processes claims and issues payments. This can take several months. The settlement notice will include a timeline.

What if I sold my vehicle before learning about the lawsuit?

You may still be part of the class and able to file a claim, depending on the settlement terms. Some settlements cover former owners as well as current owners. Check the settlement notice or contact the settlement administrator to confirm whether you are may be able to access to file a claim for a vehicle you no longer own.