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Manufacturer recall number

Kia recall SC209

Kia calls it SC209. NHTSA filed it as campaign 21V259000 on Apr 13, 2021: engine on the 2020–2021 Kia Seltos and 1 other Kia model, 147,249 vehicles potentially affected. One recall, two numbers — the dealer quotes the manufacturer’s, the federal record carries NHTSA’s.

What NHTSA has under this number

Source: 49 CFR Part 573 filings
NHTSA campaignVehiclesComponentFiledAffectedSeverity
21V2590002020–2021 Kia Seltos and 1 other Kia modelEngineApr 13, 2021147,249critical
Problem Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage. Risk A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

The manufacturer’s own words as filed for 21V259000. Every model year it covers, the build window and the filed PDFs →

Two numbers, one recall

Every safety recall carries two identifiers. SC209 is the number Kia assigned in its own system: it is what appears on the owner letter, on the dealer’s service screen and on the repair order. 21V259000 is the number NHTSA filed the same recall under when the manufacturer reported it, and it is the one every federal record, this site included, is keyed on.

The repair is free by federal law for vehicles up to fifteen years old. Whether one particular vehicle is included is settled by its VIN against the manufacturer’s build list, not by its model year.

Check one specific vehicle

Both lookups check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list and say whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.

Common questions

Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573

Is SC209 the same recall as 21V259000?

Yes. SC209 is Kia’s own number for it; 21V259000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Which vehicles does SC209 cover?

2020–2021 Kia Seltos and 1 other Kia model, 147,249 vehicles by the manufacturer’s count. A recall covers a build range, so the VIN decides whether one particular vehicle is in it.

Does the SC209 repair cost anything?

No. The manufacturer must remedy a safety defect at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.