2021 Kia Seltos problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 375 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Seltos, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
375
Recalls
2
Crashes
13
Fires
6
Injuries
8
Median mileage
42,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 271 of 375 complaints (72%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (68) and electrical system (48) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 42,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 13 crashes, 6 fires and 8 injuries.
  • The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 7 Kia Seltos model years we track.

2021 Kia Seltos problems by category

  • Engine · 2 crashes
    271 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash
    68 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    48 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 4 crashes
    47 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    28 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 3 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 2 crashes
    11 complaints
  • Airbags · 6 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    5 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    5 complaints
  • Steering
    5 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine231
Power train67
Unknown or other46
Electrical system45
Engine and engine cooling43
Fuel/propulsion system26
Vehicle speed control10
Service brakes6

When problems happen (mileage)

27Under 10k1110k–30k2130k–60k2160k–100k8100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Kia Seltos complaints that list mileage.

2021 Kia Seltos recalls (2)

  • Recall 25V099000Feb 17, 2025137,256 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

    Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

  • Recall 21V259000Apr 13, 2021147,249 vehicles
    ENGINE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ25001Opened Aug 6, 2025Closed Dec 18, 2025

    Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

    On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia reques…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 Kia SELTOS SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2021 Kia Seltos complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026NYEngine
    As I was driving my 2021 KIA SELTOS LX AWD, at approximately 45 mph, my car had stalled causing an injury to my facial area, specifically my nose.
    NHTSA complaint #11769588 · source
  2. Filed Oct 6, 2026CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    RECALL EVASION & TIMELINE FRAUD REPORT Filing formal complaint against Kia America & Kia of Cerritos (CA) for evasion of mandate under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099). 1. CRITICAL TIMELINE: • [XXX]: Kia Cerritos confirmed NO diagnostic/recall tests were performed. • [XXX]: Dealer documented engine is completely SEIZED from the "bottom part" (where recalled piston oil rings reside). • [XXX] Kia Corporate denied repair, claiming the vehicle failed/passed an electronic KDS…
    NHTSA complaint #11769472 · source
  3. Filed Sep 29, 2026158,000 miNCTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the highway and came to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with the assistance of a bystander. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed…
    NHTSA complaint #11767831 · source
  4. Filed Sep 28, 2026IDElectrical SystemEngine
    NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Date: December 16, 2025 Complainant: [XXX] I am filing this formal safety complaint regarding serious and recurring engine problems with our 2021 Kia Seltos, VIN [XXX]. We have attempted repeatedly to resolve these concerns through Lithia Kia in Nampa, Idaho, as well as through Kia corporate, but our concerns have not been adequately addressed. Over approximately the past year, the vehicle’s engine has unexpectedly…
    NHTSA complaint #11767517 · source
  5. Filed Sep 27, 2026INEngine
    I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Kia America and Rohrman Fort Wayne Kia regarding a failure to remedy a safety defect under federally mandated Recall SC336 (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 / Piston Oil Ring Defect) for my 2021 Kia Seltos.Current Mileage: 83,740 miles Active Kia Corporate Case Number: XXX Statement of Safety Risk and Incident Timeline:My vehicle recently exhibited severe symptoms identical to the documented manufacturing defect:…
    NHTSA complaint #11767285 · source
  6. Filed Sep 20, 2026CAEngine
    Had the software update for piston recall in April 2025, did all the testing and getting codes p0300 all the way to p0305 being that it only has 4 cylinders a 5th cylinder misfire code leads to piston ring failure, it is also burning oil the spark plugs are ashy which I have photo evidence of all of this and they are covered in oil, my car broke down while driving and lost complete engine power I am medically complex. Dealerships are denying the recall as it was "completed"…
    NHTSA complaint #11765664 · source
  7. Filed Sep 17, 2026CTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My check engine light went on and the vehicle was driving sluggish, was louder at higher rpms and had a rough idle. The light went on around Aug 1st, 2026 and that's when I noticed the strange driving. Brought it to my mechanic that week and they got the following codes: p0017, p0014 and p0013. My mechanic thought this may be consistent with other engine issues Kia's had around the year of my car's make. While waiting for an appointment with a dealership, my car stalled out…
    NHTSA complaint #11765047 · source
  8. Filed Sep 10, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My 2021 Kia Seltos is experiencing engine sputtering/hesitation at approximately 3,000 RPM and the low oil pressure warning light illuminates while the vehicle is stopped or idling. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership opened a Kia Techline case and advised us that the vehicle passed Kia's piston-related test, but the symptoms remain. The vehicle is affected by Kia safety recall SC209, which concerns improperly heat-treated…
    NHTSA complaint #11763263 · source

Compare the 2021 Kia Seltos with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology