2021 Kia Seltos electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. Filed Jul 29, 2026ARFireElectrical SystemEngine

   Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later flames

   NHTSA complaint #11753443 · source
4. Filed Jul 7, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My Kia has been stalling, shaking, and just driving extremely badly for the past year. This day, I was driving on 55, and the car just stopped and stalled in the middle of highway near Berwyn, IL. This was extremely dangerous and could have honestly been life threatening. I pulled over, turned the car off and on, and was safely able to drive it to Berwyn Kia. Unfortunately, this was not the only time that this has occurred and I’m assuming will not be the last. In addition,…

   NHTSA complaint #11748897 · source
5. Filed Jun 7, 2026COElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The infotainment head unit display system suffers from persistent firmware connectivity defects that cause severe system lag, complete screen freezing, and constant Bluetooth/phone disconnections. This directly compromises vehicle safety by rendering mandatory hands-free voice operations completely inoperable while driving, creating an intense electronic driver distraction. Furthermore, the system instability occasionally causes the central display screen to lag or fail to…

   NHTSA complaint #11742548 · source
6. Filed May 25, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle “slips” when revving up.

   NHTSA complaint #11739855 · source
7. Filed Apr 16, 2026ORElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!

   NHTSA complaint #11731740 · source
8. Filed Jan 20, 2026OHElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob issues and has not been able to replicate anti-slip issue. Dealership currently…

   NHTSA complaint #11712117 · source
9. Filed Nov 25, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   DEATH TRAP! Point blank~Engine will STILL Jerk, Skip, Not Do Anything Or even Shut Off Without Warning!!! The Driver's Screen will still Flash and go out but only once in a while now. Dealership didn't understand that. They told me Radio was Fine Now. I told them Screen Directly in Front of Driver's with Speedometer on it. IT'S HARD TO FIND GOOD HELP. EVEN HARDER, to FIND a SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE that YOUR KIDS CAN BE IN!!! 💯% 🎯 RUST {definitely} up under Near the License…

   NHTSA complaint #11701384 · source
10. Filed Sep 30, 2025OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

    I just bought the car in July used from Honda there rates on extended warranty for the car at the time were outrageous but since buying it it’s been stalling hard starting throwing engine codes after a month and throwing all the power train warning that we’re a part of the recall with it doing that even giving me all the driving assist warnings I don’t currently have a good picture of what’s going on or video but I’ve replaced the starter and battery an it didn’t fix the…

    NHTSA complaint #11690469 · source
11. Filed Sep 8, 2025FLElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

    My car has stop many times in highway running 55mph or 30 mph. It will completely stop my car has almost 15000 miles a 2021 kia seltos. I turned in my car to the kia dealershop to get check and they diagnosed a lot for so many things and have me pay to replaced the car’s battery. I had my 3year olf child when that happened The dealer just pushed it that it was the battery but its not. My car has only 15000 miles. they also ordered a pad crash main even whwn there was no…

    NHTSA complaint #11685796 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 202569,014 miARElectrical System

    Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that the used car dealer had provided a 2021 Kia Seltos loaner vehicle to the contact while the contact's vehicle was being serviced. The contact stated that the loaner vehicle was returned to the used car dealer for service with an odometer reading of 111,000 miles; however, after the loaner vehicle was returned to the contact, the odometer reading was 69,014. The VIN was not available.

    NHTSA complaint #11677788 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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