2021 Kia Seltos engine problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

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
9. Filed Sep 10, 2026SCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Severe Safety Hazard, Corporate Negligence, and Delayed Repair: * After picking the vehicle up following the secondary service, a heavy, toxic smell of raw gasoline began pouring directly through the cabin’s HVAC vents while driving. * I immediately called the dealership. A representative consulted a technician and dismissively told me that the "engine just needed to be broken in." * Acting on this negligent advice, I continued operating the vehicle. My [XXX] son rides in…

   NHTSA complaint #11763256 · source
10. Filed Sep 4, 2026TXEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Car began throwing a P0304 code in June of 2025. I took it to Brookshire Car Care and they ran a diagnostic, but found nothing to be wrong. In November of 2025, the car began throwing a P0304 code again and this time also had a P0303 code and P0335. The car was taken to Christian Brothers as it was unsafe to drive and the closest mechanic to my location. They found the crankshaft sensor to be damaged due to metallic debris. In March of 2026, the P0304 code came on again and…

    NHTSA complaint #11762123 · source
11. Filed Sep 1, 2026MIEngine

    My 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption between regularly scheduled oil changes. There is no visible external oil leak or oil accumulating underneath the vehicle, but the oil level becomes extremely low before the next scheduled oil change, requiring me to add oil myself. I am concerned that continued excessive oil consumption could result in inadequate engine lubrication, engine damage, engine seizure/stalling, or loss of power while…

    NHTSA complaint #11761313 · source
12. Filed Aug 31, 2026WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    My 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo (1.6L Turbo engine) is experiencing severe, excessive oil consumption, burning (and heavy smoke ) approximately 1 to 2 quarts, (Kia dealer oil change standard amount) of oil every 1,000 miles without any external visual leaks. A formal diagnosis by a certified Kia dealership confirms that heavy carbon buildup has accumulated around the piston rings, causing severe ring distortion. Because the oil rings are stuck and distorted, the engine is…

    NHTSA complaint #11761151 · 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