2021 Kia Seltos fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Jul 27, 2026NCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   After getting recall work done last year regarding SC336 my sensor went off and now my car needs a new engine due to defective heat-treated Piston oil rings causing Catastrophic failure. Kia is declining responsibly because of lack of enough oil changes. They have not proved this failure was from neglect.

   NHTSA complaint #11753056 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Mar 18, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The engine seems to be failing/affected. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at Huffines Kia in [XXX] where it has been since Saturday, March 14, 2026 and they have yet to perform the SC336 Safety Recall while trying to charge a diagnostic fee for a multipoint inspection that I did not ask for. The vehicle would not start which now I know is due to total oil consumption, which appears to be a precursor to the recall. Having a vehicle that can catastrophically…

   NHTSA complaint #11725321 · source
7. Filed Jan 31, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle is included in NHTSA Recall 25V099 / Kia SC336 for defective piston oil rings. The vehicle has experienced stalling, loss of power, knocking noises, and oil consumption. The engine behavior is unsafe and consistent with recall-related engine damage. Kia closed my case based on a dealer’s subjective noise judgment, but no mechanical engine testing (oil consumption, compression, or cylinder inspection) was performed. The recall remains incomplete and the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11714627 · source
8. Filed Dec 16, 2025MAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Can smell gas fumes in and around car. Afraid to drive. Took to dealer. Fuel pump and associated gaskets fittings needed to be replaced. Not cover under 10 yr, 100K warranty even though the vehicle only has 83K miles. Just to right.

   NHTSA complaint #11705286 · source
9. Filed Dec 1, 2025WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall NHTSA #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, this defect caused my vehicle to become unsafe and completely inoperable for the…

   NHTSA complaint #11702377 · source
10. Filed Nov 7, 2025MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I bought this vehicle brand new in 2021. I noticed at the beginning that when I accelerated that the car would delay in acceleration. This would happen sporadically. Now it is happening all the time and has almost caused me to get into several accidents because of the delay in acceleration. This is a major safety risk. I've had the car inspected at Kia Dealers and they just say yeah, we hear that a lot with this model but there is no recall. There are no warning lamps or…

    NHTSA complaint #11698188 · source
11. Filed Oct 13, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    After being stopped while driving when the car turns off, when re-starting sometimes the car will turn off, I have to put my car into park in the middle of the street to restart the engine. Other times, it will start alerting me to "push the start button" as if my car isn't on already. This causes me to come to a complete stop in the middle of the intersections and puts me at risk.

    NHTSA complaint #11693088 · source
12. Filed Aug 26, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    In January my husband was driving the Kia and it broke down. We took it to the mechanic and they said it was completely out of oil. Spent $5,000 on getting it fixed in a couple weeks later find out there's a recall. Took the Kia to the dealership in Ocala. They and told us there was nothing wrong with it and that they fixed it. It also makes noises when you turn the car on. to this day we still have to put oil in it almost every day. And it still makes a weird farting noise…

    NHTSA complaint #11683110 · 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