Kia Seltos Complaints

570 consumer complaints on file.

#11774525October 29, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a violation of safety recall SC336 for my car (VIN: [XXX]), which is currently at West Hills Kia in [XXX]. My engine will not start because the camshaft and timing parts broke. This happened because the engine ran too low on oil and lost oil pressure, which is exactly what this recall is about. Because the car cannot start or run, the dealership cannot do the standard electronic vibration test. Instead of asking Kia Corporate for manual approval to replace the engine, the dealership is trying to force me to pay $5,000 out of pocket to fix the camshaft first. Forcing a customer to pay thousands of dollars to fix parts that broke because of a recalled factory defect is wrong. I demand that Kia Corporate bypass the running test and approve a free engine replacement immediately INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774573October 29, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and triggered diagnostic trouble code P1327, which indicates severe internal engine damage and bearing failure monitored by the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System. This vehicle is subject to active Safety Recalls SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V259000) and SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099) for manufacturing defects in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine piston oil rings. The vehicle is currently grounded at an authorized dealership, Kia of North Austin. The Service Manager initially provided an out-of-pocket engine replacement quote exceeding $8,000 instead of processing it as a $0 safety recall claim. Furthermore, the dealership is currently attempting a diagnostic bypass maneuver to attribute the P1327 recall engine code to a "faulty knock sensor" in order to issue a paid out-of-pocket bill. The manufacturer and dealership have failed to provide a mandated loaner or alternative transportation, causing a severe and ongoing family transportation hardship while the safety recall verification stalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774470October 29, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield has one huge crack and a bunch of tiny nicks in it from very low speed impacts from little road rocks or pebbles. I’ve had to fix my windshield once already from a crack. Car was bought 2 months ago, and probably going to have to replace my entire windshield in the next few months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774140October 28, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 (Engine) and 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact requested that the manufacturer and selling dealer buy back the vehicle due to recurring issues. While driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and started flashing. The contact pulled over and took the vehicle to a local dealer, where the engine was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle stalled while entering the dealer. The contact stated that even though the engine had been replaced, the recurring failure raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772923October 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2nd defective horn failure on my 2024 Seltos. (1st occurrence 08/2025 car backing up into me attempt to use horn to alert that driver and it did not work/ was covered and replaced by KIA as a noted defect ) 2nd occurrence, noticed when another car pulling out in front of me/did not stop at stop sign, I attempted to use horn to alert that driver, horn did not work. I have taken car to KIA dealership, evaluated horn, noted it is defective. Now going on 3rd week of waiting for part for 3rd horn
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772481October 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Brake system failure from the master cylinder was literally leaking brake fluid. I was driving on 10-1-26 and noticed warning signs flashing on and off. Took it to a service center 10-5-26 and was confirmed it was the issue. I could've been in a serious accident from a safety component failing that wasn't my fault.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772363October 20, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the passenger-side rear window spontaneously shattered with a loud explosive sound, without impact. The failure mileage was 38,341.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772046October 19, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Turned rear defroster on before getting on the highway as temps were in the upper 30s. About 5 minutes down the highway there was a loud pop sound and the rear windshield began splintering. By the time we got to a safe place to stop the entire shield was shattered and there were several holes. Purchased trash bags and tape to cover the windshield and during the process most of the glass had fallen a part. We had a 3 hour drive home without being able to see out the rear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772131October 19, 2026
ENGINE
The car stalls for no reason at various speeds. So far, the car will restart but I’m obviously concerned about damage to the engine and the safety of passengers when this happens at high speeds. The symptoms appear consistent with the engine recall for faulty piston rings but my vin # is not listed in the recall. I believe the recall should be extended to other vin #’s as others are reporting similar issues and their vin is also not in the recall list. It is available for inspection by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772246October 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
My 2024 Kia Seltos, with approximately 50,000 miles, experienced a sudden shutdown while traveling at highway speed, cannot accelerate. The dashboard warning appeared as no key not detected and the brake pedal became extremely hard, making the vehicle difficult to stop. The vehicle subsequently restarted normally. This is a serious safety concern. I am requesting a thorough investigation into the cause of the shutdown, including the main electrical system, power distribution, engine controls, and brake-assist system. Please document this as a highway-speed shutdown with loss of normal braking assistance and provide a written diagnostic report before releasing the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769839October 8, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, oil pressure, and charging system warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after waiting several minutes, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust camshaft and alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in July 2025, the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle had passed inspection and was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769588October 7, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769754October 7, 2026
ENGINE
While I was driving off the freeway, my vehicle suddenly stalled while I was in motion. The vehicle restarted, but shortly afterward it stalled again. Due to the repeated stalling and the safety concern, the vehicle had to be towed to a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle as having an engine failure. After researching the issue, I found that my vehicle’s make/model and engine are associated with NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 25V-099 / Kia Recall SC336. The recall describes a potential engine defect that can result in engine damage or seizure and specifically identifies loss of motive power/stalling as a potential consequence. The recall remedy includes engine inspection and, when necessary, engine replacement. (NHTSA⁠) Although this recall is not currently showing as attached to my specific VIN, the symptoms I experienced and the dealership’s diagnosis appear consistent with the issue described in the recall. I am requesting that the cause of my engine failure be thoroughly investigated and that Kia consider whether this failure is related to the defect identified in NHTSA Campaign 25V-099 / Kia SC336.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769472October 6, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED 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 vibration test. 2. TECHNICAL IMPOSSIBILITY & FRAUD: It is mechanically impossible to run a noise vibration test on a seized engine that cannot crank or turn over. Either Kia Cerritos falsified records or Corporate is fabricating diagnostic data to evade a mandatory recall. 3. UNLAWFUL WARRANTY CONSTRAINTS: Kia Corporate is trying to route this federal safety recall through standard powertrain warranty rules, denying coverage over a lack of private cash maintenance receipts. Under federal law, safety recalls cannot be conditioned on consumer maintenance history or second-owner limits. 4. VIOLATION OF FACTORY PROTOCOL: Page 2 of Kia’s official SC336 TSB explicitly commands that a 'Seized / No Inspection' engine status must bypass the electronic noise vibration test entirely and be fast-tracked to corporate Techline for a full long-block replacement authorization. REQUESTED ACTION: I request the NHTSA Recall Enforcement Division immediately investigate Kia Corporate Case Number [XXX] for recall evasion and compel Kia America to authorize a free long-block engine replacement. "Note: This complaint is being managed by the driver's son-in-law and authorized representative [XXX] due to a language barrier." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768934October 5, 2026
ENGINE
Burns a lot of oil bad piston rings, and cylinders # 25v099000/KIA#SC336 incorrectly manufactured parts
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768839October 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Component or system: windshield and window exterior glass surfaces (all of them). A persistent haze or film forms on the exterior glass, most pronounced during humid conditions, rain, and at night, and is not cleared by wiper blades or defrost/defog. Wiper blades consistently reveal what appears to be a residue-like film, likely indicative of a manufacturing defect in the glass layers or coating. Available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: significantly reduces visibility, worsened by headlight glare from oncoming traffic at night and during rain. Occurs during normal driving and is not resolved by wipers or defrost, creating a serious driving hazard. Reproduced or confirmed by dealer: visited two different dealerships, three total visits — two at one, one at the other — and received paperwork for those visits. Both dealers claimed they could not replicate the issue despite it being ongoing and documented with photo and video evidence. Inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: inspected by two Kia dealerships, who provided paperwork documenting the visits and their claim that they could not replicate the issue. Warning lamps or symptoms before failure: none. No dashboard warning lights. The haze itself was the first and only symptom, appearing within 5 to 10 minutes after purchasing vehicle and driving it off of lot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768759October 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Traveling on XXX in [XXX] in the left lane with a semi right beside me and the car engine died. The screen showed out in D or N to start engine. Was able to pull off to the right. The car would start but sounded awful and when put into D it died. Had to have it towed. The Kia dealer said it was from moisture on the thermostat. The screen was showing many different errors while sitting on the interstate. Very scary!!!! There was no warning it just died going 72 MPH in the left lane! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767831September 29, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 to the dealer, who informed the contact a week later that the vehicle was operable. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light was still illuminated, and the vehicle was barely operational and made abnormal sounds. The contact informed the dealer of the issues, and the vehicle remained at the dealer and was diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V259000 (Engine) or 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The recall repairs were previously performed. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to correct the issues. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but a supervisor had not yet returned the call. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767517September 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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 seized or shut down four separate times while the vehicle was being driven. Each incident created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle suddenly lost power. Fortunately, on these occasions, the failures occurred while we were traveling in slower traffic and we were able to maneuver the vehicle safely onto the shoulder. We are extremely concerned that a future occurrence could happen at higher speeds or in heavier traffic, potentially resulting in a serious crash or injury. Following each incident, the vehicle had to be towed. On two occasions, it was towed to an independent mechanic, and on two occasions it was towed directly to the Kia dealership. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as burning excessive amounts of engine oil. The loss of oil has occurred even within approximately 1,000 miles of an oil change when the engine had been properly topped off. We were informed that the excessive oil consumption was associated with the vehicle's safety systems shutting the engine down. Despite repeatedly reporting this dangerous condition to Lithia Kia, we do not believe the dealership has adequately investigated or corrected the underlying problem. On multiple occasions, the dealership performed relatively minor repairs, but those repairs did not resolve the problem. After the vehicle was returned to us, the same serious condition recurred. We repeatedly communicated to the dealership our extreme concern that this vehicle is unsafe to operate because the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767285September 27, 2026
ENGINE
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: aggressive, premature engine oil consumption resulting in a severe drop in oil pressure, loss of motive power, and random engine stalling while driving.On XXX, due to the extreme danger of operating a vehicle that stalls randomly in traffic, the vehicle was towed directly to Fort Wayne Kia (Repair Order #XXX).Failure of Recall Remedy and Dealership Misconduct:The dealership service department completed a software update tied to the recall (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System / PNSS) and claimed the vehicle "passed" their computer sensor threshold. However, the physical reality is that the internal mechanical damage from the factory defect had already occurred. Upon attempting to retrieve the vehicle on their lot, the engine failed to maintain a baseline idle and died immediately upon startup.The dealership’s Service Manager, [XXX], has refused to perform the necessary physical diagnostic engine inspections or a mechanical teardown under the recall campaign framework. Instead, the dealership attempted to charge me an out-of-pocket, customer-pay diagnostic fee of $190.00 to read the ensuing engine fault codes (P001700 and P000B00).As a professional automotive technician, I recognize these codes (Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation and Camshaft Position Slow Response) as the direct, downstream hydraulic consequence of the top-end INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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