Kia Seltos Complaints

532 consumer complaints on file.

#11665474June 7, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Got to engine light error codes: P030100 and P030000. Happened 3 times: 1st time had loss of power and engine light flashed, could not accelerate, and vehicle shuttered. Took to world kia north San Antonio. They cleared the code. It ran fine for a while and same problem occurred. Took back to world Kia north. They had it quiet few weeks, finally got it back, they said they took it on a 60 mile road test no problems so gave it back. I drove it maybe less 2 hours after getting it back and the same problem happened loss power would not accelerate and engine light flashed but did not come on. Called Kia right when happened and brought it right back world Kia North and the service manager said to keep it running so they can see what going on, and they finally noticed the same thing. So it been at dealership since then.about month has past and it not been repaired yet. It been serviced every 5000 miles and been taken care of since I owned it! I have looked up how lot people with the S/X models have had same problems and many recalls on seltos and souls due to same problems. I’m a 100 disabled vet and having a vehicle get me to the hospital reg important. I was given a loaner car which was great so wanted to share this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665420June 6, 2025
ENGINE
My car, over the last few oil changes has had very little to practically no oil. It also has been having the noise when it is low oil. This is already a recall, and when taken to a local dealer, they claimed the piston rings, which is the issue for the oil consumption, were not a problem and within spec. They have performed a test to check oil levels after 1000 miles and am still waiting on the results for the first test. This problem, as written by the recall, can cause an engine fire, or even grenade the motor causing catastrophic damage, potentially to my life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665122June 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the VIN was included; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664693June 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the valves. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and later to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that several months before the failure, the vehicle was serviced, and the fuel injectors and spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663619May 29, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact had scheduled a recall appointment and was advised by the dealer that the recall had been placed on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact that the recall was on hold. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and ascending a hill, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was making abnormal knocking sounds while the vehicle was stopped and idling. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662523May 22, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662129May 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated, and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and failed an inspection. The contact was informed that a new engine would be ordered. The contact picked up the vehicle and was informed that the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. However, an update to the piston ring noise sensing system (PNSS) was performed. The contact was informed that the vehicle then passed the inspection. The dealer refused to replace the engine and the vehicle was removed from the recall list. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle then failed the inspection. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661857May 19, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer but was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming engine oil and required monthly oil top offs. The contact also stated that the engine was making an abnormal ticking sound. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661689May 18, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 4 different occasions my vehicle applied the brakes forcefully on its own at high speeds. The dash flashed with the message "check forward collision avoidance assist system." as well as displayed the following icons: master warning light, hill climb assist, traction control, forward collision, and the Auto start/stop was flashing. These continued until I was able to stop and turn the car off. When I was trying to slow down and stop my brakes were not working correctly as I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor for a long period to stop all the way. When the car was put in park the engine was revving up until it was off. The car was towed to the dealership after first incident and the following codes were in the history: C164202 C161308. Dealership had my car for 6 days, opened a tech line case and without an answer of why this happened nor remedy, my car was released back to me resulting in 3 additional instances. It is now going to another dealership to hopefully get an answer and repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661409May 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Related to the SC336 recall. My 2021 Kia seltos. I brought it in to the dealership before the recall. After the vehicle stalled on me. They did an oil consumption test on it and burns .5 quarts every 1000 miles still covered under warranty. Failed the piston ring noise test and now it’s passed the 2nd time they tried it. Still don’t have a rental car or my car. No leaks and burns oil I believe even more. Oil changes done on it routinely. Now they say it’s good to drive after they installed software. How does software prevent oil consumption?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661306May 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact informed the dealer of the recall, and the dealer acknowledged the recall and that the piston oil rings had failed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had ordered the dealer not to perform the recall repair. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The contact was recently informed that the vehicle needed to be picked up from the dealer location because the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661196May 15, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle went into dealer for safety recall on 4/15. I was notified on 4/16 that my vehicle failed the test and would need a new engine. I was given a rental car. They were unsure of time frame. Later found out that recall had been placed on hold. 5/13 contacted that new test protocol had been released and my car passed under new testing. No engine would be needed. I asked for documentation of both tests the fail and the pass. I was told they are unable to print this out for me as it all goes into the Kia database. No reasonable explanation was given as to what changed that made my vehicle pass, when it previously failed. This feels incredibly suspicious. Now I am just driving around in this car that may or may not have a problem, and the value of the vehicle could be effected, should i wish to get rid of it. I do not feel this was handled appropriately.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660689May 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Kia Seltos has an active safety recall related to the engine (Recall #SC336). The dealership (Darling's Kia, Formerly Van Syckle Kia in Bangor, ME) scheduled a repair but canceled it due to needing a "software update." I was told there is no timeline for completion and that no loaner or alternative vehicle would be provided. I am concerned for my safety and transportation, as the recall affects piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, or fire. Kia consumer affairs acknowledged the delay but provided no resolution or support. This recall has been open for months and is still unresolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660548May 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle rolled backwards and hit a predestination with no one in the vehicle on level ground. I don't know why it rolled backwards since it has never done this before unless someone had hacked into the computer system and caused it to go backwards. I also don't know if this car has the lvl of technology that can be hacked as in the completely driverless vehicles. I only know the theory of computer science and smart technology, I don't know if my car has advanced enough technology for someone to remotely hacking into the car causing it to move backwards or not.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11660541May 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was going to park my car the second I went to change gears my car accelerated forward through a bakery I stepped on the brakes as fast as I could but it was too late
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11660425May 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston oil rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the recall had been placed on hold by the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660386May 12, 2025
ENGINE
My car originally qualified for an engine replacement through the recall because it failed the test they performed. The engine is on recall and I have had a rental for close to 3 weeks. Today Kia called me and said due to changes in the inspection process and criteria for the recall my car no longer qualifies for the engine replacement and I need to return my rental and pick up my car. I refuse to put my family in an unsafe car because Kia figured out a way to get out of replacing the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660031May 9, 2025
ENGINE
I took my car in April 16 for the piston oil engine recall. The Kia dealership said it need to sit for 24 hrs before test. The next day they said it failed. Then, the dealership said I need to replace all the hoses because it won’t adhere properly to the new engine . I receive a notification that my case was open for a new engine. May 9th, the dealership reached out saying they were still waiting for parts. Two hours later they said it needed to retest. Four hours later it passed and it’s ready for pick up. I never got the new engine even though it failed prior to Kia halting the recall. I am concerned for my safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659963May 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was currently on hold. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659722May 8, 2025
ENGINE
Purchased kia in 2021- Car was taken in on April 24 for a recall. I was originally told the recall would take 2 weeks if it failed now South Hills Kia along with Kia can tell me anything. We are 2 weeks in the car I need to drive my elderly mother to her dr appointments with and not one person can tell me when I can get my car back or even a loner. My car has less then 33,000 miles -this is just wrong on Kia’s part and South Hills Kia for not supplying a car as they keep my with ZERO end in sight. Thank you
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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