Kia Seltos Complaints (2021)

380 consumer complaints on file.

#11483034September 6, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving the car at a speed of approximate 30 mph. As I was slowing down for a traffic light, the car jerked backwards. The car braking system engaged without me touching the brake. When I took the car in for service, I was told they could not duplicate the issue. I took the car in after receiving the recall. I was assured all was well with the car, though I was having issues with the car stalling out at traffic lights. I took the car in for service and was told by the manager that they could not duplicate the problem. I became so frustrated with the car that I insisted the manager get in my car and drive it with me until the problem presented itself again. He did and the car stalled out on him 2x. They kept my car for two weeks and called me to tell me that the car had no oil in it. I told them I got a recent oil change at another KIA dealership, so the issue was not my responsibility. No check engine light or oil light ever came on to notify me of any issue. KIA kept my car for over 2 weeks. They installed a Camshaft, Exhaust, Tensioner, RTV Gasket, and engine bracket, retimed the engine, replaced the hydraulic tensioner and resealed the timing cover. I continue having problems with the car. It sputters, stalls at traffic lights and sometimes when shifting gears. I have not been able to resolve the issues with the car even after involving a senior administrator, Ariston Crane, in their consumer affairs department.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11482503September 1, 2022
ENGINE
I changed the oil of my Kia Seltos EX (not turbo) at 14,750 miles and was alarmed to discover it was 1.5 quarts low. I proceeded to check the oil level every few weeks. Here are the results: 16,307: Needed to add 1 quart 17,100: Needed to add 3/4 quart 18,632: Needed to add 3/4 quart 19,348: Down 3/4 quart - I changed the oil Kia states that burning 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles is 'normal,' and thus has no plan to address the issue. This was never the case with the Hondas and Toyotas we have owned. At that rate you would run out of oil between service intervals and the engine would seize. I have read of several such cases on this site. I am recording this oil burning issue here to warn others of this unusual oil burn rate. You need to check your oil regularly and top it off between oil changes. I am also recording this here since my Seltos is not included in the current recall, but it is clearly having similar issues. The NTSA needs to expand this recall and get to the bottom of this issue. Kia needs to address this unacceptable oil burning issue in their engines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11477709August 5, 2022
ENGINE
The vehicle when stoped at a red light or even a stop sign and you go to accelerate it putters out and we have to turn the vehicle off and then back on again before we can move. This has been happing multiple times in the past few weeks. This is the vehicle my wife uses for work and to haul our children in. To make things worse the engine last night looked like it was smoking when she got home. So I opened the hood and checked the oil level and realized there is no oil. I replaced the oil and drove it to work today to see if anything happens only once did it stall out and made a crazy clicking high scratching noise. But when I arrived at work I checked the oil level and again no oil. I called Kia and was informed it’s not listed on the recall and the earliest they can get me in is 8/18. Okay all good but this is dangerous to drive and the oil is disappearing it could catch fire. All I got was it not on the recall list. I don’t care about that I care about blowing up on the highway!! It’s only got 25k miles. So now I have to call around and see who can get me in asap before this vehicle breaks down and I’m really screwed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11477640August 4, 2022
ENGINE
When I start up my seltos after not driving it for hours the engine sputters to the point it almost dies. When I put it in reverse it will either stall or start bucking. And when in drive the transmission will get stuck in a specific gear until I manually shift it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476655July 30, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As I pulled into a busy road my car did not accelerate to speed. It got to approximately 20 mph and would not go any faster. The traffic I was pulling into was traveling at high rates of speed. There is a recall on this vehicle stating the same problem. I am being told my engine type is not listed. They are blaming lack of oil changes and low oil. There were no warning lights stating low oil. The car is equipped with such warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472978July 8, 2022
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, POWER TRAIN, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, an object fell from a vehicle ahead. The contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes, the Blind Spot Detection system returned the vehicle back into the lane and the vehicle struck the object causing damage to the front mid-section of the skid plate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission and fuel injectors had failed three times since owning the vehicle. Both parts were repaired twice under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11471175June 27, 2022
POWER TRAIN
On our way to New York from Indiana when every light on the dash came on. The rpms shot up and down. Was able to coast off the highway IN Corsica IN. Car was towed to nearest kia dealership in Butler PA. The transmission went out on my car that has roughly 7100 miles on it. Dealership has ordered the transmission for replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469317June 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving long distance, (over 5 hours) all of the emergency lights and collision warnings appear on the dashboard. The traction control begins to activate on its own. In dry, good conditions with no rain, I believe it’s the drivers side front wheel that’s engaging traction control while at high speeds of 60-70 miles per hour. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealership and they attempted to replicate the issues but could not, they mentioned that another customer had the same issue, we left it with the dealership for about a week. Our safety was at risk due to the fact that the brakes are engaging sporadically at high speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466628May 30, 2022
POWER TRAIN
Transmission fails at 25,000 miles I have no reverse, Transmission failed at highway speed almost lost control of the vehicle. Had no acceleration temporarily when I slowed down, transmission came back into drive but engine was sputtering. When I got home I realized I had no reverse. It’s a 2022 kia seltos SX all wheel drive 1.6 liter turbo model
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11465265May 19, 2022
ENGINE
Engine Failure - Oil consumption - Piston issues - Scorched Engine At 24K miles noticed knocking from engine - called dealership took it in. Died in the parking lot of dealership. - Service tech said engine was super low on oil - but I was 500 miles away from oil change. Dealer started a consumption required by KIA - Had to drive vehicle in 1000 mile increments and bring it back each time. (Risking it dying on the road each time and risking my safety) 1st trip back oil 1 quart low - refilled and started 2nd round 2nd trip back oil 1 1/2 quarts low - kept car - cleaned pistons 3rd trip - almost did not make it back at 800 miles started acting up but dealer had no loaner cars and KIA said I would have to rent one and they may reimburse me. Get car into dealership - low again and this time they took the next step and engine was scorched. No warning lights ever went off the car just started making loud knocking noises and performance decreased. Now awaiting a new engine. Not only does a safety recall need to be issued for all KIA's (as this is evidently a known problem if you research) KIA needs to be required to re-evaluate their process of confirming the issue - 3 times they put my life at risk of the car stopping while driving. Unfortunately all of the paperwork from the dealer is the car which is in the shop awaiting the new engine on back order. Jones KIA - BelAir Maryland will have all service records.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463884May 9, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS
Let's start off with the minor stuff 1st my passenger seatbelt does not work secondly my hands free my hands free connection on my radio disconnect automatically on its own and won't let me reconnect it I bought a connected about a new phone thinking that was a problem it's not it's the car lastly lastly I Was driven down the road lost all power to my car it was all the oil in it I refilled the oil while stopping her again this time with no brakes could have caused a serious accident I took it to Kia for repairs the engine has failed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463847May 9, 2022
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission began to rev uncontrollably as the steering wheel started shaking without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a gas station and called the dealer to have the vehicle towed. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer and the contact notified the manufacturer of the failure but the manufacturer offer no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463698May 6, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
2021 KIA SELTOS S - ISSUES 1. The engine was stalled in the road without notice. When I started the engine again, it is vibrating and shaking (05-04-2022) 2. Engine has strange knocking sounds. Car has struggle to move when pressing the pedal accelerator (05-05-2022). 3. Loss power on engine, brake was not working. Car run very slow 4. Engine light is blinking while driving from work to home. When I arrived home, car is not started (Laguardia Airport New York to Home in Hazlet NJ - 53miles) - (05-05-2022) 5. Car has only 19000miles. 6. Please note, the car has a recall on the piston ring that is not done. Vehicle Owner / Driver: [XXX] 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
#11462925May 1, 2022
POWER TRAIN
I drove my car less than a mile when the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard and issues with accelerating the vehicle started. The rpm needle moved when I pushed the gas but the car itself did not. Once the car was turned off it started but would not move or rev when the gas was pushed in any gear shift P, R, N, or drive. My car had just hit 17,880 miles when this issue occurred. This would have been a greater safety issue had I been on the road with other cars, there was no warning, or issues in the days previously with my 2021 KIA SELTOS. I’ve personally only driven it for about 8,000 miles as it was just recently purchased from a Hyundai-Kia dealership. The car was towed to Kia Service center and has been serviced for 32 days and counting. The manufacturer and dealership service center initially took majority of the time for diagnosis which included completing an oil change which was due, performing a technical service bulletin, and then a transmission tear down. About a week ago they ordered a clutch actuator. I was advised just recently this did not fix the issue so they’re now discussing a transmission replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462740April 29, 2022
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt fastened and while driving seat belt light will start flashing and beeping. Sometimes unfastening and refastening turns it off, other times it keeps flashing/beeping. Does not happen every time I am driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462402April 27, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact leased a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while his son was driving in traffic, he heard an abnormal banging noise and noticed smoke emerging from the engine compartment. The driver was able to pull off the road and exit the vehicle. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire. The driver did not sustain any injuries. There were no police reports filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000. VIN was not available. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 (Engine).
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460398April 11, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the horn was inoperable and inaudible. The contact indicated that the failure was discovered while driving on the freeway when a commercial vehicle drove into the contact’s lane and the contact was unable to alert the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458784March 29, 2022
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos lost pick up pulling out of parking lot at work. Limped it to a parking lot and had it towed to Kia. Spoke to service guy at Kia dealership today. He claims that my oil was low and dirty and needs to be changed every 4000 miles (manual says 7500). I told him this and he said thats only if I use full synthetic...says it on the sticker in window and receipt. Full synthetic was used. They will change the oil but they feel its an engine issue and since the shop that did my oil change did something wrong (according to them), it wont be covered by warranty. This is a 2021 with about 11000 miles. Oil change was done about 4500 miles ago. He claims that my warranty would not cover this due to low oil. Oh and not one warning light came on. NO OIL LIGHT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I was reading about a recall that I never got a recall letter on because according to VIN # my car isn't included regarding improperly heat treated piston oil rings that causes engine damage and excessive oil consumption. Sounds like exactly what is going on with my car. I certainly cant afford a new engine out of pocket and don't believe I did anything that my warranty should be voided over. I need help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456106March 10, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car was recalled for issues with oil piston rings receiving incorrect "coating" when made. Our car passed inspection to verify the recall issue didn't exist however the car was two quarts of oil LOW. After going through Kia's required oil consumption testing (no oil on ground by the way), we await Kia's decision on a full engine replacement on our 2021 car. Before bringing the car in it stalled unexpectedly in various scenarios, on freeway, going up hills, parking, and coming to a stop. Also the engine was making major noises, clicking, sounds like a diesel, and screeching noises when stopping. The safety issue of stopping was explained by service manager as due to lack of oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11455435March 6, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was coming to a stop sign and I started hearing a knocking sound. My car flashed the check engine sign and then shut off with the battery and engine oil light flashing. It smelled like something was burning. I started drifting back so I had to pull the parking brake, put on my hazards and turn off my car. I tried to start it 2x without it turning over. On the third try, the car started and the lights on the dash resolved except the engine malfunction. I was unable to accelerate above 45 MPH on a busy highway and it eventually stalled out again for a second time in the middle of a highway. I was almost rear-ended twice. Same lights came on- engine oil, battery and check engine light. I turned it off and turned it back on- it reluctantly started and was shuttering the whole time. I was able to get it into a parking lot before calling KIA road side assistance. I had it towed to the nearest dealership who was supposed to look at it the next day, Di d not hear anything back until the 3rd day when I called. I was informed that they would not be able to look at it until the following week. I was able to get it towed to the dealership closest to home, where I purchased the vehicle. They looked at it and informed my that there was no oil in the engine and the the engine would need to be repaired. I never had an oil light come on until the vehicle stalled out. They are saying that because there was no oil in it, I was not keeping up with the maintenance and that it voids the warranty. So now I have to come up with $10,200 to replace the engine block. My car only had 25,516 miles on it and had 3 oil changes prior to it shutting down. The last oil change, I was informed that my car was using more oil than it should but that this was not cause for concern. I am beyond frustrated. I have been a loyal kia customer for years and am disheartened for being accused of not caring for my vehicle, despite having provided receipts from oil changes and no am without a car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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