Kia Seltos Complaints

532 consumer complaints on file.

#11734554April 29, 2026
ENGINE
My vehicle recently idled roughly and shut off at low speeds and while stopped at intersections on my way to work. I brought it to an authorized Kia dealership the very next day. After researching my VIN, I discovered Kia Safety Recall #SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099), which identifies a piston oil ring defect known to cause excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage. I promptly brought my vehicle to the dealership specifically to address this recall. However, the dealership did not complete recall-related repairs. Instead, they determined—without sufficient justification—that my vehicle’s issues were not related to the recall, but to a "crush washer". My vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms outlined in the recall, including excessive oil consumption, rough engine operation, and stalling. The dealership then attempted to attribute the oil consumption to a crush washer on the oil drain plug, despite there being no visible signs of oil leakage under my vehicle at any time. This explanation does not reasonably account for the level of oil loss I have experienced or the internal engine condition. According to official recall documentation filed with the NHTSA, the defect involves improperly manufactured piston oil rings that can damage cylinder walls, leading to excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, rough operation, and ultimately engine failure or stalling. The recall further warns that continued operation may result in engine seizure and loss of drive power. Independent automotive reports confirms that this defect has affected over 137,000 vehicles, including 2021 Kia Seltos models, and in many cases requires full engine replacement due to internal damage caused by faulty piston rings. Additionally, documented consumer complaints describe the same pattern I have experienced—excessive oil consumption with no external leaks, worsening engine performance, and dealerships attributing the issue elsewhere despite clear alignment with the recall defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733783April 25, 2026
ENGINE
I own a 2021 Kia Seltos with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (146 hp) and approximately 38,967 miles at the time of failure. On April 21, 2026, the vehicle began rattling during acceleration and stalling at stops with no warning lights of any kind. On April 22, 2026, my partner and I were driving on the highway when the rattling intensified and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate properly, requiring my partner to press hard on the gas just to keep up with highway traffic. He safely exited the highway and shortly after turning off the main road the vehicle stalled completely on a residential street and could not be restarted. My partner opened the hood, at which point white smoke was visible and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was towed from that location to an authorized Kia dealership. Upon arrival, the service manager noted a burning smell from the starter motor. The engine produced no cranking sound when the key was turned. On April 24, 2026, the dealership confirmed the engine is seized and submitted the case to Kia corporate. The vehicle was properly maintained with oil changes every 3,500–4,500 miles. A full inspection just 3,587 miles prior identified no engine issues. No warning lights appeared at any point before or during the failure. This failure matches the defect described in NHTSA Campaigns 21V259 and 25V099, both citing improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in 2021 Kia Seltos vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine causing cylinder wall damage, seizure, and risk of fire. My VIN returned 0 unrepaired recalls on April 22, 2026, placing it outside both recall populations. However, my vehicle has the identical engine, model year, and failure mode. I request NHTSA investigate whether both recall populations adequately captured all affected vehicles, including those manufactured outside the stated production date ranges.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733426April 23, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the vehicle was jerking while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732994April 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
*The end of March, my car suddenly started making an awful grinding noise, jerking, slowing down even with foot on excellerator. Towed to nearest Lia in Leesburg. Couldn't find anything wrong. Happened two more times didn't take in. Next time it happened in April towed in. *My engine was replaced in April of 2025. *Was fine until 12/10/25. Same grinding, etc. Was worse than before. Found out my 5 yr. warranty ended on 12/09/2025. Had it towed to Ocala Kia where I bought car. Updated software to what it was before replaced engine. Found out engine only had warranty for 1 year. That has expired. I thought I had purchased 5 year extended warranty when I bought out lease but I don't. So I don't know what I paid for. I do not feel confident that it is fixed nor do I trust dealer. *I have asked both dealerships to give me a written explanation on what they have tested for and dates and serial # on parts. I was told that info was only for dealer and won't let me know. I want to know if any damage to parts that were source of grinding. I have all or most of paperwork for service. I am taking car to another reputable auto repair to check it over for so I can decide to get rid of it. *I want to make sure it is on record that I have let you know that fixes haven't worked. Problem is sporadic and unpredictable. I cannot find out what they have checked. This was my last car. I like it but no longer trust it. [XXX] [XXX] CP [XXX] . I have sent in complaint before but never heard back. 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
#11732088April 18, 2026
ENGINE
This is supplemental information for my existing Complaint #XXX – 2021 Kia Seltos SC336 / 25V-099. Key facts and timeline: Purchased as Certified Pre-Owned on August 17, 2025 from Rairdon Kia of Burlington. Safety Recall SC336 / 25V-099 performed June 24, 2025 (mileage 61,378). January 15, 2026 oil change performed at Smith Kia of Bellingham (R.O. XXX). April 2, 2026: Sudden severe loss of power at highway speeds on I-5 North with flashing check-engine light. Vehicle returned to Smith Kia (R.O. 57763, mileage 71,703). Service Advisor Sebastian Goulding confirmed the engine was 3 quarts low on oil and provided a hard copy of the active DTCs P132700 (Piston Noise Detection) and XXX (System Too Lean – Bank 1). Smith Kia performed only an oil change and cleared the fault codes. Please see the attached detailed PDF timeline and supporting documents (fault code history showing P132700 and P017100 still listed in “History” state, Smith Kia records, Rairdon Kia $244 improper diagnostic invoice, and NHTSA confirmation). 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
#11731946April 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2026 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle accelerated independently. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake line needed to be tightened and the brake fluid reservoir needed to be topped off. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that there was no warranty for the repair. The manufacturer denied the buyback request. The approximate failure mileage was 1,322.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731740April 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731229April 14, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 71,728 Recall: NHTSA 25V-099 / Kia SC336 (piston oil rings) – Subsequent Repair Action SC336YZ On [XXX], while driving at highway speeds during a trip from Everett to Bellingham WA, the vehicle suddenly lost power, the check-engine light came on, and it set DTCs P132700 (Piston Noise Detection) and P017100 (System Too Lean – Bank 1). The engine was documented 3 quarts low on oil. This is the exact failure mode described in the recall: defective piston oil rings causing oil consumption, engine damage, and loss of motive power. The nearest dealer (Smith Kia of Bellingham) performed only an oil change and cleared the codes, then declared the car “good to go.” The vehicle was then driven 20 miles to Rairdon Kia of Burlington, WA (the original selling Certified Pre-Owned dealer), where it is now located. Rairdon Kia states they cannot perform the full engine long-block replacement under SRA SC336YZ because the codes are no longer active. Kia USA Customer Care (Case #[XXX]) called today and stated they are “taking the side of Smith Kia”. They suggested getting another dealer’s opinion. We are now being told we must drive the vehicle until the code re-triggers. My wife refuses to do so. She is extremely upset and afraid of getting stuck on the side of the road or causing an accident due to sudden loss of power at highway speeds — exactly what happened on [XXX]. This situation is now causing significant stress and disruption in our personal life.This is a federally mandated safety recall that was supposedly completed before our CPO purchase ([XXX]) with no disclosure. The temporary oil change and code clear did not fix the underlying defect. We request that NHTSA require Kia to immediately authorize the full engine replacement at Rairdon Kia based on the documented history, without requiring us to drive an unsafe vehicle. 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
#11731052April 14, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On April 7, 2026, the vehicle experienced a 'quiet fade out' stall while in motion, resulting in a total loss of motive power. The dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) confirmed cylinder scoring and referenced Techline Case 26022952. This failure is identical to the conditions described in the NHTSA Campaign 25V-099. The dealership is currently refusing to classify the repair as a Campaign Repair, which would include the mandated Lifetime Engine Warratny, and is instead attempting to process it as a discretionary 'Goodwill' repair to avoid federal safety requirements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730759April 13, 2026
ENGINE
Engine issue - unknown excessive oil consumption. I started the car to drive to work and immediately it had a very rough idle. I turned the car off and checked the oil level. The car was on a level surface and the oil level was below the acceptable range on the dipstick. It has been about 4000 miles since my last oil change (around 82000 miles) and I noticed the engine was consuming oil about 2500 miles after that oil change. I added a quart of oil to bring the level back within the dipstick’s acceptable range. Throughout all of this, there have been no puddles to indicate a leak, no smoke to indicate oil burning, and no “Low Oil” warning light. I took the car to a Kia dealership in August 2025 for a piston ring recall inspection, and I was told there was nothing wrong with my car. At the time, there was nothing noticeably wrong with my car. I now wonder if the inspection properly assessed the issue. After looking on the Internet, high oil consumption seems like a common issue with my engine that persists even after Kia’s recall inspection. There was no immediate threat to my safety this morning, but I am concerned that this excessive oil consumption could cause catastrophic engine failure before an owner has a reasonable expectation to check the oil level between service intervals.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730597April 11, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI suffered engine failure at highway speed •The car was found 3 quarts low on oil and Smith KIA Bellingham, WA performed maintenance previously. •Smith KIA dealer indicated the failure is likely tied to the known piston-ring defect. •The VIN lookup does not show the recall, but the defect exists in my vehicle and creates a safety risk. •VIN [XXX] •2021 KIA Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI engine •70,500 (EST) •Date of failure [XXX] •Engine light illuminated, loss of power •Smith KIA service advisor informed me the car was 3 quarts low oil. 4/03/2026 •The dealer’s diagnosis that the engine oil rings failed April 3, 2026. •Smith KIA Bellingham, Washington 98229 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
#11729425April 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a Kia Seltos 2021 AWD EX 24,700 mi. that was recalled and new engine put in on April 12th 2025 to fix grinding noise that occurred 4 times the end of March starting on the 17th 2025. On Dec. 12th 2025 Grinding noise started again. Couldn't find anything wrong and told them to try harder. Said needed software update back to what it was before engine put in. My problem: I don't have the 5 year extended warranty that I thought I had. Never got papers about warranty of new engine which I don't think it is. No papers saying if they ever checked to see if parts affected by grinding had shown wear. Neither dealer where it was serviced had done this to my knowledge and won't give written proof. I never had a copy of any of the paper work I signed in front of me the 3 ½ hours in office. He would go over and tell me to initial or sign. Then didn't want to give me a paper copy but put on zip drive. I insisted on paper and about a ½ hour late he came with 28 pages of mostly size 6 font. I just wanted out. They have known this car has had issues since the day I bought it. I have called customer service dealer and corporate. According to paperwork Im not allowed to ask for a jury trial, go to arbitration or join a class action suit nor get reimbursed for repairs caused by defects. I went to Sr. vs. Crime and they tried to call to get paperwork and they didn't return calls. What options do I have left as the ods of needing repairs seem obvious. My car is worth nothing - bad reputation, and I don't feel safe driving it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729004April 3, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: B001400 and P00A0. The contact was informed that the piston flap and cylinder #1 had failed, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,803.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728261March 31, 2026
ENGINE
On April 4th 2025 I received a letter concerning NHTSA Recall 25V099 and was asked to have dealership run diagnostics. On April 30th dealership says "YES" engine needs to be replaced. Two days later dealership calls me and says new software has arrived and they need to run diagnostics for recall again, this time on May 16th 2025 car passes. NOW, almost one year later and after warranty has expired, the car has a DTC P1327 which is noted in the recall letter and the car will NOT start. Had it towed to nearest dealer and they say since the original dealer "Passed" the recall, I have to pay to get car looked at again. It is obvious to me their original diagnosis missed something and now I just want my vehicle back, but it won't run because of the P1327 DTC and of course the dealership where car is now says since I did not buy it there, nothing they can do? KIA service is TERRIBLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727876March 30, 2026
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption Engine damage or failure Ticking noise from the engine Loss of power when driving Rough idle, shaking the car is not able to be used, for safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727703March 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727616March 27, 2026
ENGINE
Took my car in for oil piston recall. H&H KIA advised my oil level was low. I advised oil change just done 1/16/2026 and under the 6 month/7500 mile oil change recommendation. I provided screenshot that show it could indicate problem related to recall. Dealership did inspection and did advise no oil leak. When I asked about this they advised I had to pay for an engine clean and also an oil test. I questioned why should I have to pay if related to recall. They quickly said the recall was fixed by software update. When I asked again about low level of oil readings the answer was recommending the engine clean. Oil change totaling more than 300.00 . I fear my safety now driving my car due to this which in turn is causing a high amount of uneasiness and anxiety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726992March 25, 2026
ENGINE
While driving engine shut off and car will not start. Garage states engine is seized up. It is same engine that Kia recalled
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725321March 18, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 fail or stall without warning due to defective piston rings creates extreme risk of a crash or fire while my family is inside. The service department at Huffines Kia Mckinney confirmed to Kia Corporate on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 that the vehicle was completely depleted of oil. However, they have not officially confirmed the recall failure because they have not done the recall test. They told corporate that they haven't done the recall because I did not have oil in my car. They have had my car since Saturday, but have not topped it off with oil since it has been there for several business days. I have also opened a formal case with Kia Corporate (Case #XXX) due to the dealer not providing the free safety remedy required by law. There was no oil pressure warning light prior to the failure, however, when trying to start my car and it wouldn't start, the oil and engine light came on. A tow truck came to tow to the dealer. The tow driver was able to start my car using a jumper box. The dealership says my car ran fine and no oil or engine light was on. However, if they ran my car knowing it was depleted of oil, they have potentially further damaged my engine. 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
#11724618March 16, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine, before the engine caught on fire. After the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely. The fire was extinguished independently. There were no reported injuries. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was scorched and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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