Kia Seltos Complaints (2021)

380 consumer complaints on file.

#11722508March 6, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was an open recall for the engine and to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized, and it was unknown if the recall was related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the engine would not be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721571March 2, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos (manufactured April 2020, ~94,000 miles) has the 2.0L Nu MPI engine affected by a known piston oil ring defect. Symptoms include piston noise, excessive oil consumption, rough idle, reduced power, and codes: P1327 (PNSS-detected knock), P0304 (cyl 4 misfire), P0017 (crank/cam correlation error). These indicate progressive cylinder wall scoring from improperly heat-treated rings, risking seizure or fire. Service history shows: • SC209 (Safety Recall 21V-259) inspection in Jul 2021. • SC209A (PNSS software update) in Feb 2022—explains why P1327 now triggers. • Other campaigns: anti-theft (CS2309/CS2312), AWD ECU (SC242/SC297), ECM logic (SA463). The defect progressed despite early recall work; dealers deny full engine replacement, citing prior completion or shifting coverage. SC209 has no mileage limit—progressive damage qualifies for re-inspection (vibration test, bore scope, compression) and free long block replacement if confirmed. You’ve faced loaner return demands before 2-week period, goodwill denials, and inconsistent coverage. The issue aligns with NHTSA concerns (e.g., AQ25001 on similar recall effectiveness).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720977February 27, 2026
ENGINE
[XXX] Kia Seltos engine stalled and then stopped running. Driver attempted to turn engine over with no success. [XXX] The 2021 Seltos was towed to Kia in Jacksonville Nc. Kia Jacksonville stated engine seized, performed a compression test of cylinders with failure. cylinder 1 had a 135 psi, cylinder 3 had a 105 psi. It was stated that cylinder 1 and 3 had excessive scoring on the walls. Prior recall fixes included SC209 on Jul 19, 2021 with a dealer code of NC072. Recall SC209A was issued on 4/13/2021 per a car fax report. Recall for Sc209A was issued before the Sc209 recall fix. SC209A was not fixed on Jul19,2021. In February 2026 SC209A was updated after the engine stalled, had cylinder scoring and inadequate compression in cylinders. Owner of the 2021 Kia Seltos paid $1304,91 after a goodwill assist was authorized by the General or Regional Manager of Kia Jacksonville NC. Service Manager stated that Engine does not qualify for a replacement under the recall for not meeting the workflow criteria issued by Kia. 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
#11720885February 27, 2026
ENGINE
On [XXX], check engine light came on with P1327 (PNSS piston noise detection). History includes SC209 recall in 2021 (inspection passed, PNSS software added Feb 2022). Now at 94,000 miles with misfire P0304 on cyl 4 and timing correlation P0017—dealer refuses full engine replacement under recall. Service dealer insisted it would be safe to drive 300 miles to Billings, MT from my home base location. Got 5 miles down the road to be left stranded to walk back with no service on a 13 degree day. 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
#11720746February 26, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH up a slight hill, the vehicle shuddered significantly and failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light then started flashing. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to Hamlin Automotive on several occasions. The mechanic replaced 4 spark plugs, oil piston rings, and the camshaft; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic advised the contact that the failure might be related to the fuel injectors. Additionally, the mechanic had informed the contact that the vehicle might be experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair; however, the contact was informed that no issue was found upon inspection of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720230February 24, 2026
ENGINE
I had my car to a reliable mechanic who informed me of open recalls on my vehicle. The next morning, while I was driving, the engine started making a noise and I called a local Kia dealership. I was making arrangements to bring the car in for them to look at when the car stalled, and I got to the side of the road. While I was looking up the number to call for a tow service, a driver passed me and informed me there was a fire under my engine. Within five minutes, the entire car was engulfed in flames. I was very lucky. Someone told me and I was able to get out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720054February 24, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while driving causing the engine to rev itself while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on multiple occasions. Has nearly 75,000 miles and I've put just over 4,000 of those on it since acquiring it at the end of October/Beginning of November.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719683February 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine was replaced April 9. 2025 because of piston issues. I had taken it in a few weeks prior for terrible grinding noise, shaking, and slowing down. They didn't find anything wrong. It happened for a short time twice after and didn't take in as sporadic and would stop. Then it happened again for longer time. I had it towed to Kia again. During time in shop, I received a recall letter. Shop kept saying it would be done next day. After a few days I called and they said they were putting in an engine. I Picked it up and then two weeks before Christmas It started grinding sound and shaking etc. It was towed into Kia I bought from as my Kia roadside had expired a few days before. They ran diagnostic test and said they found nothing. I told they to try harder. Ran another test and supposedly according to some bulletin they upgraded some software back to what it was before engine replaced and the problem should be fixed. Only drove car 1 mile according to service papers I have. I have a 5 year old car with 24,000-25,000 mi. on and I am afraid to drive it. So far it has only happened when driving 45 mph or less. I will not drive it on turnpike or interstate. I want this recorded someplace so it is on the record for other with this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719199February 19, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos has experienced repeat internal engine damage related to oil consumption. An intake camshaft previously failed and was replaced by Kia. The vehicle has now suffered a second camshaft failure (exhaust cam) with dealer documentation of oil starvation. Prior recall SC336 was addressed only with a software update and no mechanical engine inspection. Despite documented oil starvation and repeat internal damage, Kia and the dealer have refused recall reassessment or engineering (Techline) review and are treating this as an out-of-warranty cam failure. The vehicle experienced timing issues and near-total oil loss prior to scheduled service, creating risk of sudden loss of power while driving. I am requesting investigation of recall adequacy and engine defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718721February 18, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My Seltos had a recall in 2021 (recall number SC209) because the piston oil rings were not property heated which can result in engine damage. The problem was supposedly repaired in 2021, yet in 2026 at 50,000 miles I am having piston notice problems and the engine light is constantly lit. The car has stalled on several occasions. I am being told that my vehicle with only 50,000 miles needs a brand new engine block and transmission. The recall was a safety recall to prevent the engine from stalling, risk of a crash and increased risk of fire. Although the issues with my vehicle are clearly as a result of the piston issue which were supposed to have been fixed they obviously were not and I am now experiencing all issues of the recall and bad engine. Kia of Round Rock is refusing to make this repair correctly and are asking me to pay for the new engine and transmission because they say it is out of warranty. That being said, had the recall problem been correctly resolved in 2021 I would not be having these same problems will fall directly in line with the issues resulting in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717855February 13, 2026
ENGINE
On 01/04/26, my vehicle’s Check Engine light came on and the engine was shaking. The next day, my mechanic diagnosed a P0301 code (cylinder #1 misfire), found signs of burning oil and cylinder damage in all cylinders, and noted the car had burned over 2 quarts of oil since the last oil change. He suspected faulty oil rings (previously recalled) and advised immediate dealer repair, warning of possible engine failure or fire hazard. The car had only 42K miles and should have been under warranty, but the dealer refused service because the code was cleared and said the warranty expired 4 months earlier. They claimed recall work was completed in June 2021 and would only help if the check engine light returned. Despite research showing codes are stored in the engine control system, the dealer insisted there was “no way to see the code.” After 10 days, the light didn’t return, so I picked up the car and continued driving, noticing a burning oil smell. On 02/02/26, I returned to the dealer, who offered only an Oil Consumption Test, stating it’s acceptable for the vehicle to burn 1.3 quarts per 1,000 miles—though the car’s oil capacity is just 4.2 quarts. The service advisor suggested I contact Kia USA, which I did on 2/06/26. Kia USA sent a repair order to the dealer, who claimed to be “working on the diagnosis.” Kia USA requested two more business days to follow up. GPS tracking shows the vehicle hasn’t moved except for parking since it was brought in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717522February 12, 2026
ENGINE
Dealer has denied to look into recall claiming that it is part of a warranty extension when it is a safety recall due to the issues I am experiencing. The car began to stall not even a year into me owning the vehicle. I had barely had the car for 4 months, not even enough time for my first oil change and my car stalled on me in a parking lot as I was driving. It shut off. It has done this multiple tomes randomly since. Then one day after work my car wouldnt start at all and when we eventually got it started, it would then stall every 15 feet that id be able to drive it. The entire car just shuts off every time. All of my lights were still working, but the engine itself would shut off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716951February 10, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a failure of the remedy for NHTSA Recall 25V099 (Kia Recall SC336). My 2021 Kia Seltos with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine is exhibiting severe engine knocking and high oil consumption. Despite providing video evidence of the knock to Archer Kia (Houston, TX), the dealership refuses to acknowledge the defect or perform the required borescope inspection. This defect is a documented fire and stall risk. I am being denied a loaner vehicle despite having a medically fragile child who requires this vehicle for surgery and doctor appointments. The dealership is utilizing 'oil consumption tests' as a delay tactic to avoid performing the recall-mandated engine replacement. This vehicle is unsafe to operate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716619February 9, 2026
AIR BAGS
The Kia was traveling approximately 45 - 50 mph and struck another vehicle that had pulled out from a stop sign. I had my hand on the horn and the airbags did not deploy on impact.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715923February 5, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), but the failure occurred. While the contact's wife was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. While the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lunged forward and then stalled. The contact's wife was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that there was no oil in the engine, causing the exhaust pin to be sheared off the exhaust camshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that when the vehicle was serviced in August of 2025, the engine was inspected; however, the recall repair was not performed. There were no oil stains found on the ground, and there was no warning light illuminated, indicating that the oil level was low. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refused to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715645February 4, 2026
ENGINE
We bought this 2021 Kia used and within a year the engine blew. There was a defect in the motor. It had just passed the warranty mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715432February 4, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car makes a jumping/jerking movement & at times, something that seems like a misfire happens. All lights go on and the car will do that jerking issue & become un drivable. This happened to me on the road and I was afraid for my safety as I couldn’t get my car to a safe place immediately. Brought it to my mechanic and he gave me forms of a recall regarding 2021 Kia Seltos which is what I have.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714627January 31, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 continues to present a stalling and fire risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714484January 30, 2026
ENGINE
When driving the car for a prolonged amount of time at a higher speed, the emissions from the motor back up into to the cabin once the car is stopped.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713997January 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I See recalls on transmissions but i don't see one on mine and it is having the same problems as the other Seltos not sure way it's not on a recall list
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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