Kia Seltos Complaints

532 consumer complaints on file.

#11673544July 14, 2025
ENGINE
KIA AMERICA, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2021-2023 SELTOS AND SOUL VEHICLES. THE PISTON OIL RINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH CAN RESULT IN ENGINE DAMAGE. Safety Risk ENGINE DAMAGE CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE STALL OR FIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY. After i was told about my recall i took my car to the Vineland new jersey Kia dealer. The look at my car and find 6 more recall. After I took mt car the dealer didn’t not fix my recall. Turn off my sign on my dash board told me to drive it. The next day my car engine stop working. I bring in my paper work with my oil change. Now don’t want to fixed my engine or replace me with whole new car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672253July 9, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH in traffic, the vehicle started to sputter and jerk before the vehicle slowed down and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston oil rings, anti-theft update, ECM, and an engine replacement were needed. The dealer informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 ( Engine) and requested the service records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671567July 7, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that during the inspection, the dip stick was dry, and the contact added 1 1/2 quart of oil to the engine. The contact stated that after driving 150 miles, 1 1/12 quart of oil needed to be added to the vehicle each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 67,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670573July 1, 2025
AIR BAGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Our vehicle was in an accident with extensive damage to the entire front end. The accident warning senors did not go off and the air bags did not deploy. The insurance adjuster said the entire engine was pushed back towards the driver area so it's surprising the air bags did not deploy. In our Kia Access app, only the "passenger turn signal" has a critical error detected. The car has been deemed totaled.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670315June 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Awd coupler which impacting steering and the car shuts off while driving , all the issues accured after recall work was done .Updated the software and the car started to have problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670083June 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle having issues with A/C. Engine light comes on and gives code P0070 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A". Replaced A/C sensor and issue persists. Took to local mechanic who determined it was a circuit in the control module. Repairs should be covered under manufacture warranty. Car is currently at local Kia dealership for inspection. Dealership stated they might not cover, even though it is under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669311June 25, 2025
ENGINE
I have been trying to have my 2021 Kia Seltos serviced to complete the Safety Recall # 25V099. This is for the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System and oil ring check. I have had the vehicle at the dealer twice without it being completed. This is in regards to Jim Shorkey Kia Wexford, 10785 Perry Hwy, Wexford PA 15090. 724-741-1197. Prior to receiving the recall notice I asked the service rep at the local dealer who said that "Consumption of one quart of oil every 1000 miles is normal." The car had probably 20K miles on it, it now has 30K. Shortly after I received the recall notice from Kia (dated April 4, 2025) I called Shorkey Kia to schedule the recall service. It was scheduled for May 7, 2025. I dropped the car off the evening before (5/6/2025). Later in the day of May 7 I realized that I had a voicemail from Shorkey Kia from two days earlier, on May 5, stating that the appointment was cancelled due to the recall process being halted. The process was to take two days, one day for the car to sit and the service the second day. I was told that they needed to figure out a quicker resolution so that the service performed was not as extensive. I picked the car up that evening and was further told by the service rep that too many engines were failing. I called Kia Customer Service who confirmed that the process was on hold. On 5/20/2025 I received a call from Kia Customer Care advising that the recall process has been fixed and that I should call to reschedule the service. They provided a Case # of [XXX] I called and made an appointment for May 29, 2025. I dropped the car off the evening before at around 6:30PM (May 28, 2025). It was a cool, rainy evening. The next afternoon I received a call from Shorkey Kia Service advising that they, yet again, could not perform the recall service. I was told that the coolant temperature was reading 82 degrees so it couldn't be tested. I picked the car up and haven't heard from them since. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669162June 25, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668451June 22, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
i get my lane assist and almost wrecked bc it defaulted without warning. when i came up on a car to fast. it didn’t slow down and try to automatically brake.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668422June 22, 2025
ENGINE
The car prior to the locked engine it ran well without any problems. While driving the car all of a sudden it began to stall. The car began to make a really loud clanking noise before the engine locked up. Due to the circumstances a mobile mechanic was called out to the location to assess the situation. The mobile mechanic completed the diagnostic with a car reader to which it displayed code P0011 code. To ensure it wasn't the car's battery the battery was replaced with a new one thinking that would remedy the situation of the car not starting. However, once this was completed the car wouldn't start again. Per the mobile mechanic conclusion, he stated that the engine was locked up. The car was towed to KIA Sunrise - Sunrise, FL on February 15, 2025. I inform them of the problem that the engine was locked. They stated that they would perform a diagnostic for an authorization fee of $250.00 to which I agreed for KIA Sunrise to do the diagnostic on the car. Based on their conclusion they attested that the engine was locked up as I had informed them. I mentioned that there was a recall on the engine of KIA Soltos 2021 due to engine failure at that point they stated that KIA Corp office had yet to send them notification of the recall relating to the engine failure. They stated for me to wait till April 2025 when the recall for the engine failure would have been received by them from Corp to which I did however, by then I was informed that they now wanted an additional $500 for a diagnostic. KIA Sunrise, stated that due to the engine being locked up they wouldn't look into it until $500.00 was paid however, they refused to take into consideration the $250.00 that was already not long ago, which based on the communication that was had they stated that was the authorization amount for them to do a full diagnostic knowing that the engine was locked up. However, at a later time they wanted more money to do a diagnostic on an engine that was still locked up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668334June 21, 2025
ENGINE
Rick Case Kia Coral Springs, FL refused to do an engine recall since it wasn’t a profit to them and refused to do the service on the recall since they said they are independently owned and don’t have to follow main Kia
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668308June 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2022 Kia Seltos that has experienced a persistent coolant leak. I’ve brought the vehicle in multiple times, but each time I was told the issue couldn’t be duplicated. The coolant reservoir was consistently dropping week after week. Dealership had even marked the reservoir with a line for tracking purposes. Despite keeping the vehicle for several days, the technicians were still unable to locate the source of the leak. I was then informed that any further diagnostic work would incur a service charge. When I expressed concern about this, Mark responded by saying, “The mechanics do not work for free.” Before I picked up the car, Dealership called to let me know a technician had accidentally broken a part, which they replaced. He stated the broken part was unrelated and that the original issue still had not been identified. I retrieved the vehicle and, interestingly enough, for over a year afterward, the coolant level remained stable. After this I contacted KIA corporation and I was advised they could not help in the matter and I'm have to work with the dealership. While changing the oil on [XXX]—roughly three months since I last checked the reservoir—I noticed the coolant level had dropped again, below the “low” mark. I refilled it to avoid potential damage, but it appears the original issue has returned. Ive notified the dealership on 6/19/2025 the issues has returned, I haven't heard back from as of today. The vehicle is still under it's 100K mile warranty and I need help getting KIA to honor it's warranty and not force me to pay for diagnoses. I'm being told this should fall under the lemon law and get a lawyer. I'd rather not go this route , as it's still forcing me to spend money. 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
#11667558June 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at slow speeds and approaching a stop sign, the engine seized. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was repossessed. After some investigation, the contact related the failed to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised contact that there would be an email from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had reached out via email; however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667141June 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to depress the horn there was no sound coming from the horn. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure began in 2023. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the horn was previously replaced, and the vehicle was repaired three times for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667032June 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Issue started to occur around 40,000 miles, when excellerating from a stop to about 30mph and when turning vehicle will feel as if it’s grinding or clunking in the front power train area. As miles increase on vehicle issue seems to happen more frequent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666592June 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Complaint about KIA Safety Recall 25V099 I'm writing to let you know my concern about the safety recall I got for my Kia Seltos 2021. I received this letter on April 14th• and I took it to the dealership as soon as I could, to Federico KIA, at 1911 East Edwardsville Rd, Wood River, IL, 62095. I dropped off my car on April 17th and I was given a rental car the next April 18th and told that my car needed a new engine. Federico Kia kept the car for almost a month with no ETA for a new engine, according to what I was told by the Dealership by call. Then all the sudden on May 12th I get a call saying that my car was ready, I go to pick it up the next day, and no information was given to me about what was done to the car, after I signed the paperwork. Then I found that no change of engine was done and that only they did a "RETEST" and passed. I took the car and felt different vibrations and sounds coming from the car. I call them after it, and they said that all it was done according to Kia instructions. On May 14th I called Kia's Customer Care Center phone number and told them about it. They instruct that the situation was strange, and they agreed with my concern of "Why would they keep a car for a month saying that a new engine was required, and now all of the sudden the car was good, and that I had the right to go to a new dealership and ask for a new test" On May 19th I went to Lou Fusz Kia, at1025 N Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. I was about to drop off my car, they agreed to take it, until they saw in their system that I already did the test for the recall, I explained to them my situation, but their answer was "we are going to get the same results from the test and also there's going to be charge from until, since you already had one". I don't have any light popping up on my dash for now, but I don't like the noise coming from the engine, but Kia seems to not care about it. Also, I feel very unsecure now, after they had my car for a month, saying that an engine replacement was needed, and now by new te
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666355June 11, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while his son was having the vehicle service, he was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact traded the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised contact that he would be getting an email from the manufacturer’ however, the contact was still awaiting the email notification. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665851June 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Kia issued a recall for defective piston oil rings. The recall was performed on my 2021 Kia Seltos and showed that I needed an engine replacement. The day that the dealership tested my car Kia suspended the recall stating the test was inaccurate. When the recall test was reissued my car passed and was denied for a new engine. An oil consumption test was performed on my car and the results were that my Seltos goes through 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Kia will not do anything because I do not have records of 1 oil change that was done at my home. The recall stated the car is at risk for a fire hazard because oil could be seeping places it is not supposed to be. The car will also shut off while being driven if the oil gets below 2 quarts low.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665578June 8, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle is currently in the shop at the local Kia dealership. Over the past week my vehicle has randomly stalled several times. The engine sounded like it was sputtering, and just not accelerating properly. The car would stall at low speeds while turning corners or pulling into a parking spot. I do not have the diagnosis as of yet but believe my vehicle should be considered one of the recalled engines due to its date manufactured and the current issues that are occurring. Noticed stalling at speeds 45mph or less. It's very frustrating with a vehicle having 82,000 miles on it. All mandatory maintenance has been done at correct intervals and now this. It needs to be reported.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665491June 7, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Rear view camera collects rain drops obstructing the rear view while backing up during rainy weather
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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