Kia Seltos Complaints

570 consumer complaints on file.

#11766893September 25, 2026
ENGINE
car only has 50,000 miles on it and started using a lot of oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765664September 20, 2026
ENGINE
Had the software update for piston recall in April 2025, did all the testing and getting codes p0300 all the way to p0305 being that it only has 4 cylinders a 5th cylinder misfire code leads to piston ring failure, it is also burning oil the spark plugs are ashy which I have photo evidence of all of this and they are covered in oil, my car broke down while driving and lost complete engine power I am medically complex. Dealerships are denying the recall as it was "completed" due to a software update. This is a known safety hazard and I could have died. I have all proof it's the spark plugs failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765477September 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting multiple safety concerns involving my leased 2025 Kia Seltos, which currently has approximately 22,000 miles. I first reported an unusual smell coming from the vehicle in June 2025. The vehicle has been taken in for service multiple times, most recently on September 5, 2026, but the concern has not been satisfactorily resolved. During the September 5 service visit, I also informed the dealership that I had experienced an acceleration problem. The vehicle felt as though cruise control had been activated even though I had not intentionally activated it. After that service visit, the acceleration problem occurred again while I was driving in traffic. This was frightening because I did not feel that the vehicle was responding normally or that I had full control over its acceleration. The vehicle’s horn has now also stopped working. The lack of a functioning horn prevents me from warning other drivers or pedestrians during an emergency. I have also noticed unusual brake noises, even though the dealership’s service inspection indicated that the brakes were in satisfactory or “green” condition. I have repeatedly sought service for this vehicle, but these concerns remain unresolved. I am especially concerned about the acceleration problem recurring in traffic, combined with the nonworking horn, unexplained smell, and brake noises. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these potential safety defects involving my 2025 Kia Seltos.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765047September 17, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My check engine light went on and the vehicle was driving sluggish, was louder at higher rpms and had a rough idle. The light went on around Aug 1st, 2026 and that's when I noticed the strange driving. Brought it to my mechanic that week and they got the following codes: p0017, p0014 and p0013. My mechanic thought this may be consistent with other engine issues Kia's had around the year of my car's make. While waiting for an appointment with a dealership, my car stalled out while I was driving it on Aug 5, 2026 and wouldn't turn back on. Luckily I was not on a busy road or a highway when this happened and was able to pull over without injury or damage to the vehicle. I got it towed to a Kia dealership and they took the engine apart and found that a camshaft dowel backed out causing separation inside of the engine. They had to then replace the exhaust cam, phaser, timing chain tensioner and all seals and gaskets needed for the repair. The dealership seemed to know this was a common issue and a quick search on the internet confirms that many other people with Kia engines (particularly Kia Seltos) around 2019-2021 have also had this problem. The car is 6 years old and only has about 85,000 miles on it. It has had all the required maintenance up to this point. The engine disassembling itself on its own does not seem like typical wear and tear to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764688September 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Exhaust starting putting out white smoke and loss of power on accelerator while speeding up. Normally when merging onto highway or taking off after stop. Assumed head gasket with coolant in oil. Took to get oil change, milky/sludgy oil to back up that thought. No coolant in reservoir. Took to dealership, they claim lack of maintenance despite all maintenance records. They will not report records to kia corporate leading to denied warranty. Will not provide testing results. Claimed piston rings were destroyed. Would not give explanation for loss of coolant. Will not speed up going onto highway and continues to put out white smoke. No lights on vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763256September 10, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Severe Safety Hazard, Corporate Negligence, and Delayed Repair: * After picking the vehicle up following the secondary service, a heavy, toxic smell of raw gasoline began pouring directly through the cabin’s HVAC vents while driving. * I immediately called the dealership. A representative consulted a technician and dismissively told me that the "engine just needed to be broken in." * Acting on this negligent advice, I continued operating the vehicle. My [XXX] son rides in this car daily. Due to inhaling raw fuel vapors, both my toddler and I suffered acute physical distress, experiencing severe headaches and dizziness. * On XXX I returned the vehicle to Kia of Greenville to demand an inspection regarding the toxic fumes. The dealership finally admitted that a fuel ring was broken, exposing my cabin to hazardous vapors. While the dealership has since corrected and repaired this gas issue, it only occurred after my family was subjected to unnecessary physical harm due to the technician’s initial dismissal. 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
#11763263September 10, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Kia Seltos is experiencing engine sputtering/hesitation at approximately 3,000 RPM and the low oil pressure warning light illuminates while the vehicle is stopped or idling. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership opened a Kia Techline case and advised us that the vehicle passed Kia's piston-related test, but the symptoms remain. The vehicle is affected by Kia safety recall SC209, which concerns improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that may damage the engine. Kia's recall documentation identifies illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp as one of the potential symptoms/consequences of this defect. Despite the continuing symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and sputtering at approximately 3,000 RPM, the problem has not been repaired. The dealership has now stated that Kia is requesting oil-change records and removal of the valve cover for further diagnosis. We perform our own oil changes. We were told that without service records the engine claim may be denied and that we could be responsible for approximately $878 in diagnostic charges if Kia denies coverage. I am concerned about operating the vehicle because the engine continues to malfunction and display the oil pressure warning despite being evaluated by an authorized Kia dealership. The vehicle is available for further inspection if requested.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763361September 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The vehicle has experienced two separate episodes of severe engine/propulsion malfunction approximately two months apart. During the first incident, the vehicle began shaking and idling roughly and had very little acceleration. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine to rev, but the vehicle would barely move. A diagnostic scan performed afterward showed DTC P0171 (System Too Lean), but the code was subsequently cleared. The vehicle later returned to normal operation and a Kia dealer was unable to reproduce the condition. During the most recent incident, the vehicle again began idling very roughly and then stalled while being driven. The engine was restarted but stalled again. After another restart, shifting the vehicle into Drive caused the engine to stall again. A tractor-trailer was traveling behind the vehicle during the incident, creating a serious risk of a rear-end collision. The truck driver was able to recognize that the vehicle was having a problem and avoided a collision. There were no warning lights or messages on the instrument panel during the most recent incident. The vehicle is currently at a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealer has not identified the cause and is retaining and road-testing the vehicle in an attempt to reproduce the intermittent failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. Two incidents in less than two months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762123September 4, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car began throwing a P0304 code in June of 2025. I took it to Brookshire Car Care and they ran a diagnostic, but found nothing to be wrong. In November of 2025, the car began throwing a P0304 code again and this time also had a P0303 code and P0335. The car was taken to Christian Brothers as it was unsafe to drive and the closest mechanic to my location. They found the crankshaft sensor to be damaged due to metallic debris. In March of 2026, the P0304 code came on again and I now took it to the closest Kia dealership. They determined 2 coils and all spark plugs should be replaced. Now, again, the P0304 code is back as of [XXX]. I have a long list of symptoms that include the metallic debris on the crankshaft sensor, rapid oil loss, frequent rough starts on a cold engine, a metal ticking sound, constant idle vibration, a/c shuddering when car is idle or turned on and in park. The dealership has said they will not acknowledge the findings of Christian Brothers because they are not the ones who made the repair. They said they will do a thorough test on my engine, however they continued to insist it is likely a fuel injector issue. I am concerned there is extensive engine damage and they are going to try to get out of the repair by saying it’s a cheaper fix and not determining the actual cause. 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
#11762198September 4, 2026
ENGINE
Car was taken In for service and tech noted was low on oil and looked as if was burning oil and advised of a recall. My VIN for my 2023 didn’t come back as effected but clearly is having same issue as the recall on the others with same year and make.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762204September 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The fuel pump that is located within the fuel tank and under my seat somehow got a crack on a less than 5 year old car. I've had several people and mechanics tell me that that is rare with a car of that age. I am a safe and careful driver and purchased the car used directly from a Kia dealership. I have spent the past month trying to get a good will approval and they have denied twice even when I dont feel safe driving a car that will has parts not even exposed to the outside falling apart. My fuel pump is housed within my fuel tank and under my back seat so it is inaccessible to the average person, I have never even attempted to lift the seats. I am now left with a car I dont feel safe driving in with a large loan and a dealership and manufacturer that refuse to explain how this could happen or stand behind it. I'd also like to note that the light came on in early June so change in weather was not a factor. No extreme heat or cold at that time of year immediately prior or after it happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761787September 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I need to open a formal safety and warranty complaint regarding my 2024 Kia Seltos. I originally reported an acceleration problem to the dealership when the vehicle was purchased and they said they couldn’t duplicate the issue but they did not resolve it.The vehicle shuts off while I was driving, and afterward would not accelerate beyond approximately 15 mph. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and I want this documented as an unresolved recurring defect. I did make complaints to Rick case Kia of sunrise and at the time took it back up there three times in the month I purchased it. I’ve been dealing with this randomly since I got the car it shuts off while in motion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761306September 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact became aware several years ago that the transmission was not shifting properly and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the technicians found no failure. The contact stated that on another occasion while in traffic, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brakes locked up while the vehicle was on a hill, forcing the contact to steer to the side of the road and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence, but the following day the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and requested that the contact return the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced 3 times within 3 years. The contact was informed by the service manager that the dual clutch was not ideal for driving in the mountains. The contact stated that during the first failure, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated with audible alerts to exit the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued with reduced power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761313September 1, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption between regularly scheduled oil changes. There is no visible external oil leak or oil accumulating underneath the vehicle, but the oil level becomes extremely low before the next scheduled oil change, requiring me to add oil myself. I am concerned that continued excessive oil consumption could result in inadequate engine lubrication, engine damage, engine seizure/stalling, or loss of power while driving. I took the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership on September 1, 2026 and reported the excessive oil consumption. The dealership did not inspect the vehicle, perform diagnostic testing, or provide a repair order. I was told that because the vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles and is outside the warranty period, there was nothing the dealership or Kia would do and that diagnosis could be expensive. I subsequently contacted Kia Consumer Assistance. Kia confirmed that safety recall SC209 was completed on this vehicle in 2021. Kia advised that this vehicle is not currently included in SC336/NHTSA 25V099. Kia has opened a dealer complaint and advised that the matter will be brought to the attention of a District Manager. I am concerned because Kia has identified piston oil-ring-related problems involving increased oil consumption in certain Kia Seltos vehicles. Although my vehicle has not yet been diagnosed and Kia states that it is not included in SC336, I am reporting the excessive oil consumption and potential resulting engine failure as a safety concern. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761146August 31, 2026
ENGINE
Acceleration is sluggish and vehicle struggles to maintain freeway speeds. Engine stalls (engine turns off, ACC still on) during normal operation. When reducing speed approaching a stop and for making a right angle turn, only the engine shuts off, all accessories (i.e. lights, climate control, radio and navigation screen) remain on. Tachometer intermittently indicates significant increase in RPM not comparable to vehicle speed. With IGS deactivated and AC off there is no change in engine stall occurrence; gasoline level is sufficient enough to not be a contributing factor and nominal amounts of engine oil is verified, yet an engine ticking is definitely audible. Oil changes (including oil filter replacement) completed every 5,000 miles, along with other milestone services in accordance with Kia preventative maintenance schedule. *there is oil burning somewhere, as the recommended amount only lasts approximately 1,000 miles; however, no noticeable traces of oil are observed in the same spot where vehicle is regularly parked. ***Three occurrences w/similar symptoms, CEL and P001700 via OBDII diagnostic scanner (attached history of dealer service and diagnostics): 1. 2024-10-11 @ 56,990 miles 2. 2025-02-26 @ 61,732 miles 3. 2026-05-01 @ 74,839 miles Each time the following parts were removed and replaced: -24370 2E020 (FP): CVVT ASSY-EXHAUST -24200 2E074 : CAMSHAFT ASSY-EXHAUS -22441 2700 : GASKET-ROCKER COVER -22443 2000 : SEAL-OIL On average, this issue occurs at 14,000 mile intervals (57k, 62k, 75k) which, with diagnostics, parts (12,000 mile part warranty), and labor adds a $2,000 cost to own annually. **Symptoms closely resemble Class Vehicle defects outlined in both: -NHTSA Campaign Number 25V099000 -NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 When my VIN is submitted for recall inquiry, neither campaign applies. In the meantime, it's a pain doing so, but I've discovered a delicate temporary workaround: shift to Neutral, press start until engine runs, shift to drive
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761151August 31, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo (1.6L Turbo engine) is experiencing severe, excessive oil consumption, burning (and heavy smoke ) approximately 1 to 2 quarts, (Kia dealer oil change standard amount) of oil every 1,000 miles without any external visual leaks. A formal diagnosis by a certified Kia dealership confirms that heavy carbon buildup has accumulated around the piston rings, causing severe ring distortion. Because the oil rings are stuck and distorted, the engine is bypassing oil directly into the combustion chamber and burning it. This exact physical failure mode—carbon buildup causing piston oil ring failure—is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (Kia Campaign SC336) for the 2.0L Seltos models. However, my vehicle is currently excluded from safety remedies due to its 1.6L Turbo engine variant. This vehicle presents a severe safety hazard, including sudden engine knocking, very heavy smoke from the exhaust, power loss, stalling at highway speeds, or potential engine fire due to running dry on oil. Regulators must expand the scope of the piston ring investigation to include the 1.6L Turbo engine footprint. There were no engine lights, oil lights, or any warning codes. I was told by Kia repair service department that although the car was smoking heavy and smelled like it was burning that I should continue to drive it and then I wasn’t in danger. Please help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760704August 30, 2026
STEERING
Was driving and power steering became difficult to steer and a red steering wheel icon with a exclamation mark came on in the dashboard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760666August 29, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Seltos stalled twice while driving and failed to restart, creating a severe safety hazard. The vehicle was previously inspected twice at a Kia dealer for the Piston Ring Recall (SC209). The dealer diagnosis now shows timing failure codes P0014 and P0017 with misfires. The technician notes that the engine oil is entirely 'metalized' and the oil control valves are contaminated with metal debris. Kia is attempting to charge me $7,182 to fix a failure caused by the exact oil starvation symptoms of their active federal safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758909August 23, 2026
ENGINE
I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot. The accelerator sensor sent my car forward at a high rate of speed, and I missed a brick wall by inches. The second incident was much the same, maneuvering into a parking spot in my apartment building. Spaces are very tight and there is a lot of stopping, reversing, going forward. Again, I took my foot off the brake and the accelerator sensor sent my car speeding into the car parked in front of me. I did serious damage to my neighbor's car and go mine. I can turn off this feature, which I now do.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758393August 20, 2026
ENGINE
I am requesting a formal review of an engine failure involving my 2021 Kia Seltos LX with the 2.0L engine. At approximately 103,000 miles, the original engine failed after losing nearly all of its oil. There was no obvious external oil leak or oil puddle, suggesting that the engine may have been consuming oil internally. Earlier in my ownership, the vehicle also unexpectedly shut off while operating. I paid out of pocket for a replacement engine and installation. Within approximately one to two hours of receiving the vehicle back, the check-engine light began flashing. The diagnostic information reportedly indicated piston noise, even though the replacement engine appeared to run smoothly. These circumstances appear similar to the piston-ring condition described in safety recall SC336/NHTSA 25V-099, including excessive oil consumption, cylinder damage, abnormal piston noise, engine failure, and possible loss of power. However, Kia’s online system currently shows that SC336 is not open for my VIN, and the dealer found no record that the recall had previously been completed. I understand that my VIN may not currently be included, but I am asking Kia to investigate whether my original engine experienced the same defect, confirm in writing why my VIN was excluded, and review my case for reimbursement or goodwill assistance. The failure occurred only about 3,000 miles beyond the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and I have already incurred substantial engine and labor expenses. Please open a formal case, review my vehicle’s production and engine records, and provide a written determination. I can supply the VIN, repair invoices, proof of payment, mileage records, maintenance documentation, diagnostic codes, towing records, and replacement-engine information.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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