Kia Seltos Complaints

532 consumer complaints on file.

#11681999August 20, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car just stopped working while driving on the road. It wouldn’t crank up/ the engine wasn’t operating and the car wouldn’t accelerate. It’s been over a year since my car hasn’t been working. I took it to the dealer and they said the engine wasn’t consuming the oil or something of that sort. No lights came on before it’s like it just went out. It has been inoperable ever since. This was June 2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681948August 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated. A dealer was contacted. The failure had occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half of the repair in January, but recently only offered to cover twenty percent of the repair cost. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681857August 20, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was acknowledged that the failure was a known issue. The dealer recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven and remain with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); which was linked to the failure. The contact stated that several attempts were made to reach the dealer and the manufacturer about the recall repair; however, an update on the repair was not yet provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,621.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681556August 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
In April of this year I took my 2021 Kia seltos to Ourisman Kia of Fairfax (10601 US-50 Fairfax, VA 22030 United States). I took it there to get the piston oil ring recall taken care of, or at least looked at. They said it could take a couple of days so I left my car there. They had my car perked in a lot about a mile away from the dealership for a week or so and on April 19th they called me and stated that I could come pick up my car because it did not pass the recall. They stated that the recall was not available at this moment due to how many engines were back ordered. They stated it would take 3-6 months to get the engine in and do the actual recall. 4 months pass with no word from the dealership at all, so I call them Thursday August 14th at 11:21am, and I was told by Marko that my car had passed the recall and that I no longer needed the recall done. He then told me that the engine had never been ordered. My car sat in a lot for a week, untouched. I get told I need a new engine. Then I’m told I no longer need a new engine. I’m terrified of what could happen to my car, myself, and my passengers if my engine were to catch fire like the recall says it could. The fact that I was told my car needed a new engine and then without retesting my car that dealership says that I don’t need the engine anymore is beyond unprofessional and sketchy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681485August 19, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 times in the last 24 hours my vehicle has completely stopped while in motion. Once on the highway and twice in residential areas. There was no precursor problem to let me know this would happen, no strange noises and no check engine light. It just fails and the engine stops while I’m driving. It’s extremely dangerous and quite frankly very scary. When I called kia today to tell them what happened all they said to me was that since the check engine light wasn’t on, that it was safe to drive and they couldn’t get my car in for several weeks. Then the other kia dealership in the area said they would get me in next week but again that my car was safe to drive. It is most certainly NOT safe to drive!! This is happening while I’m driving and in motion. Twice at about 10 mph and once going 60 (thank god nobody was behind me)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680718August 14, 2025
ENGINE
I took my car in last Wednesday to have the recall remedy done I was told my engine was fine my car sat up after that until Monday when I turned it on the check engine light came on and I was told after checking that cylinder 2 was misfiring and apparently my car was in fact not okay. My car went in on Monday and has been sitting in “being inspected “ status since yesterday. I have called and texted multiple times and can not receive and answer as to what is going on nor did they give me a loaner so I have been with out a car for 4 days now. The service department does not answer nor return my calls and just keep routing me to scheduling who apparently can’t tell when what’s going on either.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680714August 14, 2025
ENGINE
My car was part of the original Kia engine recall for 2021-2023 Seltos'. At the initial appointment I was told that my car had failed the test and would require a new engine. Then I was called and told that Kia had issued an update on the recall and that I would have to bring it in for a different test. I called Kia's corporate office and was told on the phone by them (the guy refused to give me his name) that even if my car did fail a second time that it was hard telling when it could be fixed because they didn't have the engines to replace them with and they were on back order. Then I was told that my car had magically passed the second test. I maintained that I disagreed with them because my car still has issues going uphill and when you pull out it feels like all the power drains. They informed me that they disagreed and the technician had test driven it and didn't have any issues. They tried to coerce me into saying that it was fixed. Kia even contacted me multiple times trying to get me to "agree" that my car was fixed and I refused to answer their calls anymore. I do not agree that my car is fixed and I feel that they are just trying to rip people off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679495August 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Car has stalled 3 times after driving short or long distances in hot weather (near Great Lakes, not even southern heat). Twice in 2024 and once in 2025. It is 2023 Kia Seltos with only 10,000 miles. Dealer inspected it 2024 (possibly not knowing of other recalls) and said nothing wrong. It’s the turbo engine, while I see the regular engine versions have a recall. Could be the rings, crankshaft sensor, ISG, electric oil pump controller, etc. It stalls while at a red light or stop, and is dangerous if on a hill as it does not accelerate and starts to roll backwards when take foot off brake and step onto gas pedal. It has also stalled in traffic on a bridge and then needed to be restarted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679437August 8, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I pulled off the main road into the Walmart parking lot. When I did, the vehicle shut off, no power and steering was very hard. I was able to steer into a space and safely park. Vehicle was towed to Victory Kia in Victoria. Service dept said there was no oil at at all in the vehicle. Vehicle was recently taken in for the Kia engine recall about 3 months ago. Was told I needed an software update and oil change to remedy the problem. I got a full synthetic oil change. The vehicle burned all the oil off. No low oil or oil warning light ever came on. Now, Kia wants me to pay for another oil change and diagnostic and drive the vehicle for 1000 miles to see the outcome. Which, if/when the motor dies out again,then I'll be stranded again, hopefully not on a freeway this time. It's crazy I have to be a guinea pig for Kia to see if when the car dies out again, hopefully it don't catch fire this time when all the oil burns out like it did last time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679369August 8, 2025
ENGINE
Kia replaced a recalled part on my vehicle related to the engine — specifically tied to the known piston oil ring defect. Before this recall repair, my vehicle was running ok with a couple time the car had completely shut off while Driving. This was back in 2023 and 2024 and was told to just add oil by the service dept. Immediately after the recall service was performed like drove it off the lot and place was already closed, the engine light came on and will not shut off, I also noticed a strange engine noise and the car leaches and can not go past 55mph. I advised the Kia dealership, and they informed me that it has nothing to do with the recall fix they did even though i did not have these issues before bringing it in and e to look it and said they would charge me over $100 to diagnose and then it would all be out of my pocket.The recall letter explicitly stated that if these symptoms were present — including excessive oil consumption or engine stalling which i have both and have been told in the past and documented to just keep adding oil in between oil changes — Kia would replace the engine at no cost to the customer. I even called kia and explained this to them to no avail and no help. Despite this, Kia is now refusing to uphold that promise and is not replacing the engine, even though the vehicle now displays all the symptoms outlined in their own recall documentation. This is both a serious safety concern and a failure by Kia to comply with recall obligations. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and could potentially cause a serious accident due to unexpected engine shutdowns at speed. I am requesting an immediate investigation into Kia’s handling of this recall and their failure to fulfill the engine replacement they promised in writing as part of the recall terms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678837August 6, 2025
ENGINE
On June 5, 2025, Kia replaced a recalled part on my vehicle related to the engine — specifically tied to the known piston oil ring defect. Before this recall repair, my vehicle was running smoothly with no issues. Immediately after the recall service was performed, the vehicle began shutting off while I was driving, and I also noticed a strange engine noise. I returned to the Kia dealership, and they informed me that the engine is now consuming oil — a known symptom directly linked to the same recall issue involving oil ring failure. The recall letter explicitly stated that if these symptoms were present — including excessive oil consumption or engine stalling — Kia would replace the engine at no cost to the customer. Despite this, Kia is now refusing to uphold that promise and is not replacing the engine, even though the vehicle now displays all the symptoms outlined in their own recall documentation. This is both a serious safety concern and a failure by Kia to comply with recall obligations. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and could potentially cause a serious accident due to unexpected engine shutdowns at speed. I am requesting an immediate investigation into Kia’s handling of this recall and their failure to fulfill the engine replacement they promised in writing as part of the recall terms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677788August 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that the used car dealer had provided a 2021 Kia Seltos loaner vehicle to the contact while the contact's vehicle was being serviced. The contact stated that the loaner vehicle was returned to the used car dealer for service with an odometer reading of 111,000 miles; however, after the loaner vehicle was returned to the contact, the odometer reading was 69,014. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677648July 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM fluctuated erratically before the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677575July 31, 2025
ENGINE
The engine on my 2021 Kia Seltos failed due to a jumped timing chain shortly after having the piston rings replaced under recall SC209. The vehicle is at a Kia dealership and available for inspection. On July 14, 2025, I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs to follow up on a GoodWill request I sent on June 25th, 2025 and KIA verbally stated the engine had been approved for replacement. When I followed up on July 21 due to lack of communication, I was told the approval no longer appeared in the system. Since then, I have received no return calls, voicemails, or emails despite explicitly requesting that a supervisor contact me directly. I was also promised a 48-hour follow-up, which never happened. This failure occurred at approximately 110,000 miles, well before a modern engine should suffer a critical mechanical breakdown. The dealership confirmed the timing chain was the cause and that the prior piston ring recall repair did not resolve the issue. The failure was sudden and puts safety at risk—if this had occurred at highway speeds, it could have caused total loss of power while driving. I rely on this vehicle as a single mother and have no alternative transportation. There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts before the engine failed. Performance issues were present, but no early system diagnostics caught the problem. Kia’s inconsistent communication, lack of follow-through, and refusal to take responsibility after their own recall repair failed is unacceptable. I am filing this complaint to document the failure of the recall to prevent engine malfunction and the ongoing safety risk associated with this engine design.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676977July 29, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Issue: Defective Seatbelt Sensor - Refused Warranty Repair Vehicle: 2024 Kia Seltos EX Make/Model/Year: Kia Seltos, 2024 Mileage (approx.): 12,033 I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a malfunctioning seatbelt sensor on my 2024 Kia Seltos EX. The front passenger seatbelt alarm goes off repeatedly even when there is no one sitting in the seat, and this behavior is unpredictable and distracting while driving. When I contacted the Kia dealership (Summit Place Kia, Auburn Hills, MI), they refused to inspect or repair the issue without charging me $180 upfront, even though my vehicle is fully under warranty and this clearly relates to a safety system. They claimed they would only waive the fee if they determine it’s covered, which gives them the option to deny responsibility arbitrarily. Kia Consumer Affairs was contacted and gave the same answer: pay up front or we won’t look at it. This raises major concerns about Kia’s warranty practices and possible violations of federal law requiring free repairs of safety-related defects under warranty. I am reporting this to request investigation and to hold the manufacturer accountable for failing to honor federally mandated coverage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676706July 28, 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 dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, and while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with camshaft failure, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty was not covered because the vehicle had not received the oil change at a KIA dealer, and that the oil used was of poor quality. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676008July 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On July 9 while waiting at a red light car randomly turned off, had to put car in park and restart On July 19 while driving about 55mph on an extremely busy interstate highway car shut down completely. I could not restart or shut the car off, car was in drive and we had full power, no issue with battery, no warning signs, we were nearly killed by an 18-wheel truck traveling at normal high speed on this highway. We were eventually pushed off to the side where we sat for 2 hours until family members came. In the car were 2 seniors, 1 battling dementia and another anxiety and a young man who suffers from paranoia schizophrenia. Both trying to recover. In addition, Kia roadside assist wanted to tow us 2 hours past our dealership and home and charge us $661 when we were fully covered. Kia dealership said if they could not repeat the stall they could not really determine what is wrong. This is the 3rd serious issue I have had with this vehicle and each occurrence I was made to feel like the issues did not exist. 1 week into ownership I complained about a knocking noise, was told that the struts came from the factory loose, a month ago the differential gear box needed to be changed. I am now told that it could take a very long time to repair, and I would need to rent a car at my expense and if approved will be reimbursed at some point. I am terrified to drive my new car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674622July 18, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Oil pressure light illuminated, extreme engine knocking, failed acceleration power and engine stalling while driving. Towed to dealership. Was told the vehicle "passed" the oil piston ring recall test and refusal of Kia to replace engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674210July 17, 2025
ENGINE
In late 2024 at 45,000 miles I noticed my 2021 Kia Seltos burning oil due to an extremely low amount oil being removed during an oil change. Who knows how long it was going on. I took the vehicle to the dealership and was told an oil consumption test needed to be done. The test showed after driving 2,134 miles, the car was down 1.2 quarts of oil. That should be unheard of in a 3 year old car with low mileage. I was told it is within an acceptable amount and I should keep doing consumption tests. After month of time waiting and hours spent doing multiple consumption tests, they still will not acknowledge the clear issue with my vehicle. I then discovered there is a Kia Seltos recall which my vehicle has all the symptoms of. They performed a sc336 procedure for this recall and you guessed it, I was told nothing is wrong. Here I am a year, and a half later giving up. I now just fill the oil myself every few weeks while I wait to see what else is going to go wrong. This is TERRIBLE business practice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673648July 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Seltos