Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls, 323 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
2
Recalls
323
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated May 24, 2026
21V259000
ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may no...
25V099000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which c...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the co... |
| May 11, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but t... |
| Apr 28, 2026 | ENGINE | The engine catastrophically failed on an 45 mph road. There was no warning leading up to this incide... |
| Apr 22, 2026 | ENGINE | I own a 2021 Kia Seltos with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (146 hp) and approximately 38,967 miles at the... |
| Apr 18, 2026 | ENGINE | Engine seized and was smoking. No warning lights on dash until engine siezed and then it was ESC lig... |
| Apr 14, 2026 | ENGINE | My vehicle recently idled roughly and shut off at low speeds and while stopped at intersections on m... |
| Apr 14, 2026 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it ... |
| Apr 7, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | On April 7, 2026, the vehicle experienced a 'quiet fade out' stall while in motion, resulting in a t... |
| Apr 3, 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, t... |
| Apr 2, 2026 | ENGINE | This is supplemental information for my existing Complaint #XXX – 2021 Kia Seltos SC336 / 25V-099. ... |
| Apr 2, 2026 | ENGINE | Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 71,728 Recall: NHTSA 25V-099 / Kia SC336 (piston oil r... |
| Apr 2, 2026 | ENGINE | My 2021 Kia Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI suffered engine failure at highway speed •The car was found 3 quarts... |
| Mar 29, 2026 | ENGINE | Excessive oil consumption Engine damage or failure Ticking noise from the engine Loss of power when... |
| Mar 27, 2026 | ENGINE | On April 4th 2025 I received a letter concerning NHTSA Recall 25V099 and was asked to have dealershi... |
| Mar 21, 2026 | ENGINE | While driving engine shut off and car will not start. Garage states engine is seized up. It is same ... |
| Mar 14, 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The engine seems to be failing/affected. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at Huffin... |
| Mar 12, 2026 | ENGINE | I made a turn onto a highway. I got up to 45 mph after my turn and my car stalled. It felt like a wa... |
| Mar 4, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Engine stalled at stoplight. Was able to restart and pulled into closest parking lot where it began ... |
| Mar 3, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was white... |
| Feb 26, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the ... |