Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls, 310 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
2
Recalls
310
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3, 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, t... |
| 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 ... |
| Feb 23, 2026 | ENGINE | On [XXX], check engine light came on with P1327 (PNSS piston noise detection). History includes SC20... |
| Feb 19, 2026 | ENGINE | I am filing a complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L. While driving, the engine made a continuo... |
| Feb 14, 2026 | ENGINE | I had my car to a reliable mechanic who informed me of open recalls on my vehicle. The next morning,... |
| Feb 6, 2026 | ENGINE | [XXX] Kia Seltos engine stalled and then stopped running. Driver attempted to turn engine over with... |
| Feb 1, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ab... |
| Feb 1, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 ... |
| Jan 31, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My Seltos had a recall in 2021 (recall number SC209) because the piston oil rings were not property ... |
| Jan 30, 2026 | ENGINE | When driving the car for a prolonged amount of time at a higher speed, the emissions from the motor ... |
| Jan 27, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My vehicle is included in NHTSA Recall 25V099 / Kia SC336 for defective piston oil rings. The vehicl... |
| Jan 23, 2026 | ENGINE | Dealer has denied to look into recall claiming that it is part of a warranty extension when it is a ... |
| Jan 12, 2026 | ENGINE | . Over consumption of oil causing engine failure |