Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls, 338 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
2
Recalls
338
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated July 4, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 24, 2026 | ENGINE | I was driving on the highway at 63 mph. I went to change lanes and pass the vehicle next to me so I ... |
| Jun 17, 2026 | ENGINE | To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Seltos (VIN: [X... |
| Jun 11, 2026 | ENGINE | Engine problems. Car stop running and I had it towed to a local KIA dealer in Medford, Oregon. The... |
| Jun 7, 2026 | ENGINE | Usually the car would be taken to a shop for an oil change and I did it myself last time and realize... |
| Jun 4, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Multiple times the car has shut off while driving. It did receive the PNSS sensor thing from the dea... |
| Jun 3, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The car is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk due to the cars potential t... |
| May 29, 2026 | ENGINE | The vehicle started loosing engine power. The vehicle stalled while driving 5-6 times, this posed a ... |
| May 28, 2026 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that days after the engine oil was changed th... |
| 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 | ENGINE | Driving my car on Interstate highway going approximately 65 miles an hour, and the engine just stopp... |
| May 11, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but t... |
| May 8, 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle... |
| 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. ... |