2021 Kia Seltos: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 372 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (55% of complaints); the 2022 and 2023 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 14 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 372 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2026
“Was driving and power steering became difficult to steer and a red steering wheel icon with a exclamation mark came on in the dashboard.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and there was no oil in the engine, and metal flakes were found in the camshaft. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure, timing failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,707.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2026
“After getting recall work done last year regarding SC336 my sensor went off and now my car needs a new engine due to defective heat-treated Piston oil rings causing Catastrophic failure. Kia is declining responsibly because of lack of enough oil changes. They have not proved this failure was from neglect.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
“The car has less than 50,000 miles on it and the transmission is malfunctioning. Something about the dual clutch system losing protection. It has lost more than 70%. I knew there was a problem when the car reported transmission temp hot.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number : 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2026
“Randomly started having engine issues in July 2026. Had an appt with Kia dealership and said my engine needed to be repaired with assumptions on what the problem is. They claimed it had nothing to do with the engine recall on my Kia and that it was my responsibility to pay for the repair. There has been 2 separate recalls on this car for engine issues which Kia is refusing to deal with or take care of. My car has been serviced by Kia dealership since I bought it in 2020, I also noticed in all my service receipts/reports that they were putting the wrong oil in my car and who knows if that is what caused my engine to start having issues. Car is unsafe to drive.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later flames”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“My engine is damaged and needs replacement. My car starting stalling, when I put the car in reverse the car would stop working, the car starting vibrating and my check engine light came on. When I took it to Southwest Kia dealership, they pulled the recall and stated that the symptoms I was experiencing were what was described in the recall. However, the warranty has refused to repair the recall. I have been without a car for almost 6 weeks. The warranty keeps saying my VIN is not associated with the recall.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
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 not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Seltos years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Seltos by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?
NHTSA has 372 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Kia Seltos. The most complained-about area is engine (55% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Seltos problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,902 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.