2021 Kia Seltos: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 355 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (54% of complaints); the 2022 and 2023 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 21 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 355 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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
Show 7 more owner reports
“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
“Engine problems. Car stop running and I had it towed to a local KIA dealer in Medford, Oregon. They said the engine didn't have any oil even though it wasn't time for my next oil change per the mileage sticker. They said the engine has to be replaced. I'm waiting on KIA's approval since it is still under warranty. They have had the car for a week. It's a 2021 KIA Seltos and I'm assuming other people are having the same issue.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“Usually the car would be taken to a shop for an oil change and I did it myself last time and realized the oil was pretty low. I checked over the weekend and noticed the dip stick marked the oil as 2/3 full after waiting 10 minutes for it to cool down a bit. This is alarming because when I filled the oil it was close to the max level.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that days after the engine oil was changed the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle as taken to the local auto service center who replaced the replaced the crank shaft sensor and camshaft sensor but the failure continued to occur. The cause of the failure was not determine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000(ENGINE). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle "slips" when revving up.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 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
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 355 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Kia Seltos. The most complained-about area is engine (54% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Kia Seltos problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,000 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical. 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.