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2021 Kia Seltos

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Seltos years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Seltos are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 88 of 367 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 223 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports6 fire reports7 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

10 reports
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55,000 miles · Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a tree, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the brake pedal remained depressed during the failure. While being placed on …

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The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a tree, where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the brake pedal remained depressed during the failure. While being placed on the tow truck, the vehicle violently jerked. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the collision center for repair, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated while being moved. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed during the failure, with both feet on the brake pedal; however, the vehicle continued driving. The failure had occurred a second time while stopped at a red traffic light with the brake pedal depressed, and the vehicle had unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. No warning lights were illuminated during the failure; however, the engine was revving unexpectedly. A Police report was filed during the crash. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive but the insurance company towed the vehicle to a Kia dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. During the crash, the contact sustained injuries to the abdomen, left knee, and left thigh, with severe pain in the lower back. Several days following the crash, the contact had pain in the chest. The contact received physical therapy for the injuries. The contact previously suffered from PTSD. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11746782

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2026
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while driving causing the engine to rev itself while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on multiple occasions. Has nearly 75,000 miles …

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Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while driving causing the engine to rev itself while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on multiple occasions. Has nearly 75,000 miles and I've put just over 4,000 of those on it since acquiring it at the end of October/Beginning of November.

NHTSA ODI #11720054

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2026
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter s…

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Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob issues and has not been able to replicate anti-slip issue. Dealership currently has vehicle to attempt to replicate issue and to look into the remote car starter issue. This is unsafe because the car automatically shutters and feels uncontrolled slip comes on also causes issues when key fob consistently dies every other month and get alert, letting me know that the key fob has died. And while the remote car starter is not a safety issue, it is all tied in with the electrical issues that are happening. The issues started after the recall was added to my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11712117

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2025
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

Kia issued a recall for defective piston oil rings. The recall was performed on my 2021 Kia Seltos and showed that I needed an engine replacement. The day that the dealership tested my car Kia suspended the recall stating the test was inaccurate. When the recall test was reissued my car passed and was denied for a new engine. An…

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Kia issued a recall for defective piston oil rings. The recall was performed on my 2021 Kia Seltos and showed that I needed an engine replacement. The day that the dealership tested my car Kia suspended the recall stating the test was inaccurate. When the recall test was reissued my car passed and was denied for a new engine. An oil consumption test was performed on my car and the results were that my Seltos goes through 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Kia will not do anything because I do not have records of 1 oil change that was done at my home. The recall stated the car is at risk for a fire hazard because oil could be seeping places it is not supposed to be. The car will also shut off while being driven if the oil gets below 2 quarts low.

NHTSA ODI #11665851

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

I brought my vehicle to the dealership due to serious safety concerns, including the engine randomly shutting off while driving, sudden unintended acceleration, unresponsiveness when pressing the gas, difficulty turning the key to start the engine, loud noises while running, and the engine, battery, and oil lights coming on. Th…

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I brought my vehicle to the dealership due to serious safety concerns, including the engine randomly shutting off while driving, sudden unintended acceleration, unresponsiveness when pressing the gas, difficulty turning the key to start the engine, loud noises while running, and the engine, battery, and oil lights coming on. This is the second time I’ve brought the vehicle to the Kia dealership for the same issue. The first time, I was told the transmission had been replaced and the problem was resolved. However, the same issue resumed shortly after I got the car back. I called the dealership that day but they were already closed, so I dropped the vehicle off the next morning when they opened. At drop-off, I was told no repairs could begin until the recall was “officially” announced, but that they would look into the issue and keep me updated. Unfortunately, I never received any updates and had to reach out myself multiple times. This morning, I was told the sensor lights showing were “old codes” and that everything seemed fine. They said they’d take the car for a test drive and that I’d have it back by the end of the day. No one called me back. I followed up around 4:30–5:00 PM and was told the service department had closed, but the notes said that after the test drive, more codes appeared and the vehicle would require additional work. When I first dropped the car off, I was told I’d have it back the next morning, and if not, I’d be provided with a rental. Neither happened. When I expressed that I didn’t feel safe driving the car—even if the test drive went well—especially after a mechanic told me he wasn’t sure how to fix the current recall, I was dismissed. As I was saying, “Okay, just call me after the test drive so I can come by and check it out,” Greg hung up on me mid-sentence. This entire experience has been frustrating and concerning given the nature of the issue.

NHTSA ODI #11652690

61,000 miles · Mar 24, 2025
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while switching gears from reverse to drive, the vehicle had inadvertently accelerated and crashed into an unoccupied parked vehicle before coming to a stop. Both vehicles had damage to the front bumper. No warning light illuminated. The contact sustained minor injuries…

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The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while switching gears from reverse to drive, the vehicle had inadvertently accelerated and crashed into an unoccupied parked vehicle before coming to a stop. Both vehicles had damage to the front bumper. No warning light illuminated. The contact sustained minor injuries to both her knees; however, she did not seek medical attention. The air bags did not deploy, and the vehicle was not deemed a total loss. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent service shop, and the contact was asked to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was repaired for the front bumper by the local independent mechanic. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11650214

Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2021
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

The car sometimes will be locked in park and unable to move. Sometimes the dashboard lights up with all error lights and auto shuts the car off in the middle of driving. Sometimes on the highway, the speed notifier goest to 0mph when I am going atleast 65-70mph.

NHTSA ODI #11444911

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2021
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

While driving on the local street prior to entering the freeway, the vehicle completely stalled without any notice. Attempted to step on the brake pedal, however, there was no response. Had to use the emergency brake to stop to a safe spot. Had I been driving on the freeway, the end result would have resulted in possibly a fatal…

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While driving on the local street prior to entering the freeway, the vehicle completely stalled without any notice. Attempted to step on the brake pedal, however, there was no response. Had to use the emergency brake to stop to a safe spot. Had I been driving on the freeway, the end result would have resulted in possibly a fatal crash. While the vehicle stalled, I noticed 3 light indicators were lit: Charging System Warning Light, Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light, Malfunction (Engine Malfunction) Indicator Lamp. Keep in mind, all maintenance and services were up to date including oil change, which had been performed at KIA dealership service. The gears were then changed from "drive" to "park" and attempted to restart the engine. Engine turned back on without any light indicators on the dashboard and assumed that it might have been a minor electrical issue. Attempted to drive back onto the road and then the engine completely stalled again, however, this time the brake pedals responded. Not to mention, there were consistent rumbling sounds coming from the engine after the initial engine stall. Called KIA's roadside services for tow services and after 6 hours, the car was towed to a local KIA dealership to Valley-Hi KIA located in Victorville, CA. Received a call today from the dealership (June 4th, 2021) this morning and was informed that there was no oil in the vehicle and was charged $44.99 for the oil fill. Was told that there was no evidence of oil leakage and was advised to drive the vehicle 75 miles back home to take to a local KIA dealership to run an "Oil Consumption Test." Texted "Stacey Keen" at the dealership the article regarding this recall for 2021 KIA Seltos for a defect in the Piston Oil Ring and asked to speak to the service manager. Current status: Did not receive any text or call back from the dealership and was told that I will receive another update this upcoming Monday to see if the vehicle will have oil left in the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11419720

3,300 miles · Jan 24, 2021
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AT 55 MPH SUDDENLY AND CAUSED DISRUPTION IN THE TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD CRUISE TO THE SHOULDER IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS A SCARY SITUATION WHERE MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS WERE NARROWLY AVOIDED. THE VEH…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AT 55 MPH SUDDENLY AND CAUSED DISRUPTION IN THE TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD CRUISE TO THE SHOULDER IN NEUTRAL. IT WAS A SCARY SITUATION WHERE MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS WERE NARROWLY AVOIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IDENTIFIED TO HAVE A BROKEN TRANSMISSION WITH 3000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11389675

3,400 miles · Nov 23, 2020
EngineVehicle Speed Control

CAR HAS 3000 MILES,CAR HAD BEEN SURGING WHEN ACCELERATING, IT REVVED UP WHEN IN DRIVE, WOULDN'T GO AS I WAS EXITING OFF OF INTERSTATE. WAS TOWED TO DEALER, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SENT ME HOME. I MADE IT 47 MILES WHEN IT STOPPED ACCELERATING AND STOPPED GOING. WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER, WHERE IT HAS BEEN FOR OVER 2 WEE…

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CAR HAS 3000 MILES,CAR HAD BEEN SURGING WHEN ACCELERATING, IT REVVED UP WHEN IN DRIVE, WOULDN'T GO AS I WAS EXITING OFF OF INTERSTATE. WAS TOWED TO DEALER, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SENT ME HOME. I MADE IT 47 MILES WHEN IT STOPPED ACCELERATING AND STOPPED GOING. WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER, WHERE IT HAS BEEN FOR OVER 2 WEEKS. THEY ARE PUTTING IN A NEW TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11376017

Official recalls

2

25V099000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

Feb 17, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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.

21V259000 · Engine

Apr 13, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ25001 · Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

Opened Aug 6, 2025 · Closed Dec 18, 2025

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia requesting: 1) why the inspection test was revised from requiring a ‘cold’ engine to a ‘warm’ engine; 2) why the recall remedy was suspended from April 30, 2025 to May 7, 2025; 3) how Kia notified customers of the recall remedy suspension and the need to re-test engines that failed the ‘cold’ engine test; 4) the number of post-recall remedy complaints alleging engine or other engine related failures; and 5) the warranty coverage Kia is offering to vehicles that passed either inspection tests. On September 10, 2025, Kia responded to NHTSA’s IR: Kia reported the change in temperature from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing was done to increase accuracy. The inspection test uses diagnostic tools that detects abnormal engine vibrations to identify damaged engines. From the initial launch of the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on April 4, 2025 through April 28, 2025, ‘cold’ engine testing resulted in a higher-than-expected failure rate when compared to the pre-recall warranty claim rate. This discrepancy led Kia to re-evaluate its inspection test and found that performing the inspection on a ‘cold’ engine can result in imprecise test results due to normal cold-start vibrations. Kia revised the inspection to ‘warm’ engine testing to minimize vibration interference. Kia sampled the field and performed a comparative analysis between ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ engine testing, and validated that ‘warm’ engine testing was more accurate in identifying damaged engines. Kia also reported the suspension of the recall remedy was due to a software error in the diagnostic tool, which was introduced in concert with the April 29, 2025 launch of the TSB that revised the inspection from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing. The software error resulted in all inspection tests reporting false positives for a damaged engine. On April 30, 2025, Kia suspended the remedy until May 7, 2025, which was when the software error was corrected with the release of the latest TSB and software update. The recall remedy remains available to eligible customers. Kia reported owners were not mailed letters concerning the suspension to the recall remedy. Kia reasoned since it resolved the issue faster than it would have taken to draft and mail letters, Kia did not want to create unnecessary customer confusion involving an issue that would have already been addressed upon receipt of a letter. Kia also determined that mailing letters about re-testing engines was unnecessary since those vehicles were already at the dealer awaiting engine replacement. In most instances, Kia Customer Care agents would respond to customer inquiries related to the recall, including remedy availability, dealer issues, and questions about differing test results. Kia provided ODI a review of engine related consumer complaints received on post recall-remedied vehicles. Kia did not find any common patterns or trends related to those complaints following completion of the recall, as the complaints included issues that were unrelated to the subject defect. To aid in the diagnosis of whether a complaint is related to the recall, the remedy includes the installation of a software program, the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS), that monitors the engine for unusual noise patterns (an indicator of potential damage to the piston oil rings), and alerts the customer by flashing the check engine light and setting Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1327. Kia confirmed that it is not offering any specific warranty coverage for this recall. Instead, Kia has instructed dealers to replace the engine, at no cost to the customer, with no time or mileage limitation, following the installation of the PNSS software and the presence of DTC P1327. On September 4, 2025, Kia issued Subsequent Repair Action (SRA) # SC336YZ, which provided engine diagnosis and replacement instructions for vehicles with a potentially related complaint following completion of the recall. Under this SRA, customers whose vehicles set DTC P1327 will have their engine replaced. If DTC P1327 is not set and it is unclear whether the issue is related to the recall, dealers are instructed to contact Kia's Technical Assistance Center to ensure the issue is appropriately handled. Kia notes that any issues determined to be unrelated to the recall are subject to the 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty for original purchasers and a 5-year / 60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty for subsequent purchasers. In summary, Kia identified the insufficiencies of its initial inspection test that led to a pause to its recall campaign, explained why it did not mail letters to affected customers about the paused campaign or revised inspection test, reviewed existing consumer complaints that did not identify any potential trends related to the recall, and identified its warranty coverage for any vehicles exhibiting qualifying engine symptoms. After review of Kia’s response to the IR, ODI has determined that no further action from Kia is necessary at this time, and ODI will close this AQ investigation accordingly. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.