Diagsheet

Model year 2021

2021 Kia Seltos

  • 365owner complaints
  • 2recalls
  • 13involved a crash
  • 33,621median miles at failure

Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

miles

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 133 complaints.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou
Transmission fails or needs replacement13 reports
Burns oil or oil level rises57 reports
Engine stalls or loses power while driving133 reports
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing95 reports
Check engine light or misfire73 reports

middle half of reports, median tick. Darker bars have 75 or more reports.

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        How this compares

        2021 Kia Seltos365
        Median 2021 model here (79 vehicles)188
        Median 2021 SUV here (50)211

        365 complaints is 1.9 times the median 2021 model on this site and 1.7 times the median 2021 SUV. Among the 1 Seltos model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

        Complaints filed by year

        1820
        3321
        3922
        3823
        2724
        12025
        9026

        120 complaints came in 2025, 4.4 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

        NHTSA investigations

        AQ25-001opened Aug 6, 2025
        Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2021 to 2023

        Kia 25v099 piston oil ring recall effectiveness. Closed dec 18, 2025.

        NHTSA summary
        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, ‘coldâ€

        Recalls that include the 2021 Kia Seltos

        Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

        25V-099Feb 17, 2025
        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 can result in engine damage.

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.
        21V-259Apr 13, 2021
        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 not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.

        Other model years

        2021365