2021 Kia Seltos · symptom sheet
Engine knocking or ticking
- 25owner reports
- 19,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
25 of the 97 reports of engine failure on the 2021 Seltos describe engine knock.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (97 reports) · also: engine seized
Tick what matches of 25 reports
Engine knock on other Seltos years
No other Seltos model year has enough reports of engine knock for a sheet of its own. See every Seltos year.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
All 2 recalls on the 2021 Kia Seltos, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Seltos
Kia 25v099 piston oil ring recall effectiveness. Closed dec 18, 2025.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 7,000 and 25,516 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The engine is knocking very lauding and the car is using lots of oil but isnât leaking oil anywhere. The car shuts off at random times when the knocking of the engine is very loud. Sounds similar to the other recalls regarding the same year seltos that have had a engine recall”
Filed Jul 20, 2023
“Car has a serious rod knock since 7000 miles. They say nothing is wrong. Plus the engine burns a qt of oil every 600-800 miles.”
Filed May 9, 2023 · 7,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 136 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 75 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 61 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 26 reports