2021 Kia Seltos · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 26owner reports
- 38,967median miles
- $500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
26 of the 97 reports of engine failure on the 2021 Seltos describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (97 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 26 reports
Engine seized on other Seltos years
No other Seltos model year has enough reports of engine seized for a sheet of its own. See every Seltos year.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
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.
What owners paid
7 of the 26 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $250 to $1,304.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 9,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“While driving engine shut off and car will not start. Garage states engine is seized up. It is same engine that Kia recalled”
Filed Mar 25, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 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