2021 Kia Seltos Owner Complaints

Had the software update for piston recall in April 2025, did all the testing and getting codes p0300 all the way to p0305 being that it only has 4 cylinders a 5th cylinder misfire code leads to piston ring failure, it is also burning oil the spark plugs are ashy which I have photo evidence of all of this and they are covered in oil, my car broke down while driving and lost complete engine power I am medically complex. Dealerships are denying the recall as it was "completed" due to a software update. This is a known safety hazard and I could have died. I have all proof it's the spark plugs failing.

NHTSA ID

11765664

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

My check engine light went on and the vehicle was driving sluggish, was louder at higher rpms and had a rough idle. The light went on around Aug 1st, 2026 and that's when I noticed the strange driving. Brought it to my mechanic that week and they got the following codes: p0017, p0014 and p0013. My mechanic thought this may be consistent with other engine issues Kia's had around the year of my car's make. While waiting for an appointment with a dealership, my car stalled out while I was driving it on Aug 5, 2026 and wouldn't turn back on. Luckily I was not on a busy road or a highway when this happened and was able to pull over without injury or damage to the vehicle. I got it towed to a Kia dealership and they took the engine apart and found that a camshaft dowel backed out causing separation inside of the engine. They had to then replace the exhaust cam, phaser, timing chain tensioner and all seals and gaskets needed for the repair. The dealership seemed to know this was a common issue and a quick search on the internet confirms that many other people with Kia engines (particularly Kia Seltos) around 2019-2021 have also had this problem. The car is 6 years old and only has about 85,000 miles on it. It has had all the required maintenance up to this point. The engine disassembling itself on its own does not seem like typical wear and tear to me.

NHTSA ID

11765047

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

My 2021 Kia Seltos is experiencing engine sputtering/hesitation at approximately 3,000 RPM and the low oil pressure warning light illuminates while the vehicle is stopped or idling. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealership opened a Kia Techline case and advised us that the vehicle passed Kia's piston-related test, but the symptoms remain. The vehicle is affected by Kia safety recall SC209, which concerns improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that may damage the engine. Kia's recall documentation identifies illumination of the oil pressure warning lamp as one of the potential symptoms/consequences of this defect. Despite the continuing symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and sputtering at approximately 3,000 RPM, the problem has not been repaired. The dealership has now stated that Kia is requesting oil-change records and removal of the valve cover for further diagnosis. We perform our own oil changes. We were told that without service records the engine claim may be denied and that we could be responsible for approximately $878 in diagnostic charges if Kia denies coverage. I am concerned about operating the vehicle because the engine continues to malfunction and display the oil pressure warning despite being evaluated by an authorized Kia dealership. The vehicle is available for further inspection if requested.

NHTSA ID

11763263

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Severe Safety Hazard, Corporate Negligence, and Delayed Repair: * After picking the vehicle up following the secondary service, a heavy, toxic smell of raw gasoline began pouring directly through the cabin’s HVAC vents while driving. * I immediately called the dealership. A representative consulted a technician and dismissively told me that the "engine just needed to be broken in." * Acting on this negligent advice, I continued operating the vehicle. My [XXX] son rides in this car daily. Due to inhaling raw fuel vapors, both my toddler and I suffered acute physical distress, experiencing severe headaches and dizziness. * On XXX I returned the vehicle to Kia of Greenville to demand an inspection regarding the toxic fumes. The dealership finally admitted that a fuel ring was broken, exposing my cabin to hazardous vapors. While the dealership has since corrected and repaired this gas issue, it only occurred after my family was subjected to unnecessary physical harm due to the technician’s initial dismissal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763256

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The fuel pump that is located within the fuel tank and under my seat somehow got a crack on a less than 5 year old car. I've had several people and mechanics tell me that that is rare with a car of that age. I am a safe and careful driver and purchased the car used directly from a Kia dealership. I have spent the past month trying to get a good will approval and they have denied twice even when I dont feel safe driving a car that will has parts not even exposed to the outside falling apart. My fuel pump is housed within my fuel tank and under my back seat so it is inaccessible to the average person, I have never even attempted to lift the seats. I am now left with a car I dont feel safe driving in with a large loan and a dealership and manufacturer that refuse to explain how this could happen or stand behind it. I'd also like to note that the light came on in early June so change in weather was not a factor. No extreme heat or cold at that time of year immediately prior or after it happened.

NHTSA ID

11762204

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Car began throwing a P0304 code in June of 2025. I took it to Brookshire Car Care and they ran a diagnostic, but found nothing to be wrong. In November of 2025, the car began throwing a P0304 code again and this time also had a P0303 code and P0335. The car was taken to Christian Brothers as it was unsafe to drive and the closest mechanic to my location. They found the crankshaft sensor to be damaged due to metallic debris. In March of 2026, the P0304 code came on again and I now took it to the closest Kia dealership. They determined 2 coils and all spark plugs should be replaced. Now, again, the P0304 code is back as of [XXX]. I have a long list of symptoms that include the metallic debris on the crankshaft sensor, rapid oil loss, frequent rough starts on a cold engine, a metal ticking sound, constant idle vibration, a/c shuddering when car is idle or turned on and in park. The dealership has said they will not acknowledge the findings of Christian Brothers because they are not the ones who made the repair. They said they will do a thorough test on my engine, however they continued to insist it is likely a fuel injector issue. I am concerned there is extensive engine damage and they are going to try to get out of the repair by saying it’s a cheaper fix and not determining the actual cause. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762123

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

My 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption between regularly scheduled oil changes. There is no visible external oil leak or oil accumulating underneath the vehicle, but the oil level becomes extremely low before the next scheduled oil change, requiring me to add oil myself. I am concerned that continued excessive oil consumption could result in inadequate engine lubrication, engine damage, engine seizure/stalling, or loss of power while driving. I took the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership on September 1, 2026 and reported the excessive oil consumption. The dealership did not inspect the vehicle, perform diagnostic testing, or provide a repair order. I was told that because the vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles and is outside the warranty period, there was nothing the dealership or Kia would do and that diagnosis could be expensive. I subsequently contacted Kia Consumer Assistance. Kia confirmed that safety recall SC209 was completed on this vehicle in 2021. Kia advised that this vehicle is not currently included in SC336/NHTSA 25V099. Kia has opened a dealer complaint and advised that the matter will be brought to the attention of a District Manager. I am concerned because Kia has identified piston oil-ring-related problems involving increased oil consumption in certain Kia Seltos vehicles. Although my vehicle has not yet been diagnosed and Kia states that it is not included in SC336, I am reporting the excessive oil consumption and potential resulting engine failure as a safety concern. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11761313

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact became aware several years ago that the transmission was not shifting properly and the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the technicians found no failure. The contact stated that on another occasion while in traffic, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the brakes locked up while the vehicle was on a hill, forcing the contact to steer to the side of the road and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence, but the following day the vehicle stalled. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and requested that the contact return the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced 3 times within 3 years. The contact was informed by the service manager that the dual clutch was not ideal for driving in the mountains. The contact stated that during the first failure, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated with audible alerts to exit the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued with reduced power.

NHTSA ID

11761306

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

My 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo (1.6L Turbo engine) is experiencing severe, excessive oil consumption, burning (and heavy smoke ) approximately 1 to 2 quarts, (Kia dealer oil change standard amount) of oil every 1,000 miles without any external visual leaks. A formal diagnosis by a certified Kia dealership confirms that heavy carbon buildup has accumulated around the piston rings, causing severe ring distortion. Because the oil rings are stuck and distorted, the engine is bypassing oil directly into the combustion chamber and burning it. This exact physical failure mode—carbon buildup causing piston oil ring failure—is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (Kia Campaign SC336) for the 2.0L Seltos models. However, my vehicle is currently excluded from safety remedies due to its 1.6L Turbo engine variant. This vehicle presents a severe safety hazard, including sudden engine knocking, very heavy smoke from the exhaust, power loss, stalling at highway speeds, or potential engine fire due to running dry on oil. Regulators must expand the scope of the piston ring investigation to include the 1.6L Turbo engine footprint. There were no engine lights, oil lights, or any warning codes. I was told by Kia repair service department that although the car was smoking heavy and smelled like it was burning that I should continue to drive it and then I wasn’t in danger. Please help

NHTSA ID

11761151

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Acceleration is sluggish and vehicle struggles to maintain freeway speeds. Engine stalls (engine turns off, ACC still on) during normal operation. When reducing speed approaching a stop and for making a right angle turn, only the engine shuts off, all accessories (i.e. lights, climate control, radio and navigation screen) remain on. Tachometer intermittently indicates significant increase in RPM not comparable to vehicle speed. With IGS deactivated and AC off there is no change in engine stall occurrence; gasoline level is sufficient enough to not be a contributing factor and nominal amounts of engine oil is verified, yet an engine ticking is definitely audible. Oil changes (including oil filter replacement) completed every 5,000 miles, along with other milestone services in accordance with Kia preventative maintenance schedule. *there is oil burning somewhere, as the recommended amount only lasts approximately 1,000 miles; however, no noticeable traces of oil are observed in the same spot where vehicle is regularly parked. ***Three occurrences w/similar symptoms, CEL and P001700 via OBDII diagnostic scanner (attached history of dealer service and diagnostics): 1. 2024-10-11 @ 56,990 miles 2. 2025-02-26 @ 61,732 miles 3. 2026-05-01 @ 74,839 miles Each time the following parts were removed and replaced: -24370 2E020 (FP): CVVT ASSY-EXHAUST -24200 2E074 : CAMSHAFT ASSY-EXHAUS -22441 2700 : GASKET-ROCKER COVER -22443 2000 : SEAL-OIL On average, this issue occurs at 14,000 mile intervals (57k, 62k, 75k) which, with diagnostics, parts (12,000 mile part warranty), and labor adds a $2,000 cost to own annually. **Symptoms closely resemble Class Vehicle defects outlined in both: -NHTSA Campaign Number 25V099000 -NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 When my VIN is submitted for recall inquiry, neither campaign applies. In the meantime, it's a pain doing so, but I've discovered a delicate temporary workaround: shift to Neutral, press start until engine runs, shift to drive

NHTSA ID

11761146

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

Was driving and power steering became difficult to steer and a red steering wheel icon with a exclamation mark came on in the dashboard.

NHTSA ID

11760704

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

My 2021 Kia Seltos stalled twice while driving and failed to restart, creating a severe safety hazard. The vehicle was previously inspected twice at a Kia dealer for the Piston Ring Recall (SC209). The dealer diagnosis now shows timing failure codes P0014 and P0017 with misfires. The technician notes that the engine oil is entirely 'metalized' and the oil control valves are contaminated with metal debris. Kia is attempting to charge me $7,182 to fix a failure caused by the exact oil starvation symptoms of their active federal safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11760666

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

I am requesting a formal review of an engine failure involving my 2021 Kia Seltos LX with the 2.0L engine. At approximately 103,000 miles, the original engine failed after losing nearly all of its oil. There was no obvious external oil leak or oil puddle, suggesting that the engine may have been consuming oil internally. Earlier in my ownership, the vehicle also unexpectedly shut off while operating. I paid out of pocket for a replacement engine and installation. Within approximately one to two hours of receiving the vehicle back, the check-engine light began flashing. The diagnostic information reportedly indicated piston noise, even though the replacement engine appeared to run smoothly. These circumstances appear similar to the piston-ring condition described in safety recall SC336/NHTSA 25V-099, including excessive oil consumption, cylinder damage, abnormal piston noise, engine failure, and possible loss of power. However, Kia’s online system currently shows that SC336 is not open for my VIN, and the dealer found no record that the recall had previously been completed. I understand that my VIN may not currently be included, but I am asking Kia to investigate whether my original engine experienced the same defect, confirm in writing why my VIN was excluded, and review my case for reimbursement or goodwill assistance. The failure occurred only about 3,000 miles beyond the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and I have already incurred substantial engine and labor expenses. Please open a formal case, review my vehicle’s production and engine records, and provide a written determination. I can supply the VIN, repair invoices, proof of payment, mileage records, maintenance documentation, diagnostic codes, towing records, and replacement-engine information.

NHTSA ID

11758393

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

Mileage

103,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and there was no oil in the engine, and metal flakes were found in the camshaft. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure, timing failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,707.

NHTSA ID

11758348

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Mileage

71,707 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11756900

Incident

Jul 2, 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.

NHTSA ID

11755100

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

While driving normally at approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and spontaneous structural failure of the rear driver-side suspension and drivetrain. Without striking any road debris, potholes, or other vehicles, the entire driver-side rear wheel, wheel assembly, and structural axle components completely fractured and ejected from the moving vehicle. An eyewitness at the scene explicitly confirmed the nature of the failure, stating on video that they observed the 'entire rear axle just come right out' while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle sustained extreme structural damage, completely disabling it on a high-speed highway and creating an immediate, life-threatening situation. The vehicle is a low-mileage Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) unit with under 24,000 total miles on the odometer, indicating a severe manufacturing, material, or component fatigue defect rather than wear-and-tear. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently being held at a recovery yard and is fully available for inspection upon request. A formal defect investigation has been initiated with the manufacturer, and the insurance provider is inspecting the sheared axle and metal components for structural forensic analysis

NHTSA ID

11754636

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that on March 13, 2026, the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however; the spark plugs were not replaced when the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine associated with the spark plug. The dealer stated that the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact stated that the failure was caused by the dealer not installing new spark plugs during the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall repair was performed and was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11753845

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Mileage

92,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that while the technician was attempting to start the vehicle, the engine seized, and the contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.

NHTSA ID

11753695

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

Mileage

77,500 mi

Purchased new, Feb, 2020. Received piston ring defect recall notice (SC209). Serviced by dealer July, 2021. In 2025, noticed engine knocking noise. Car stalling out. No warning lights. Car 3 quarts low on oil. Consumption tests proved excessive oil used. Piston ring soak (Kia's "solution") did nothing to reduce oil use. After ring soak, oil still low at 1000 mile test. I stressed my belief the engine needs replacement and a ring soak is a band aid, NOT a permanent fix. Was asked to drive 3000 miles, check the oil, and top off if necessary. The engine was noisy during this test. At the 3000 mile mark, I pulled the dipstick. Bone dry. Drove to the dealer and told them it was very low. They sent me to the lounge and said they would pull the car in and come get me. When they didn't come, I went to check, to find a service rep putting oil in my car out in the parking lot. He claimed it was only about one quart low. Then, another consumption test at 1000 miles. Low again. They wanted to do another 1000 mile check after this. They changed the oil and told me to come back at 1000 miles. When I came back, I asked to be present to witness the oil level. They took me to the lounge, said they were pulling the car into the shop, and would come get me. Again, they pulled the stick without my presence, and told me it was full. Now, they want me to do another 4000 mile test. I took the vehicle to two independent mechanics. Their borescope inspection proved engine damage. I have filed a complaint with Kia Corporate and it seems to be falling on deaf ears. I demand a full refund at this point! Kia has lost my trust, both in quality and customer service. I have all the maintenance records and a written statement regarding engine damage, along with photos from the borescope.

NHTSA ID

11753530

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11753443

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11753056

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

Just purchased a used 2021 KIA seltos with about 45k miles. I did my research and checked prior if there were any major issues. Since it showed zero recalls and received relatively good reviews I thought it would be a safe and reliable vehicle. I was wrong.I had the vehicle for only about three months when I noticed the check engine light come on while driving on the freeway. It was solid, however, I thought it was better to be safe than sorry and started to look for an exit. While driving up a freeway interchange the car suddenly started to lose speed. I pressed the accelerator but couldn’t get any power to the engine. As the car started to slow rapidly I pulled over to a narrow strip of the road. This was a dangerous stretch of the freeway because there was virtually no shoulder and cars were accelerating to merge up the rising ramp on the stack. After I came to a stop I put the car in park and turn it off. I then tried to restart the engine but had no luck. The engine would crank but would not start. I was now stuck and getting anxious as traffic began to steadily increase. Cars were flying by at high speeds less than a foot away. I had no choice but to call for a tow truck and patiently wait. I sat there praying that nobody would hit my car. I was fortunate to be safely towed to a service center.The technician performed a borescope and found severe scoring on the cylinder walls directly relating to defective piston rings. The improperly heat-treated piston rings chipped and literally carved deep grooves into the block dropping the compression causing the car to sputter and die.The engine has internal damage and will not start. Needs a new long block (Engine replacement). There is a recall on these piston rings.The dealership sent in their inspection including compression test and borescope images showing the groves and scoring on the cylinder walls. KIA is refusing to cover cost because the car is out of warranty. Safety recalls never expire with warranty!!!!!!

NHTSA ID

11752762

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Car was driving absolutely fine, no dash lights no signs of distress for 1.5 years then suddenly out of the blue it made a "weird noise" -no lights on dash board, and it went away. Two days later my daughter was sitting in a fast-food line and the car just died. They had to push her out of the line. She turned the car off and when she turned it back on it started up and she drove home. We made an appointment to have it looked at but with in two days before getting to the appointment it happened again, same thing different place so she drove it home. it was looked at by Pep-Boys they told us it needs a new engine. Referred us to the recall of the Seltos 2021. We then towed it to Kia Dealership and they have confirmed it is the engine and that it needs to be replaced. The car is doing exactly what the recall was specified for and they are asking us to pay because the vin number of my daughter's car is not included in the batch of vin numbers recalled. My daughter's safety was compromised by the faulty manufacturing, the car has less than 60 thousand miles on it. We are the second owner, bought at Carvana and was certified by Carvana. I wanted to file this report to ensure all options have been explored for KIA to be held accountable for the repairs. Luckily my daughter was not hurt or endanger, but it could have easily been another story.

NHTSA ID

11752002

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that one quart of engine oil or more needed to be added after an oil change had been performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11751473

Incident

May 1, 2024

Mileage

25,000 mi