2021 Kia Seltos Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while inspecting the engine oil level using the dipstick, the dipstick indicated a complete absence of oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the dealer determined that additional testing was required to identify the root cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,040.

Recall SC209-SC336. Significant blow by, engine tapping. Told by Kia service department that nothing done unless engine failure. So, I’m supposed to wait to experience engine failure while traveling 60+ mph down highway risking possible crash before problem corrected.

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.

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 SAFETY COMPLAINT Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Date: December 16, 2025 Complainant: [XXX] I am filing this formal safety complaint regarding serious and recurring engine problems with our 2021 Kia Seltos, VIN [XXX]. We have attempted repeatedly to resolve these concerns through Lithia Kia in Nampa, Idaho, as well as through Kia corporate, but our concerns have not been adequately addressed. Over approximately the past year, the vehicle’s engine has unexpectedly seized or shut down four separate times while the vehicle was being driven. Each incident created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle suddenly lost power. Fortunately, on these occasions, the failures occurred while we were traveling in slower traffic and we were able to maneuver the vehicle safely onto the shoulder. We are extremely concerned that a future occurrence could happen at higher speeds or in heavier traffic, potentially resulting in a serious crash or injury. Following each incident, the vehicle had to be towed. On two occasions, it was towed to an independent mechanic, and on two occasions it was towed directly to the Kia dealership. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as burning excessive amounts of engine oil. The loss of oil has occurred even within approximately 1,000 miles of an oil change when the engine had been properly topped off. We were informed that the excessive oil consumption was associated with the vehicle's safety systems shutting the engine down. Despite repeatedly reporting this dangerous condition to Lithia Kia, we do not believe the dealership has adequately investigated or corrected the underlying problem. On multiple occasions, the dealership performed relatively minor repairs, but those repairs did not resolve the problem. After the vehicle was returned to us, the same serious condition recurred. We repeatedly communicated to the dealership our extreme concern that this vehicle is unsafe to operate because the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

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.

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.

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)

RECALL EVASION & TIMELINE FRAUD REPORT Filing formal complaint against Kia America & Kia of Cerritos (CA) for evasion of mandate under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099). 1. CRITICAL TIMELINE: • [XXX]: Kia Cerritos confirmed NO diagnostic/recall tests were performed. • [XXX]: Dealer documented engine is completely SEIZED from the "bottom part" (where recalled piston oil rings reside). • [XXX] Kia Corporate denied repair, claiming the vehicle failed/passed an electronic KDS vibration test. 2. TECHNICAL IMPOSSIBILITY & FRAUD: It is mechanically impossible to run a noise vibration test on a seized engine that cannot crank or turn over. Either Kia Cerritos falsified records or Corporate is fabricating diagnostic data to evade a mandatory recall. 3. UNLAWFUL WARRANTY CONSTRAINTS: Kia Corporate is trying to route this federal safety recall through standard powertrain warranty rules, denying coverage over a lack of private cash maintenance receipts. Under federal law, safety recalls cannot be conditioned on consumer maintenance history or second-owner limits. 4. VIOLATION OF FACTORY PROTOCOL: Page 2 of Kia’s official SC336 TSB explicitly commands that a 'Seized / No Inspection' engine status must bypass the electronic noise vibration test entirely and be fast-tracked to corporate Techline for a full long-block replacement authorization. REQUESTED ACTION: I request the NHTSA Recall Enforcement Division immediately investigate Kia Corporate Case Number [XXX] for recall evasion and compel Kia America to authorize a free long-block engine replacement. "Note: This complaint is being managed by the driver's son-in-law and authorized representative [XXX] due to a language barrier." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

The Kia was traveling approximately 45 - 50 mph and struck another vehicle that had pulled out from a stop sign. I had my hand on the horn and the airbags did not deploy on impact.

I was traveling at approximately 50mph straight through an intersection. The opposing car made a left turn directly in front of me and I T-boned the other vehicle (gray Kia Optima). There was sufficient front end damage that my car was totaled. The airbags on my vehicle failed to deploy.

The vehicle in question has been experiencing multiple ongoing mechanical issues, including engine stalling, frequent brake replacements, frequent oil changes, a camshaft issue, and intermittent horn functionality. These issues have raised serious safety concerns. Despite multiple repairs and maintenance attempts at the dealership, the problems persist, affecting both my safety and confidence in the vehicle. I have incurred substantial costs for repairs and rental cars while trying to address the issues. However, the problems remain unresolved, and I am not receiving adequate support. I contacted the corporate office for assistance, but the representative dismissed my concerns and stated I would need to provide maintenance receipts, even though the dealership had already confirmed they were unnecessary. This response was unhelpful and failed to address my safety concerns. Additionally, the service manager at the dealership has not offered satisfactory solutions or alternatives to resolve the ongoing issues. As a result, I am no longer comfortable continuing with the vehicle. Due to my financial situation and outstanding loan balance, I am requesting a goodwill replacement vehicle or a reasonable alternative that will allow me to maintain my current car payment without a substantial down payment or negatively impacting my credit. A replacement vehicle, ideally of the same make and model or comparable, would help me meet my financial obligations while addressing the unresolved safety and reliability concerns.

I’m not really sure what the problem was. I feel like the car may have lost power and I lost function of the car / brakes. I’m assuming it’s either an engine or electrical. Warning lights came on. Prior to losing function, the vehicle felt like it was sorta puttering. I’d give it the gas and there was a delayed, and then jerk forward. There’s a vibration sound that happens when I go around 15-30 miles an hour. Not sure if it’s related. It’s being looked at on June 24. I had to turn off the car and restart to gain control.

Turned rear defroster on before getting on the highway as temps were in the upper 30s. About 5 minutes down the highway there was a loud pop sound and the rear windshield began splintering. By the time we got to a safe place to stop the entire shield was shattered and there were several holes. Purchased trash bags and tape to cover the windshield and during the process most of the glass had fallen a part. We had a 3 hour drive home without being able to see out the rear.

You are driving with all windows up in Florida with the temperature outside from 70's to 90's Degrees with AC on cold and running and suddenly car displays the temperature outside -39 Degrees and the car starts blowing very hot air that fogs all windows within seconds and daughter is unable to see. Car has been taken to Kia of Leesburg, FL more than 5 times. Dealer has changed the temperature sensor and checked the wiring, but the vehicle is still doing the same. Daughter almost had 3 major accidents because of this with 3 year old in the car. Need NHTSA to investigate this and push KIA of America for resolution. Has happened multiple times and we have it on video.

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

This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!

There is a defect in the passenger seat belt buckles, its extremely hard to get it to fasten and it doesn't properly lock, you have to consistently put the buckle in to get it to lock and sometimes it may just unbuckle without touching it.

My 2021 Kia Seltos S was not a part of the original recall on Seltos & Soul vehicles. My check engine light came on and now my car has been at the dealership for 3 weeks waiting for a new engine. The front collision will randomly activate when there are NO other cars around. It applies the brakes when you are driving at speed on the highway. Luckily no cars were behind me. My seat belt has also malfunctioned. I connect it and the warning light keeps beeping & flashing even after I try repeating the process. This KIA is a keyed Kia. And although Kia has recently created an Anti-theft software update, that comes about 14 months too late. My car was stolen in Jan 2022. This morning I hear that Kia is having exploding air bag issues. Don't know which models are affected yet, but it would not surprise me if my car is included. I do not feel safe driving this car with all of the safety issues I have.

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

The car constantly thumps or bangs. Since 15,000 miles. I have had Kia dealer investigate but nothing. The suspension is horrible.

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

ON 11/26/22 I was driving down the road my Kia Seltos showed error messages on the dashboard saying ERROR and then Power Train off, the car then shut off at 55 mph and smoke filled my cabin, I got the car pulled over and called the fire department, there was no flames just smoke and smelled like electrical. It was then after 2 weeks taken to a dealership where they inspected the car and stated the fire was in the engine and the engine needs to be replaced. After doing research on this car and the issue there were at least 4 other complaints filed with KIA AMERICA about this issue

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding noise was heard coming from the transmission. While accelerating at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a rear jolt. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where examination of the transmission revealed metal shavings inside the transmission output shaft speed sensor. The contact was advised that the transmission required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's extended coverage program to address the issue. The failure mileage was 65,500.

Driving on a busy 4 lane highway where everyone was going over 70mph. Car began to shudder in the transmission and lost most of its power. Rpms went up to 3 or 4 thousand when stepping on gas to pull out out fast traffic and wouldn't go above 35 mph. Had to slowly pull out of traffic with hazards on at 30mph with cars flying by in both sides. Finally got to breakdown lane after a mile and tried to use sport shift mode to try other gears. Car wouldn't go above 30 mph and rpms went up to 4000. Luckily there was a rest area 500 feet off the highway. Pulled in there to look at transmission oil dipstick but couldn't find it. Spent over 2 hours trying to get Kia roadside assistance towed to a LOCAL Kia dealer but none had loaners to give so had to use my AAA to tow it to my dealer where I bought it. Hopefully I will get reimbursed for the tow I had to pay for. Still waiting for my service department to fix it. They tried to drive it and confirmed the transmission is gone. The car ONLY has 6500 MILES ON IT!!!!!! No warning light came on to know problems were present. Very dangerous.... Kia needs to have a transmission oil cooler or a warning light installed so this can't happen again!!!!

THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR IS DISTORTED. I DROVE IT HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER HAVING THE DEALER REPLACE THE MIRROR BEFORE WE LEFT THE LOT (WE NOTICED IT WHEN BEFORE DROVE OFF THE LOT) THEN JUST DROVE AND IT WAS STILL WARPED. I WAS SCARED TO SWITCH LANES. THE DISTORTION HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, ON HIGHWAY AND ON THE STREETS.

THERE IS A CONSTANT RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AREA. IT SOUNDS AT BOTHS LOW AND HIGH SPEED. NOT SURE IF IS FROM THE SUSPENSION OR SOMETHING INSIDE THE TRUNK AREA. MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 600 MILES.

WINDOW STICKER INDICATES DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON LX MODEL. MANUAL SAYS TO HAVE LIGHT SWITCH IN AUTO POSITION. WHEN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED IN THE FEATURES AND OWNERS MANUAL THE DRL'S NEVER ILLUMINATE. TOWBIN KIA RESPONDED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND I SHOULD MOVE THE SWITCH ONE POSITION UP TO THE PARKING LIGHT POSITION IF I WANT TO USE DRL. THIS IS CONTRARY TO WHAT THE MANUAL STATES.