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.
The worst 2021 Kia Seltos problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine280
- Transmission68
- Electrical48
- Fuel system28
- Driver assistance12
- Acceleration11
- Airbags6
- Brakes6
- Visibility6
- Seat belts5
- Steering5
- Suspension4
- Body2
- Lights1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Kia Seltos
Stalling 101Engine failure 100Check engine light 80Oil consumption 70Knocking 31Loss of power 27Misfire 18Transmission failure 18Jerking 14Won't start 13Grinding brakes 11Fire or smoke 10Hesitation 8Overheating 8No deployment 7Shudder 7Collision warning 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos mention
P0017 7P1327 4P0014 3P0304 3P0011 2
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 25V099000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 21V259000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Seltos
Defect investigations
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
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 the federal safety agency’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, ‘cold’ engine testing resulted in a higher-than-expected failure rate when compared to the pre-recall warranty claim rate. This discrepancy led Kia to re-evaluate its inspection test and found that performing the inspection on a ‘cold’ engine can result in imprecise test results due to normal cold-start vibrations. Kia revised the inspection to ‘warm’ engine testing to minimize vibration interference. Kia sampled the field and performed a comparative analysis between ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ engine testing, and validated that ‘warm’ engine testing was more accurate in identifying damaged engines. Kia also reported the suspension of the recall remedy was due to a software error in the diagnostic tool, which was introduced in concert with the April 29, 2025 launch of the TSB that revised the inspection from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing. The software error resulted in all inspection tests reporting false positives for a damaged engine. On April 30, 2025, Kia suspended the remedy until May 7, 2025, which was when the software error was corrected with the release of the latest TSB and software update. The recall remedy remains available to eligible customers. Kia reported owners were not mailed letters concerning the suspension to the recall remedy. Kia reasoned since it resolved the issue faster than it would have taken to draft and mail letters, Kia did not want to create unnecessary customer confusion involving an issue that would have already been addressed upon receipt of a letter. Kia also determined that mailing letters about re-testing engines was unnecessary since those vehicles were already at the dealer awaiting engine replacement. In most instances, Kia Customer Care agents would respond to customer inquiries related to the recall, including remedy availability, dealer issues, and questions about differing test results. Kia provided ODI a review of engine related consumer complaints received on post recall-remedied vehicles. Kia did not find any common patterns or trends related to those complaints following completion of the recall, as the complaints included issues that were unrelated to the subject defect. To aid in the diagnosis of whether a complaint is related to the recall, the remedy includes the installation of a software program, the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS), that monitors the engine for unusual noise patterns (an indicator of potential damage to the piston oil rings), and alerts the customer by flashing the check engine light and setting Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1327. Kia confirmed that it is not offering any specific warranty coverage for this recall. Instead, Kia has instructed dealers to replace the engine, at no cost to the customer, with no time or mileage limitation, following the installation of the PNSS software and the presence of DTC P1327. On September 4, 2025, Kia issued Subsequent Repair Action (SRA) # SC336YZ, which provided engine diagnosis and replacement instructions for vehicles with a potentially related complaint following completion of the recall. Under this SRA, customers whose vehicles set DTC P1327 will have their engine replaced. If DTC P1327 is not set and it is unclear whether the issue is related to the recall, dealers are instructed to contact Kia's Technical Assistance Center to ensure the issue is appropriately handled. Kia notes that any issues determined to be unrelated to the recall are subject to the 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty for original purchasers and a 5-year / 60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty for subsequent purchasers. In summary, Kia identified the insufficiencies of its initial inspection test that led to a pause to its recall campaign, explained why it did not mail letters to affected customers about the paused campaign or revised inspection test, reviewed existing consumer complaints that did not identify any potential trends related to the recall, and identified its warranty coverage for any vehicles exhibiting qualifying engine symptoms. After review of Kia’s response to the IR, ODI has determined that no further action from Kia is necessary at this time, and ODI will close this AQ investigation accordingly. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
AQ25001
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Kia Seltos 134
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Technical service bulletin: horn assembly inspection/replacemen (WTY038)
- Owner notification (WTY038)
- Request for reimbursement form (WTY038)
- Horn assembly inspection/replacement (WTY038)
- Dealer principal memo (WTY038)
- Dealer parts and service manager memo (WTY038)
- Question and answer (WTY038)
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Infotainment system software update using update.kia.com
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner renotification (SC199 FL301)
2021 Kia Seltos fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 29 | 34 | 31 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 27 | 31 | 29 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | AWD | 25 | 30 | 27 |
What 2021 Kia Seltos owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. Additionally, while at a stoplight, the vehicle was jerking and vibrating before shutting off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving normally; however, the failure recurred. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 166,248.
The contact owns a 2021 KIA Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming engine oil and needed to be topped off regularly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with oil consumption failure. The technician stated that the engine was consuming one liter of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that there was a persistent abnormal burning oil odor. The contact stated that the engine had seized on several occasions while making abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the oil consumption failure had started since the vehicle was purchased. The contact associated the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); with the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
This complaint concerns the ineffectiveness of the recall remedy for the federal safety agency campaign SC336 (Kia recall for incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings in 2021-2023 Soul/Seltos vehicles; remedy is dealer inspection, engine replacement if necessary, plus piston-ring noise sensing software). The vehicle was purchased new in XXX. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to the Kia dealer in [XXX] for the SC336 recall remedy. The dealer kept the vehicle for 30 days and returned it on XXX. After the recall repair, the vehicle exhibited the exact same symptoms as before (excessive oil consumption / engine malfunction) - the recall remedy was ineffective. The engine defect symptoms persisted unchanged. The complainant subsequently surrendered the vehicle and no longer possesses it. No crash, fire, injury, or death resulted from this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and triggered diagnostic trouble code P1327, which indicates severe internal engine damage and bearing failure monitored by the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System. This vehicle is subject to active Safety Recalls SC209 (the federal safety agency Campaign 21V259000) and SC336 (the federal safety agency Campaign 25V099) for manufacturing defects in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine piston oil rings. The vehicle is currently grounded at an authorized dealership, Kia of North Austin. The Service Manager initially provided an out-of-pocket engine replacement quote exceeding $8,000 instead of processing it as a $0 safety recall claim. Furthermore, the dealership is currently attempting a diagnostic bypass maneuver to attribute the P1327 recall engine code to a "faulty knock sensor" in order to issue a paid out-of-pocket bill. The manufacturer and dealership have failed to provide a mandated loaner or alternative transportation, causing a severe and ongoing family transportation hardship while the safety recall verification stalls.
I am reporting a violation of safety recall SC336 for my car (VIN: [XXX]), which is currently at West Hills Kia in [XXX]. My engine will not start because the camshaft and timing parts broke. This happened because the engine ran too low on oil and lost oil pressure, which is exactly what this recall is about. Because the car cannot start or run, the dealership cannot do the standard electronic vibration test. Instead of asking Kia Corporate for manual approval to replace the engine, the dealership is trying to force me to pay $5,000 out of pocket to fix the camshaft first. Forcing a customer to pay thousands of dollars to fix parts that broke because of a recalled factory defect is wrong. I demand that Kia Corporate bypass the running test and approve a free engine replacement immediately 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 received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Number 21V259000 (Engine) and 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact requested that the manufacturer and selling dealer buy back the vehicle due to recurring issues. While driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and started flashing. The contact pulled over and took the vehicle to a local dealer, where the engine was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle stalled while entering the dealer. The contact stated that even though the engine had been replaced, the recurring failure raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, oil pressure, and charging system warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after waiting several minutes, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust camshaft and alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in July 2025, the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle had passed inspection and was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Compare the 2021 Kia Seltos
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Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Kia Seltos
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?
Owners have filed 385 complaints about the 2021 Kia Seltos, 5.0 times a typical Seltos model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2021 Kia Seltos year score?
The 2021 Kia Seltos scores 17 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Seltos: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Engine and cooling, with 280 complaints, typically around 59,000 miles. Next is transmission (68).
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and engine.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Kia Seltos engine?
Yes, 2 recalls: 25V099000, 21V259000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Seltos have bad engine?
The Kia Seltos model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (280 complaints), 2022 (49 complaints) and 2023 (20 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Seltos get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Kia Seltos range from 27 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 29 city and 34 highway.
VIN decoder
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