2021 Kia Seltos: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · ID

the federal safety agency 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

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Transmission · CO

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.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · MI

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/the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

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 the federal safety agency 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

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · 103,000 miles · IN

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/the federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · UT

The engine catastrophically failed on an 45 mph road. There was no warning leading up to this incident at any time previously. The engine lost all power and the car shut off on this road. My husband was able to pull it over and tow it into a mechanic. The mechanic said the oil was disappearing somewhere without any residue, and without triggering any warning light of any kind. In essence the oil is not low enough to trigger the light but it is also escaping somewhere. The mechanic said it seemed like the engine had a fault in it. Because of the open recall on the piston rings, we had it towed to the dealership who then claimed this problem has nothing to do with the faulty piston rings. Instead they said there is a rod knock. The car is currently at Doug Smith Kia in Lindon, Utah and can be inspected there.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine · WA

This is supplemental information for my existing Complaint #XXX – 2021 Kia Seltos SC336 / 25V‑099. Key facts and timeline: Purchased as Certified Pre-Owned on August 17, 2025 from Rairdon Kia of Burlington. Safety Recall SC336 / 25V‑099 performed June 24, 2025 (mileage 61,378). January 15, 2026 oil change performed at Smith Kia of Bellingham (R.O. XXX). April 2, 2026: Sudden severe loss of power at highway speeds on I-5 North with flashing check-engine light. Vehicle returned to Smith Kia (R.O. 57763, mileage 71,703). Service Advisor Sebastian Goulding confirmed the engine was 3 quarts low on oil and provided a hard copy of the active DTCs P132700 (Piston Noise Detection) and XXX (System Too Lean – Bank 1). Smith Kia performed only an oil change and cleared the fault codes. Please see the attached detailed PDF timeline and supporting documents (fault code history showing P132700 and P017100 still listed in “History” state, Smith Kia records, Rairdon Kia $244 improper diagnostic invoice, and the federal safety agency confirmation). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · WA

Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 71,728 Recall: the federal safety agency 25V‑099 / Kia SC336 (piston oil rings) – Subsequent Repair Action SC336YZ On [XXX], while driving at highway speeds during a trip from Everett to Bellingham WA, the vehicle suddenly lost power, the check-engine light came on, and it set DTCs P132700 (Piston Noise Detection) and P017100 (System Too Lean – Bank 1). The engine was documented 3 quarts low on oil. This is the exact failure mode described in the recall: defective piston oil rings causing oil consumption, engine damage, and loss of motive power. The nearest dealer (Smith Kia of Bellingham) performed only an oil change and cleared the codes, then declared the car “good to go.” The vehicle was then driven 20 miles to Rairdon Kia of Burlington, WA (the original selling Certified Pre-Owned dealer), where it is now located. Rairdon Kia states they cannot perform the full engine long-block replacement under SRA SC336YZ because the codes are no longer active. Kia USA Customer Care (Case #[XXX]) called today and stated they are “taking the side of Smith Kia”. They suggested getting another dealer’s opinion. We are now being told we must drive the vehicle until the code re-triggers. My wife refuses to do so. She is extremely upset and afraid of getting stuck on the side of the road or causing an accident due to sudden loss of power at highway speeds — exactly what happened on [XXX]. This situation is now causing significant stress and disruption in our personal life.This is a federally mandated safety recall that was supposedly completed before our CPO purchase ([XXX]) with no disclosure. The temporary oil change and code clear did not fix the underlying defect. We request that the federal safety agency require Kia to immediately authorize the full engine replacement at Rairdon Kia based on the documented history, without requiring us to drive an unsafe vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Engine · WA

My 2021 Kia Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI suffered engine failure at highway speed •The car was found 3 quarts low on oil and Smith KIA Bellingham, WA performed maintenance previously. •Smith KIA dealer indicated the failure is likely tied to the known piston-ring defect. •The VIN lookup does not show the recall, but the defect exists in my vehicle and creates a safety risk. •VIN [XXX] •2021 KIA Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI engine •70,500 (EST) •Date of failure [XXX] •Engine light illuminated, loss of power •Smith KIA service advisor informed me the car was 3 quarts low oil. 4/03/2026 •The dealer’s diagnosis that the engine oil rings failed April 3, 2026. •Smith KIA Bellingham, Washington 98229 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine · PR

Excessive oil consumption Engine damage or failure Ticking noise from the engine Loss of power when driving Rough idle, shaking the car is not able to be used, for safe.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · MT

My 2021 Kia Seltos (manufactured April 2020, ~94,000 miles) has the 2.0L Nu MPI engine affected by a known piston oil ring defect. Symptoms include piston noise, excessive oil consumption, rough idle, reduced power, and codes: P1327 (PNSS-detected knock), P0304 (cyl 4 misfire), P0017 (crank/cam correlation error). These indicate progressive cylinder wall scoring from improperly heat-treated rings, risking seizure or fire. Service history shows: • SC209 (Safety Recall 21V‑259) inspection in Jul 2021. • SC209A (PNSS software update) in Feb 2022—explains why P1327 now triggers. • Other campaigns: anti-theft (CS2309/CS2312), AWD ECU (SC242/SC297), ECM logic (SA463). The defect progressed despite early recall work; dealers deny full engine replacement, citing prior completion or shifting coverage. SC209 has no mileage limit—progressive damage qualifies for re-inspection (vibration test, bore scope, compression) and free long block replacement if confirmed. You’ve faced loaner return demands before 2-week period, goodwill denials, and inconsistent coverage. The issue aligns with the federal safety agency concerns (e.g., AQ25001 on similar recall effectiveness).

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · PA

My 2021 Kia Seltos has experienced repeat internal engine damage related to oil consumption. An intake camshaft previously failed and was replaced by Kia. The vehicle has now suffered a second camshaft failure (exhaust cam) with dealer documentation of oil starvation. Prior recall SC336 was addressed only with a software update and no mechanical engine inspection. Despite documented oil starvation and repeat internal damage, Kia and the dealer have refused recall reassessment or engineering (Techline) review and are treating this as an out-of-warranty cam failure. The vehicle experienced timing issues and near-total oil loss prior to scheduled service, creating risk of sudden loss of power while driving. I am requesting investigation of recall adequacy and engine defect.