The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine misfire and low oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for a service appointment for the following week, however the contact experienced the failure prior to the scheduled appointment date. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was not available at the scheduled location any longer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 53,745. Parts distribution disconnect.
2021 Kia Seltos engine complaints
Page 7 of 10: complaints 161 to 190 of 280, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dealership called me to inform me they could not complete my recall due to a memo sent by the manufacturer today. I was told to pick up my vehicle despite the incomplete recall with its safety risks. I called the manufacturer to get further information as I was not comfortable picking up my vehicle and driving it if according to the recall campaign “ ENGINE DAMAGE CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE STALL OR FIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY.” Manufacturer and dealership spoke on the phone; manufacturer told me to just pick up my vehicle until the dealerships can resume completing the recall in the future. I inquired about safety risks and the manufacturer told me “it’s most likely okay”. Safety concerns I brought up were dismissed.
I received a recall letter for my Kia 2021 Seltos EX 2.0 dated 4-4-25 for piston oil ring and engine inspection. I checked my car in with a local Kia dealership on Thursday the 24th. Approximately, thirty hours later I received a call it passed inspection. On Friday I picked my car up and did my normal Friday laundry and went home. I’m talking about for the laundromat and my home maybe a total of three miles, if that, within the dealership. The car ran perfect as usual. On [XXX] I drove 15 miles to shop and dine out. On the way back my check engine light came on (solid) and the power was extremely poor and reduced. Didn’t think I was going to make it. I had planned on doing another stop before getting home, but had to pass and try to make it. My car ran perfect before this inspection and I did not want this inspection for fear something would go wrong, but felt I had no choice. So, I’m waiting to hear Kia say the inspection had nothing to do with your check engine issues. I understand Kia started its investigation in February 2025. I’m wondering if some of these investigations were done remotely by Kia? Strange during February I experienced a couple of glitches going on with my car while I was driving. First, the car did not recognize my seat belt was fastened in the driver seat. The fastened your seat belt icon flashed and that annoying ding noise went on for the duration of my drive, approximately thirty minutes or so until I got home. After it sat overnight it seemed to reset itself. Then, during this same month, I was taking care of my normal morning errands as usual. My start engine light flashed while driving, and that annoying ding noise again. The power reduced like my car was going to cut off getting through a green light. That straightened out immediately and there were no more issues with my car. Until this recent inspection. Do anyone know if Kia remotely inspected cars for the piston oil ring issue? Strange how after these glitches I received the recall letter. I’m just coming to lea
Would drive my car and the check engine light would come on and the car would basically lose power and could barely move it to safety!!! Called and wouldn’t be able to get in for a couple months. Happened again, got to the side of a road. Meantime, get the recall on the piston oil rings; determined the engine lights are related to this recall. Car into the Dealership and it failed inspections. Determined damage and new engine is ordered. NO ETA on new engine; just drive my car as is! What assurance is there my car won’t stall, crash or have a fire all while waiting for a new engine. Lost all faith in Kia with parts incorrectly manufactured. I feel this is jeopardizing the safety of myself and other KIA Seltos drivers and basically anyone around me if there is an issue/crash.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor coming from the engine. The contact checked the oil and found that the engine was low on oil. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the piston rings had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the last time the vehicle was at the dealer, a document was signed stating that the vehicle had passed the oil consumption test. The contact stated that the document was signed under duress because the dealer would not return the vehicle unless the document was signed. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Received a letter from KIA Headquarters stating a recall for piston oil rings and possibly engine failure. Inspection and software updates would take 1-2 hours, if replacing engine 8 or more hours. I made my appointment for today, arrived at Jone KIA in Bel Air, MD and am told that the letter is incorrect and I need to either leave my vehicle with them or reschedule. How many of the letters went out to owners and then we are told differently!
I bought my ‘21 Kia Seltos in 2021. Within the first months it would stall when going uphill and in parking lots. I had a few mechanics look and they could not find any issues. So, I kept driving it. I drive 12 miles one way for work my wife drives it 1 mile both ways for work. Now [XXX] 47k miles it stalled out 2x the 2nd time it stalled it started to fill with fumes and smoke with my [XXX] - and [XXX] in the car. My kids and I have had a cough ever since. I called roadside; they first thought was the battery. So, the first guy tried to jump the battery, and nothing happened then he said he smelled something electrical burning. But could not locate. Then he said they will send a tow. Roadside then sent another guy to jump the battery. he smelled the same thing, but he found the source and said that the airbag sensors were burning. So, he disconnected the battery and called the tow. The car was towed at midnight to Grand Kia in Northglenn where the service rep was working on my car called me that day to tell me that the engine had seized, and he would submit a warranty claim to have it covered. I provided all service records to him including oil purchase receipts. A week later he calls and tells me they denied the warranty due to “lack of maintenance”. So, I call Kia customer care and speak with A lady who tells me it was denied due to “aftermarket parts” which there were none. She said once that flag was removed, she can escalate this case to a case Manager. Then I call Grand Kia back and talk to the service rep who says that flag is not there. Then I call back Kia and a different lady tells me the case was escalated and to expect a call and an email from the case manager. I call 4/10/2025 and am being told there is not an escalation on the case. I get transferred to a supervisor line and after waiting on hold I had to leave a voicemail, still no returned call. All this while there is a safety recall out that causes my exact issue and the engine needs replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine system appears to be malfunctioning. Specifically, there are signs of a potential head gasket failure, valve cover gasket leak, or internal engine damage due to oil leakage and excessive white smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The white smoke obstructs rear visibility, which poses a danger to other drivers. The unpredictable engine revving in idle or park also raises concern for unintended acceleration or engine failure, which could cause a crash, especially in congested or residential areas. In addition, the oil leak poses a fire risk and environmental hazard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the symptoms have been observed and documented consistently. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been formally inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time, but I am open to having it evaluated by any relevant party as needed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights initially. The symptoms began with mild engine revving at idle and a burning oil smell. The white smoke and oil leakage became noticeable shortly after. The issues have progressively worsened over time and now the check engine light is on.
Driving my car which has been fine no lights on dash, oil changes done regularly, and no odd sounds or leaks. I got onto the highway and lost all power so I immediately pulled off and turned off my engine. I got out and looked under my car to see all my oil pouring out of my car, had to get my car towed back to my place and had my mechanic come and just take a peek at it. He said it seems as if a piston broke and shot a rod through my engine. So I looked up my car to see the recall. I called the dealership and two different mechanics at the same dealership told me that they wouldn’t even look at my car unless I could show them proof of oil changes. I explained to them that I’ve done my regular oil changes and I’m not calling about a warranty. I’m calling about the recall and I was yet again informed that they wouldn’t even look at my car without those. I explained to both of them that I called corporate and corporate told me I did not need oil change receipts because this is a manufacturer issue not a consumer issue so I then called the dealership back and the mechanic told me that I was lying I did not talk to corporate and that he still won’t be looking at my car And pretty much told me and nicer words looks like you’re out of a car. This was about a month almost maybe a month and a half ago of going without my car.
I saw the recall on my car for the engine on this website. I brought it to McFarland Kia, where they told me this recall does not exist for my vehicle. I asked more than once and they told me there is nothing they can do, but I feel at danger if the engine in my car were to potentially catch fire.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and while turning, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound and experienced reduced motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as needed while continuing to drive. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an excessive oil consumption. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
My car was checked for a recall regarding the vehicle burning oil and the piston rings. The fix for it was a new engine. When my car was checked for the recall, it was determined to be unaffected by the issue mentioned. However, I got an oil change approx. 1.5 months ago and at this point I have had to add oil to the car on two different occasions since due to the oil burning so quickly. The oil is also very, very dark. This indicates that the oil is burning significantly regardless of the recall status. I find myself checking the oil weekly due to the worry that it will be empty. The recommended mileage in between oil changes for my car is 7,500. I have not been able to wait that long since obtaining the car 2 years ago.
I brought my vehicle to the dealership due to serious safety concerns, including the engine randomly shutting off while driving, sudden unintended acceleration, unresponsiveness when pressing the gas, difficulty turning the key to start the engine, loud noises while running, and the engine, battery, and oil lights coming on. This is the second time I’ve brought the vehicle to the Kia dealership for the same issue. The first time, I was told the transmission had been replaced and the problem was resolved. However, the same issue resumed shortly after I got the car back. I called the dealership that day but they were already closed, so I dropped the vehicle off the next morning when they opened. At drop-off, I was told no repairs could begin until the recall was “officially” announced, but that they would look into the issue and keep me updated. Unfortunately, I never received any updates and had to reach out myself multiple times. This morning, I was told the sensor lights showing were “old codes” and that everything seemed fine. They said they’d take the car for a test drive and that I’d have it back by the end of the day. No one called me back. I followed up around 4:30–5:00 PM and was told the service department had closed, but the notes said that after the test drive, more codes appeared and the vehicle would require additional work. When I first dropped the car off, I was told I’d have it back the next morning, and if not, I’d be provided with a rental. Neither happened. When I expressed that I didn’t feel safe driving the car—even if the test drive went well—especially after a mechanic told me he wasn’t sure how to fix the current recall, I was dismissed. As I was saying, “Okay, just call me after the test drive so I can come by and check it out,” Greg hung up on me mid-sentence. This entire experience has been frustrating and concerning given the nature of the issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission would shift gear; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road, and the vehicle was then moved to the curb. The contact waited for the engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and diagnostic test was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact, that due to maintenance service records inconsistency and maintenance service not performed at the dealer, the vehicle would not be repaired under the recall. The contact was informed there was no oil in the engine and an oil change was performed. The dealer informed the contact that an assessment by the engineers on the cause of the failure was not yet provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Decrease of power when pushing on gas peddle, a smell of burnt oil coming through vent. And since risk is very high on this engine component of possibly setting fire to car, and or ceasing thay may cause a crash. I would not like my wife to drive this vehicle knowing it could be a neglegent hazard that could cause injury or bodily harm to owner or other drivers near the vehicle. Very unsafe dont want to play russian roulette with my life or the life of others. There is already a remedy set forth by the company so why now is there none?
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and Battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,547. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving and decelerating to 10 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and was driven to the residence, where it was parked. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure intermittently occurred while idling at a stop light. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated or lagged before accelerating. While driving out of a gas station, the check engine warning light illuminated, the vehicle stalled, and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the oil piston rings had failed, and oil was leaking into the engine, causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact there were no parts for the recall repair available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
On Monday Jan 13 when I was merging onto the interstate the car lost power and started smoking; I almost lost control of the car. I steered the car to the side of the interstate and I had it towed to Brakes Plus (where it had just had an oil change on Jan 6) at my expense for an immediate diagnostic, where they found that there is evidence of oil passing into the combustion chamber through the piston rings that caused engine failure. I asked the dealership repeatedly through email for an inspection report and an explanation as to why the engine failed.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, and parts were available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving down the highway going 65mph when my car would not accelerate any more in the middle of the highway where the speed limit is 65. At one point I could not get it to go above 30mph. I pulled off to the side and when I tried driving off again my car would not accelerate. Towed to Kia, they did a software update thinking it was fixed. Picked my car up and drove 10 miles before it broke down on me again. Towed to a second Kia dealership, new transmission was put in. Picked it up 4 days ago, and it is stalling, and jolting when accelerating and the check engine light is on. It is at the 3rd Kia dealership, where I was just told I may need ANOTHER transmission replacement. I asked about the engine recall after getting an email from Kelly Blue Book about it. Kia said they did not know how to fix the recall yet and there was nothing they could do about it right now. I have been without my car for almost 2 months, and this is the 3rd Kia dealership trying to fix the issue at hand and not getting anywhere.
Kia has been serviced like clock work since drove off showroom floor. Nothing but trouble since hit 10k miles. It uses oil. I am having to put at least 1/2 quart between oil changes. The engine knocks and pings like it's no oil or thin oil. No oil leaks visible. I should not be having to add oil let alone the sounds the engine makes.
I own a kia seltos 2021 with 2.0 engine wich is 4 cylinders, but my vehicle from las 70k miles is been burning oil to the point that I have to keep checking oil level every 1000miles otherwise my engine is turns super hot and burn oil when I try filling up also make a loud sound on the exhaust and smell like burning oil.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop light, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact had to excessively depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. No warning lights were illuminated. After turning off the vehicle there was an abnormally strong burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change in October and the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle and that the low oil level was a concern. The contact checked the dipstick, and the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Body Shop and an oil change was performed. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who checked for an oil leak, replaced the oil filter, and performed an oil change. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts would be available in April. The failure mileage was 35,200. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel; however, the check engine warning light was reset after the initial failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
My car has an issue holding oil. I have had to put quarts of oil in often and it makes my engine knock. It also makes my car lose power while I am driving. I know this is a common issue with these make and models.
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