2021 Kia Seltos fuel system problems

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

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)

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 Jul 27, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

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.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle “slips” when revving up.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

The engine seems to be failing/affected. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at Huffines Kia in [XXX] where it has been since Saturday, March 14, 2026 and they have yet to perform the SC336 Safety Recall while trying to charge a diagnostic fee for a multipoint inspection that I did not ask for. The vehicle would not start which now I know is due to total oil consumption, which appears to be a precursor to the recall. Having a vehicle that can catastrophically fail or stall without warning due to defective piston rings creates extreme risk of a crash or fire while my family is inside. The service department at Huffines Kia Mckinney confirmed to Kia Corporate on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 that the vehicle was completely depleted of oil. However, they have not officially confirmed the recall failure because they have not done the recall test. They told corporate that they haven't done the recall because I did not have oil in my car. They have had my car since Saturday, but have not topped it off with oil since it has been there for several business days. I have also opened a formal case with Kia Corporate (Case #XXX) due to the dealer not providing the free safety remedy required by law. There was no oil pressure warning light prior to the failure, however, when trying to start my car and it wouldn't start, the oil and engine light came on. A tow truck came to tow to the dealer. The tow driver was able to start my car using a jumper box. The dealership says my car ran fine and no oil or engine light was on. However, if they ran my car knowing it was depleted of oil, they have potentially further damaged my engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 31, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

My vehicle is included in the federal safety agency Recall 25V099 / Kia SC336 for defective piston oil rings. The vehicle has experienced stalling, loss of power, knocking noises, and oil consumption. The engine behavior is unsafe and consistent with recall-related engine damage. Kia closed my case based on a dealer’s subjective noise judgment, but no mechanical engine testing (oil consumption, compression, or cylinder inspection) was performed. The recall remains incomplete and the vehicle continues to present a stalling and fire risk.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

my sensor does not work and does not detect the gas in tank car wont start or turn on

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Fuel system · MA

Can smell gas fumes in and around car. Afraid to drive. Took to dealer. Fuel pump and associated gaskets fittings needed to be replaced. Not cover under 10 yr, 100K warranty even though the vehicle only has 83K miles. Just to right.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall the federal safety agency #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, this defect caused my vehicle to become unsafe and completely inoperable for the last 8 weeks. Kia said "We have completed the SC336 Piston Oil Ring recall, and your vehicle did pass. This means that the failure of the engine is not covered within the scope of that recall. This vehicle also does not have Kia warranty coverage active now due to age and miles. At this stage, Metro Kia does not have any further recourse for warranty coverage." My kia was stalling on the highway, complete oil loss where it was bone dry which led to engine failure. How did the vehicle "PASS" when EVERYTHING from the description of the recall is EXACTLY what happened to me? This is absolutely wild that Kia is refusing to do anything about this vehicle. It is a 2021, with 65,000 miles on it. The repairs are over 13K and I am being told I would get nothing for the car if I traded it in because it is worth nothing. Because of this situation, I have experienced a complete loss of transportation and have been relying on other methods of transportation and emptying my bank account for numerous towing visits to and from the dealership. Kia has not fixed the recall and instead quoted me over $13,000 to repair the car. I have enclosed copies of relevant documents, including the recall notice, service records, and any related correspondence. I messaged the BBB and attached Kia's response to that, as well as an email with the service advisor at Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)