Kia Seltos hesitation 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 Jul 27, 2026 · Engine · 36,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled while driving at various speeds with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was provided information associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that a software update needed to be performed; however, no additional repairs were performed on the vehicle. The contact was also informed by the dealer that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact linked the oil consumption failure with the recall. The mechanic at the dealer failed to perform any further testing or repairs on the vehicle. The failure persisted once the vehicle was returned to the contact. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who replaced the PCV valve which showed excessive oil inside the valve. The mechanic also discovered blowby in the engine caused by leaking of combustion gases and air-fuel mixtures past the piston rings and down into the crankcase of the engine. The mechanic stated that it was proof that the piston oil ring was inoperable and that the recall was not performed properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and an OBD II scan was performed but showed no failures with the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC · fire

My 2022 Kia Seltos out of nowhere started smoking, losing power, total control and braking. There were no lights on the dashboard warning of any kind complete stall than a little bit of power hesitation stall no brakes. I managed to coast it into a parking space at a hotel with it smoking so bad I couldn’t see. It then burst into flames and golfing the entire Engine bay and melting the front of the car about 90 seconds after I got out of the car all of the symptoms here are completely aligned with the recall on this vehicle and the soul. In fact, my son soul had all the same issues except the fire and Kia refused to replace the Engine claiming that his lack of a recent oil change caused the problem that we all see reported here this vehicle was not in the recall VIN group but failed catastrophically just as described in the recall

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Brakes · 1,200 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2026 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the heating system was inoperable and was blowing cold air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the radiator cap was not tightened, causing air to build up in the system. The dealer tightened the radiator, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the sound was likely coming from the fuel injectors. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown part was disconnected. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a turn on a bypass, the brake pedal travelled down to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond, causing the contact to panic. The contact shifted to park(P) and drove over a grassy area, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually rolled to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the driver's side rear brake line was loose and leaking, and there was air in the brake line. The vehicle was repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Engine · 33,621 miles · PA

The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was acknowledged that the failure was a known issue. The dealer recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven and remain with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); which was linked to the failure. The contact stated that several attempts were made to reach the dealer and the manufacturer about the recall repair; however, an update on the repair was not yet provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,621.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Engine · 36,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact had scheduled a recall appointment and was advised by the dealer that the recall had been placed on hold. 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 and advised the contact that the recall was on hold. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and ascending a hill, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was making abnormal knocking sounds while the vehicle was stopped and idling. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

When the auto engine start/stop button is on and I’m stopped at a light, the infotainment system will constantly restart as will the engine once I let go of the brakes. It usually happens when it is cold outside. This is a safety issue bc a lot of the time I am using the navigation and since the infotainment system just restarted I am waiting for the navigation to reboot and I am now driving without knowing where I am going. It doesn’t seem to happen when I turn off the auto engine start/stop button. Sometimes, I’ll be in an intersection, and the engine will restart bc the infotainment system restarted. Last time I almost got into an accident bc I was trying to accelerate but the car hesitated bc it restarted the engine and radio. There seems like there is a sudden loss of power. The dealer supposedly updated the software for the infotainment system but it did not correct the issue. There is no warning lamps or messages when this occurs

Filed Jan 12, 2025 · Engine · IN

I bought this car for my daughter during her second year at IU Bloomington, IN. She called in a panic, saying the car hesitated and stopped. She also shared if she turns car off, the car will restart. I advised her to take it to the nearby KIA dealership for inspection. The mechanic, after a test drive, reported no issues and found no error codes using an OBD-II scanner. When my daughter returned home, I took the car for a test drive and noticed a clicking noise. I checked the oil and added three quarts of Valvoline full synthetic oil 0W-20. I'm disappointed with how she was treated at the dealership. I've learned that adding an oil additive every 1,000 miles is recommended for this common problem. Now that the car has 60,000 miles, the cost of oil is significant, and I won't be repurchasing a KIA. I also feel guilty about trading in this car and possibly passing on issues to another owner. I'm reporting this now due to the added costs and worry that others might not share their experiences.

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

This happens everyday while I’m driving. The vehicle hesitates and grinds when you try to accelerate and prevents you from going forward. It pulls the car back in yanking motion. Which is extremely dangerous.