2021 Kia Seltos
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 374
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 374 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 374 |
| 2022 | 74 |
| 2023 | 46 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 4 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
62% · 231 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
Also filed under Electrical system
The car initially had electrical and engine issues since may of 2022. The engine would fail mid drive and the car would turn of in the middle of driving and would lock up until engine would restart on its own.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-17
Also filed under Electrical system and air bags
My engine is damaged and needs replacement. My car starting stalling, when I put the car in reverse the car would stop working, the car starting vibrating and my check engine light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17
Power train
18% · 67 reportsMost commonly citing software.
Electrical system
13% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing horn and speedometer/odometer.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing oil/lubrication.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over, and the vehicle experienced engine failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 26 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-06-11Engine21V259000 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.
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.
-
R
2025-04-04Engine and engine cooling25V099000 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.
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.
-
I
2025-08-06Audit queryClosed 2025-12-18 Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Seltos — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 231 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 67 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 48 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V259000 · Engine
- Recall 25V099000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.