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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 359 |
| 2022 | 72 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
60% of complaints: engine — 217 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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 flames
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
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, 20240317
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, 20260717
18% of complaints: power train — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing software.
CRASH13% of complaints: electrical system — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing oil/lubrication.
FIREShow 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, 20260716
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 23 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V259000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 25V099000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Seltos — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (217 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (46 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V259000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V099000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.