MYRModel Year Report

2021 Kia Seltos

○ Not enough data
2021 Kia Seltos
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Seltos Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2021: 340 complaints 2021 2022: 68 complaints 2022 2023: 44 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2024 2025: 10 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2021: 340 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2021340
202268
202344
202441
202510
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 60%

60% of complaints: engine — 205 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 61 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 38 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 22 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210611 — engine

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

R 20250404 — engine and engine cooling

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

I 20250806 — AQ (closed 20251218)

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Kia Seltos — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (205 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (61 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V259000 (engine) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 25V099000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.