2021 KIA SELTOS Complaints

Kia Dealership did nothing with engine recall in 2025 they said nothing was wrong despite the oil consumption and engine noise that could be heard without using any tools, and then in March they would not honor the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty when both VVT solenoids failed, we had to replace them ourselves. It's a good thing my boyfriend is a mechanic!!!

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

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual knocking sound and the engine seized. In addition, several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the oil was three quarts low. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for a service appointment for an oil change the following week. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They offered to do a oil consumption test for $900. I've already read complaints about this engine locking up and people being seriously injured. I have to put oil in it every thousand miles or so. For a newer vehicle this is unacceptable and Kia should be taking care of this. This is absolutely going to get someone killed when their engine seizes. The transmission on this vehicle also has issues that have complaints littered through the message boards. KIA knows it's going to fail and get someone killed as well. They dont care as long as they get your money. Unacceptable.

The engine catastrophically failed on an 45 mph road. There was no warning leading up to this incident at any time previously. The engine lost all power and the car shut off on this road. My husband was able to pull it over and tow it into a mechanic. The mechanic said the oil was disappearing somewhere without any residue, and without triggering any warning light of any kind. In essence the oil is not low enough to trigger the light but it is also escaping somewhere. The mechanic said it seemed like the engine had a fault in it. Because of the open recall on the piston rings, we had it towed to the dealership who then claimed this problem has nothing to do with the faulty piston rings. Instead they said there is a rod knock. The car is currently at Doug Smith Kia in Lindon, Utah and can be inspected there.

Engine seized and was smoking. No warning lights on dash until engine siezed and then it was ESC light that came on. Engine started smoking when seized. Checked oil and there was none however we had just had the vehicle in for a state safety inspection 2 weeks prior to this happening. Have had regular oil changes thru dealership and car was scheduled for oil change prior to this incident happening. This year and model of car already has a recall for piston rings overheating and burning oil which causes Engine failure and fire. Warranty claim was denied due to no oil in Engine and Kia doesn't include oil consumption with their warranty. Car is currently at First Team Kia Dealership in Suffolk, VA

My car stalls in the middle of traffic. I took the vechile for diagnostics with a mechanic and was informed my piston rings were bad. Currently a recall in progress. I take my car in for recall of faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, or fire. The dealers inspect and stated it was not the right sound. I take it back to mechanic and was informed I should contact you all Cause they are refusing to do the right diagnostic.

My vehicle recently idled roughly and shut off at low speeds and while stopped at intersections on my way to work. I brought it to an authorized Kia dealership the very next day. After researching my VIN, I discovered Kia Safety Recall #SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099), which identifies a piston oil ring defect known to cause excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage. I promptly brought my vehicle to the dealership specifically to address this recall. However, the dealership did not complete recall-related repairs. Instead, they determined—without sufficient justification—that my vehicle’s issues were not related to the recall, but to a "crush washer". My vehicle exhibits the exact symptoms outlined in the recall, including excessive oil consumption, rough engine operation, and stalling. The dealership then attempted to attribute the oil consumption to a crush washer on the oil drain plug, despite there being no visible signs of oil leakage under my vehicle at any time. This explanation does not reasonably account for the level of oil loss I have experienced or the internal engine condition. According to official recall documentation filed with the NHTSA, the defect involves improperly manufactured piston oil rings that can damage cylinder walls, leading to excessive oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, rough operation, and ultimately engine failure or stalling. The recall further warns that continued operation may result in engine seizure and loss of drive power. Independent automotive reports confirms that this defect has affected over 137,000 vehicles, including 2021 Kia Seltos models, and in many cases requires full engine replacement due to internal damage caused by faulty piston rings. Additionally, documented consumer complaints describe the same pattern I have experienced—excessive oil consumption with no external leaks, worsening engine performance, and dealerships attributing the issue elsewhere despite clear alignment with the recall defect.

I own a 2021 Kia Seltos with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (146 hp) and approximately 38,967 miles at the time of failure. On April 21, 2026, the vehicle began rattling during acceleration and stalling at stops with no warning lights of any kind. On April 22, 2026, my partner and I were driving on the highway when the rattling intensified and the vehicle lost the ability to accelerate properly, requiring my partner to press hard on the gas just to keep up with highway traffic. He safely exited the highway and shortly after turning off the main road the vehicle stalled completely on a residential street and could not be restarted. My partner opened the hood, at which point white smoke was visible and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was towed from that location to an authorized Kia dealership. Upon arrival, the service manager noted a burning smell from the starter motor. The engine produced no cranking sound when the key was turned. On April 24, 2026, the dealership confirmed the engine is seized and submitted the case to Kia corporate. The vehicle was properly maintained with oil changes every 3,500–4,500 miles. A full inspection just 3,587 miles prior identified no engine issues. No warning lights appeared at any point before or during the failure. This failure matches the defect described in NHTSA Campaigns 21V259 and 25V099, both citing improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in 2021 Kia Seltos vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine causing cylinder wall damage, seizure, and risk of fire. My VIN returned 0 unrepaired recalls on April 22, 2026, placing it outside both recall populations. However, my vehicle has the identical engine, model year, and failure mode. I request NHTSA investigate whether both recall populations adequately captured all affected vehicles, including those manufactured outside the stated production date ranges.

*The end of March, my car suddenly started making an awful grinding noise, jerking, slowing down even with foot on excellerator. Towed to nearest Lia in Leesburg. Couldn't find anything wrong. Happened two more times didn't take in. Next time it happened in April towed in. *My engine was replaced in April of 2025. *Was fine until 12/10/25. Same grinding, etc. Was worse than before. Found out my 5 yr. warranty ended on 12/09/2025. Had it towed to Ocala Kia where I bought car. Updated software to what it was before replaced engine. Found out engine only had warranty for 1 year. That has expired. I thought I had purchased 5 year extended warranty when I bought out lease but I don't. So I don't know what I paid for. I do not feel confident that it is fixed nor do I trust dealer. *I have asked both dealerships to give me a written explanation on what they have tested for and dates and serial # on parts. I was told that info was only for dealer and won't let me know. I want to know if any damage to parts that were source of grinding. I have all or most of paperwork for service. I am taking car to another reputable auto repair to check it over for so I can decide to get rid of it. *I want to make sure it is on record that I have let you know that fixes haven't worked. Problem is sporadic and unpredictable. I cannot find out what they have checked. This was my last car. I like it but no longer trust it. [XXX] [XXX] CP [XXX] . I have sent in complaint before but never heard back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)