2021 Kia Seltos recalls

2 safety recalls, 380 owner complaints and a 4-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

2Recalls
380Complaints
19Crashes & fires reported
4/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Kia Seltos is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Kia Seltos recall list

Engine and Engine Cooling recall

25V-099
February 18, 2025 · Kia America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

Engine recall

21V-259
April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
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.
Safety risk
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

2021 Kia Seltos owner complaints

380 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 13 crashes, 6 fires, 8 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Engine234
Power Train68
Electrical System48
Engine and Engine Cooling46
Unknown or Other46
Fuel/Propulsion System26
Vehicle Speed Control11
Air Bags6
Forward Collision Avoidance6
Service Brakes6

Recent complaints

October 29, 2026Engine

I am reporting a violation of safety recall SC336 for my car (VIN: [XXX]), which is currently at West Hills Kia in [XXX]. My engine will not start because the camshaft and timing parts broke. This happened because the engine ran too low on oil and lost oil pressure, which is exactly what this recall is about. Because the car cannot start or run, the dealership cannot do the standard electronic vibration test. Instead of asking Kia Corporate for manual approval to replace the engine, the dealership is trying to force me to pay $5,000 out of pocket to fix the camshaft first. Forcing a customer to pay thousands of dollars to fix parts that broke because of a recalled factory defect is wrong. I

October 29, 2026Engine

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power and triggered diagnostic trouble code P1327, which indicates severe internal engine damage and bearing failure monitored by the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System. This vehicle is subject to active Safety Recalls SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V259000) and SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099) for manufacturing defects in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine piston oil rings. The vehicle is currently grounded at an authorized dealership, Kia of North Austin. The Service Manager initially provided an out-of-pocket engine replacement quote exceeding $8,000 instead of processing it as a $0 safety recall claim. Furthermore, the dealership is currently attempting a diagnost

October 28, 2026Engine and Engine CoolingEngine

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 (Engine) and 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact requested that the manufacturer and selling dealer buy back the vehicle due to recurring issues. While driving, the check engine warning light illuminated and started flashing. The contact pulled over and took the vehicle to a local dealer, where the engine was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle stalled while entering the dealer. The contact stated that even though the engine had been replaced, the recurring failure raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehic

October 19, 2026Visibility/Wiper

Turned rear defroster on before getting on the highway as temps were in the upper 30s. About 5 minutes down the highway there was a loud pop sound and the rear windshield began splintering. By the time we got to a safe place to stop the entire shield was shattered and there were several holes. Purchased trash bags and tape to cover the windshield and during the process most of the glass had fallen a part. We had a 3 hour drive home without being able to see out the rear.

October 8, 2026Engine and Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, oil pressure, and charging system warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after waiting several minutes, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust camshaft and alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in July 2025, the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle had passed inspection and was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associa

2021 Kia Seltos crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia SELTOS SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Kia Seltos: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional. Rollover risk: 16.9%.

2021 Kia Seltos recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Seltos. The most recent, filed February 18, 2025, concerns the engine and engine cooling.

What are the most common 2021 Kia Seltos problems?

Owners have filed 380 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is engine (234 reports), followed by power train.

Is the 2021 Kia Seltos safe?

The 2021 Kia Seltos earned up to a 4-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Kia Seltos?

Contact any authorized Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.