Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Seltos, the most recent reported on February 17, 2025 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?

Owners have filed 378 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (231 complaints), followed by power train (69).

How many 2021 Kia Seltos complaints mention a crash or fire?

13 of 378 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 Kia Seltos recalls and problems

2 recalls and 378 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Seltos.

recalls

378

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Kia Seltos recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical

NHTSA campaign 25V099000 · reported February 17, 2025 · Kia America, Inc. · 137,256 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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

NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · reported April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 147,249 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine231
Power train69
Electrical system48
Unknown or other46
Engine and engine cooling45
Fuel/propulsion system26
Vehicle speed control11
Air bags6
Forward collision avoidance6
Service brakes6

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 19, 2026 · Visibility/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…

Oct 19, 2026 · Power train · 65,500 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding noise was heard coming from the transmission. While accelerating at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a rear jolt. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where examination of the transmission revealed metal…

Oct 8, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 107,000 miles
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…

Oct 7, 2026 · Engine
As I was driving my 2021 KIA SELTOS LX AWD, at approximately 45 mph, my car had stalled causing an injury to my facial area, specifically my nose.

Oct 6, 2026 · Engine
RECALL EVASION & TIMELINE FRAUD REPORT Filing formal complaint against Kia America & Kia of Cerritos (CA) for evasion of mandate under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099). 1. CRITICAL TIMELINE: • […]: Kia Cerritos confirmed NO diagnostic/recall tests were performed. • […]: Dealer documented engine is completely SEIZED…

Seltos model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2021	2	378	13	6
2022	1	76	6	3
2023	2	47	4	0
2024	2	47	4	1

Across all years, the 2021 Seltos has the most complaints (378). All Kia Seltos years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Seltos, the most recent reported on February 17, 2025 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?: Owners have filed 378 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (231 complaints), followed by power train (69).
How many 2021 Kia Seltos complaints mention a crash or fire?: 13 of 378 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 19, 2026.