VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Seltos problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 473 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.7 times the median Seltos year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 6 Seltos years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 51% of all reports (242 of 473), far ahead of transmission at 61. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

473

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Seltos years?

Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted473 complaints2021: 473 complaints2022: 95 complaints2023: 78 complaints2024: 63 complaints2025: 16 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Seltos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Seltos years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Seltos problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine24251%
Transmission6113%
Electrical System4710%
Other4510%
Fuel System245%
Driver Assistance123%
Speed Control102%
Airbags61%
Brakes61%
Seat Belts51%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Steering41%
Suspension31%
Body & Structure20%
Lighting10%

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V099000EngineFebruary 17, 2025 · 137,256 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V259000EngineApril 13, 2021 · 147,249 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Purchased kia in 2021- Car was taken in on April 24 for a recall. I was originally told the recall would take 2 weeks if it failed now South Hills Kia along with Kia can tell me anything. We are 2 weeks in the car I need to drive my elderly mother to her dr appointments with and not one person can…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 24, 2025 · crash

“Transmission fails at 25,000 miles I have no reverse, Transmission failed at highway speed almost lost control of the vehicle. Had no acceleration temporarily when I slowed down, transmission came back into drive but engine was sputtering. When I got home I realized I had no reverse. It’s a 2022…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2022

“ON 11/26/22 I was driving down the road my Kia Seltos showed error messages on the dashboard saying ERROR and then Power Train off, the car then shut off at 55 mph and smoke filled my cabin, I got the car pulled over and called the fire department, there was no flames just smoke and smelled like…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2022 · fire

“I was going to park my car the second I went to change gears my car accelerated forward through a bakery I stepped on the brakes as fast as I could but it was too late”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 2025 · crash

“While driving at low speeds, the vehicle would stall, no engine lights or warnings would appear on the dashboard. After turning it off and back on, it would run but stall again shortly later. An unfamiliar foul odor appeared from the dipstick as I checked the oil. Car only has 60k miles on it.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 26, 2024

2021 Kia Seltos — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 473 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 6 Seltos years. It is one of the Seltos years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Seltos problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (242 complaints), transmission (61 complaints), electrical system (47 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Seltos. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Kia Seltos under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Seltos years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Seltos years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among Seltos years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Seltos?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Seltos earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.