2022 Kia Seltos engine problems

The 2022 Kia Seltos has 43 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 45% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

45%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Seltos engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“My 2022 Kia Seltos out of nowhere started smoking, losing power, total control and braking. There were no lights on the dashboard warning of any kind complete stall than a little bit of power hesitation stall no brakes. I managed to coast it into a parking space at a hotel with it smoking so bad I…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 26, 2026 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2022 Kia Seltos have?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the 2022 Kia Seltos engine — 45% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2022 Kia Seltos engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 25V099000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.