Is This A Lemon?

Year · Make · Model

2021 KIA Seltos

What the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration knows about this vehicle: every recall, every consumer complaint, every defect investigation, every NCAP crash test. Sourced directly from NHTSA data feeds.

2
Open recalls
322
NHTSA complaints
1
Defect investigations
132
Service bulletins

NCAP safety

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Consumer complaints

322 filed
10
Crashes
5
Fires
6
Injuries reported
0
Fatalities reported

What people complain about

  • Engine
    192
  • Power Train
    58
  • Unknown OR Other
    42
  • Electrical System
    39
  • Engine AND Engine Cooling
    36
  • FUEL/PROPULSION System
    21
  • Vehicle Speed Control
    9
  • Service Brakes
    6

Recalls

2 campaigns
25V099000·ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL2025-02-17

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.

RiskEngine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

FixDealers 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.

21V259000·ENGINE2021-04-13

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.

RiskA 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.

FixKia 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.

NHTSA investigations

1 action
AQ25001·ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL2025-08-06 → 2025-12-18

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

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