2021 Kia Seltos Engine

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was less than one-quarter of oil in the engine. The contact stated that an oil change was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for further services. The contact was advised that the vehicle should not consume 3.5 quarts of oil within 5,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The dealer was informed that the vehicle was consuming 3.5 quarts of oil within 5,000 miles. The contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change. After leaving the mechanic, the vehicle started smoking, and the engine seized in traffic. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there were no oil change records for the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine system appears to be malfunctioning. Specifically, there are signs of a potential head gasket failure, valve cover gasket leak, or internal engine damage due to oil leakage and excessive white smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The white smoke obstructs rear visibility, which poses a danger to other drivers. The unpredictable engine revving in idle or park also raises concern for unintended acceleration or engine failure, which could cause a crash, especially in congested or residential areas. In addition, the oil leak poses a fire risk and environmental hazard. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the symptoms have been observed and documented consistently. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been formally inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time, but I am open to having it evaluated by any relevant party as needed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights initially. The symptoms began with mild engine revving at idle and a burning oil smell. The white smoke and oil leakage became noticeable shortly after. The issues have progressively worsened over time and now the check engine light is on.

On Monday Jan 13 when I was merging onto the interstate the car lost power and started smoking; I almost lost control of the car. I steered the car to the side of the interstate and I had it towed to Brakes Plus (where it had just had an oil change on Jan 6) at my expense for an immediate diagnostic, where they found that there is evidence of oil passing into the combustion chamber through the piston rings that caused engine failure.  I asked the dealership repeatedly through email for an inspection report and an explanation as to why the engine failed.

My car has an issue holding oil. I have had to put quarts of oil in often and it makes my engine knock. It also makes my car lose power while I am driving. I know this is a common issue with these make and models.

We received the NHTSA recall # 25VO99 letter from KIA America Corporate Headquarters, dated April 4, 2025. We called the service department at the local Kia dealership, and were told "Don't bring it in, hold off, they were not doing this at this time, KIA is doing it a different way." It seemed odd at the time, since we were following KIA's recall instructions: "In the interest of the safety of your passengers, as well as your own safety, contact your local KIA dealer to arrange for the recall to be performed." In early September, we had stopped driving the car and had it towed to the same service department because we heard a ticking noise in engine, and stalled out - no lights on the dashboard ever came on indicating an engine problem. The service center, at the Kia dealership, said that the noise had nothing to do with NHTSA Recall #25VO99 even though it is identical to the safety recall's indicators. Instead of honoring the recall they said we needed a new long block. We were told by the service center Kia had them do a borescope inspection across cylinders 1 through 4, we were told cylinder 3 was "really bad". They asked for our maintenance records and we were told that we voided our warranty by late oil changes along the way. We have brought the car to the same Kia dealership for all service when we moved here four years ago. To be clear the engine had plenty of oil in it when it started stalling out, and making noise. Kia is contending that the engine blew because the oil might have been dirty. They have given us no proof of this or no proof that the safety recall does not apply. This car was not even 5 years old and under the 60,000 miles. We still had 5 payments on our car loan with Kia. We were charged $6,679.15 for a new longblock engine. Kia took no responsibility for the faulty engine.

The auto stop start function of this car is very unsafe. It sometimes does not start back immediately and rolls back. It’s just very unsafe.

On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Kia Seltos (VIN: [XXX] ) on the highway at approximately 70 MPH, the engine suddenly revved slightly higher and then completely shut off without warning. This caused a loss of power, making the vehicle difficult to control and nearly resulting in a significant accident with surrounding traffic. Fortunately, I was able to coast and pull over to the shoulder safely, avoiding a collision. No warning lights illuminated prior to the incident, and there were no other noticeable symptoms beforehand. The vehicle was towed to Classic Kia in Texarkana, TX, where technicians diagnosed engine seizure with no oil present—a clear symptom of excessive oil consumption and cylinder wall damage linked to faulty piston oil rings. During a call with Kia on September 16, 2025, they confirmed two prior recall repairs in 2021 and 2022: one for Recall SC209 (NHTSA 21V-259, addressing piston oil rings in 2021 Seltos with 2.0L Nu MPI engines) and another related repair not directly tied to SC209 but addressing similar engine issues. These repairs failed to prevent the defect, as evidenced by the seizure. This matches the piston ring defect in SC209 and the expanded Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V-099, covering 2021–2023 Seltos), which can cause seizure and fire risk. NHTSA’s 2025 audit of Kia’s engine recalls notes ineffective fixes, with owner complaints of post-repair failures. This incident posed a severe safety hazard, as engine seizure at highway speeds risks crashes, injuries, or fatalities. I urge NHTSA to investigate this as part of the audit and compel Kia to provide a permanent remedy, such as engine replacement or vehicle buyback under warranty/lemon laws. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We bought a 2021 Kia Seltos new from Spitzer Kia Cleveland (June 2020) and kept up with regular maintenance. The vehicle is subject to two NHTSA recalls for defective piston oil rings (21V259000 in 2021 and 25V099000 in 2025; Kia SC209 & SC336). Component/system: piston oil rings and related engine parts. Vehicle is at Spitzer Kia and available for inspection. Timeline: [XXX] – Check engine light illuminated (solid). Dipstick dry. Dealer said likely recall issue. [XXX] – Vehicle brought to dealer. Staff first acknowledged probable piston-ring issue and possible engine replacement. Later same day they switched to an “oil consumption test” requiring us to drive 1,000 miles—possibly three rounds (3,000 miles total)—before they will even consider replacing the engine. We must top off oil ourselves during this time. Safety risk: Driving thousands of miles in a recalled vehicle with known oil-consumption defect could cause engine seizure, stall, loss of power, or fire, endangering us and others. Inspection/confirmation: Dealer inspected the vehicle 9/12/25. Manufacturer (Kia America) also contacted and gave same response. Warning lamps/symptoms: Check engine light appeared [XXX]; low oil level, no external leaks noted. We do not feel it is safe to comply with the driving tests. Dealer threatened to tow our car if we did not pick it up. We have complete service records, recall notices, and correspondence available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH in traffic, the vehicle started to sputter and jerk before the vehicle slowed down and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston oil rings, anti-theft update, ECM, and an engine replacement were needed. The dealer informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 ( Engine) and requested the service records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall was currently on hold. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

I took my car in April 16 for the piston oil engine recall. The Kia dealership said it need to sit for 24 hrs before test. The next day they said it failed. Then, the dealership said I need to replace all the hoses because it won’t adhere properly to the new engine . I receive a notification that my case was open for a new engine. May 9th, the dealership reached out saying they were still waiting for parts. Two hours later they said it needed to retest. Four hours later it passed and it’s ready for pick up. I never got the new engine even though it failed prior to Kia halting the recall. I am concerned for my safety.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated. A dealer was contacted. The failure had occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half of the repair in January, but recently only offered to cover twenty percent of the repair cost. The failure mileage was 65,000.

The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was acknowledged that the failure was a known issue. The dealer recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven and remain with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); which was linked to the failure. The contact stated that several attempts were made to reach the dealer and the manufacturer about the recall repair; however, an update on the repair was not yet provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,621.

I took my car in last Wednesday to have the recall remedy done I was told my engine was fine my car sat up after that until Monday when I turned it on the check engine light came on and I was told after checking that cylinder 2 was misfiring and apparently my car was in fact not okay. My car went in on Monday and has been sitting in “being inspected “ status since yesterday. I have called and texted multiple times and can not receive and answer as to what is going on nor did they give me a loaner so I have been with out a car for 4 days now. The service department does not answer nor return my calls and just keep routing me to scheduling who apparently can’t tell when what’s going on either.

Kia replaced a recalled part on my vehicle related to the engine — specifically tied to the known piston oil ring defect. Before this recall repair, my vehicle was running ok with a couple time the car had completely shut off while Driving. This was back in 2023 and 2024 and was told to just add oil by the service dept. Immediately after the recall service was performed like drove it off the lot and place was already closed, the engine light came on and will not shut off, I also noticed a strange engine noise and the car leaches and can not go past 55mph. I advised the Kia dealership, and they informed me that it has nothing to do with the recall fix they did even though i did not have these issues before bringing it in and e to look it and said they would charge me over $100 to diagnose and then it would all be out of my pocket.The recall letter explicitly stated that if these symptoms were present — including excessive oil consumption or engine stalling which i have both and have been told in the past and documented to just keep adding oil in between oil changes — Kia would replace the engine at no cost to the customer. I even called kia and explained this to them to no avail and no help. Despite this, Kia is now refusing to uphold that promise and is not replacing the engine, even though the vehicle now displays all the symptoms outlined in their own recall documentation. This is both a serious safety concern and a failure by Kia to comply with recall obligations. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and could potentially cause a serious accident due to unexpected engine shutdowns at speed. I am requesting an immediate investigation into Kia’s handling of this recall and their failure to fulfill the engine replacement they promised in writing as part of the recall terms.

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 tell me when I can get my car back or even a loner. My car has less then 33,000 miles -this is just wrong on Kia’s part and South Hills Kia for not supplying a car as they keep my with ZERO end in sight. Thank you

Driving my car which has been fine no lights on dash, oil changes done regularly, and no odd sounds or leaks. I got onto the highway and lost all power so I immediately pulled off and turned off my engine. I got out and looked under my car to see all my oil pouring out of my car, had to get my car towed back to my place and had my mechanic come and just take a peek at it. He said it seems as if a piston broke and shot a rod through my engine. So I looked up my car to see the recall. I called the dealership and two different mechanics at the same dealership told me that they wouldn’t even look at my car unless I could show them proof of oil changes. I explained to them that I’ve done my regular oil changes and I’m not calling about a warranty. I’m calling about the recall and I was yet again informed that they wouldn’t even look at my car without those. I explained to both of them that I called corporate and corporate told me I did not need oil change receipts because this is a manufacturer issue not a consumer issue so I then called the dealership back and the mechanic told me that I was lying I did not talk to corporate and that he still won’t be looking at my car And pretty much told me and nicer words looks like you’re out of a car. This was about a month almost maybe a month and a half ago of going without my car.

The engine on my 2021 Kia Seltos failed due to a jumped timing chain shortly after having the piston rings replaced under recall SC209. The vehicle is at a Kia dealership and available for inspection. On July 14, 2025, I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs to follow up on a GoodWill request I sent on June 25th, 2025 and KIA verbally stated the engine had been approved for replacement. When I followed up on July 21 due to lack of communication, I was told the approval no longer appeared in the system. Since then, I have received no return calls, voicemails, or emails despite explicitly requesting that a supervisor contact me directly. I was also promised a 48-hour follow-up, which never happened. This failure occurred at approximately 110,000 miles, well before a modern engine should suffer a critical mechanical breakdown. The dealership confirmed the timing chain was the cause and that the prior piston ring recall repair did not resolve the issue. The failure was sudden and puts safety at risk—if this had occurred at highway speeds, it could have caused total loss of power while driving. I rely on this vehicle as a single mother and have no alternative transportation. There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts before the engine failed. Performance issues were present, but no early system diagnostics caught the problem. Kia’s inconsistent communication, lack of follow-through, and refusal to take responsibility after their own recall repair failed is unacceptable. I am filing this complaint to document the failure of the recall to prevent engine malfunction and the ongoing safety risk associated with this engine design.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, and while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an oil change was performed. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with camshaft failure, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the warranty was not covered because the vehicle had not received the oil change at a KIA dealer, and that the oil used was of poor quality. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

In late 2024 at 45,000 miles I noticed my 2021 Kia Seltos burning oil due to an extremely low amount oil being removed during an oil change. Who knows how long it was going on. I took the vehicle to the dealership and was told an oil consumption test needed to be done. The test showed after driving 2,134 miles, the car was down 1.2 quarts of oil. That should be unheard of in a 3 year old car with low mileage. I was told it is within an acceptable amount and I should keep doing consumption tests. After month of time waiting and hours spent doing multiple consumption tests, they still will not acknowledge the clear issue with my vehicle. I then discovered there is a Kia Seltos recall which my vehicle has all the symptoms of. They performed a sc336 procedure for this recall and you guessed it, I was told nothing is wrong. Here I am a year, and a half later giving up. I now just fill the oil myself every few weeks while I wait to see what else is going to go wrong. This is TERRIBLE business practice.

KIA AMERICA, INC. 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. After i was told about my recall i took my car to the Vineland new jersey Kia dealer. The look at my car and find 6 more recall. After I took mt car the dealer didn’t not fix my recall. Turn off my sign on my dash board told me to drive it. The next day my car engine stop working. I bring in my paper work with my oil change. Now don’t want to fixed my engine or replace me with whole new car.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that during the inspection, the dip stick was dry, and the contact added 1 1/2 quart of oil to the engine. The contact stated that after driving 150 miles, 1 1/12 quart of oil needed to be added to the vehicle each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

While driving the car stalls, lags and makes rumble sounds. It will stall and go down in revolutions from 3/4 down to 2 or even 1. It does this whether I am actively driving in the highway going 60 miles an hour or pulling of from a red light / stop sign. Is anyone else having this problem? Is very scary and nerve racking when in the highway going at 60 miles an hr and it just stalls and lags and takes a minutes to pick up speed

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and while turning, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound and experienced reduced motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as needed while continuing to drive. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an excessive oil consumption. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.