332 of the 534 complaints about the Kia Seltos (62.2%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 2.8× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
332Complaints · Engine
62.2%Share of complaints
2.8×vs. all vehicles
122Last 12 months
3.6%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (260, 72% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (1). 122 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 114 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “oil”, “engine”, “piston”, “rings” and “recall”. 12 of these reports (3.6%) describe a crash or fire, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 25V099000 (2025-02-17, model years 2021, 2022 and 2023).
I had two incidents with the Kia listed above involving the feature where the engine stops when at a light, and then turns back on when foot is removed from brake. The first instance happened in a parking lot while I was maneuvering into a spot.
Engine · 2026-08-23 · ODI 11758909 · Crash
Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later flames
Engine · 2026-07-29 · ODI 11753443 · Fire
My 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption between regularly scheduled oil changes. There is no visible external oil leak or oil accumulating underneath the vehicle, but the oil level becomes extremely low before the next…
Engine · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761313
Acceleration is sluggish and vehicle struggles to maintain freeway speeds. Engine stalls (engine turns off, ACC still on) during normal operation.
Engine · 2026-08-31 · ODI 11761146
My 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo (1.6L Turbo engine) is experiencing severe, excessive oil consumption, burning (and heavy smoke ) approximately 1 to 2 quarts, (Kia dealer oil change standard amount) of oil every 1,000 miles without any external visual leaks.
Engine · 2026-08-31 · ODI 11761151
My 2021 Kia Seltos stalled twice while driving and failed to restart, creating a severe safety hazard. The vehicle was previously inspected twice at a Kia dealer for the Piston Ring Recall (SC209).
Engine · 2026-08-29 · ODI 11760666
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 25V099000 · 2025-02-17 · Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023
Summary: 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.
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.
ENGINE Campaign 21V259000 · 2021-04-13 · Model years: 2021
Summary: 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.
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.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Kia Seltos?
332 of the 534 complaints about the Kia Seltos (62.2%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 2.8× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Kia Seltos model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (260, 72% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (1).
Is there a recall for Kia Seltos Engine problems?
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 25V099000 (2025-02-17, model years 2021, 2022 and 2023).