351 of the 559 complaints about the Kia Seltos (62.8%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 2.8× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
351Complaints · Engine
62.8%Share of complaints
2.82×vs. all vehicles
131Last 12 months
3.4%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
131 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 120 in the 12 months before — up 9%.
12 of these reports (3.4%) 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
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, oil pressure, and charging system warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled.
Engine · 2026-10-08 · ODI 11769839
As I was driving my 2021 KIA SELTOS LX AWD, at approximately 45 mph, my car had stalled causing an injury to my facial area, specifically my nose.
Engine · 2026-10-07 · ODI 11769588
While I was driving off the freeway, my vehicle suddenly stalled while I was in motion. The vehicle restarted, but shortly afterward it stalled again.
Engine · 2026-10-07 · ODI 11769754
RECALL EVASION & TIMELINE FRAUD REPORT Filing formal complaint against Kia America & Kia of Cerritos (CA) for evasion of mandate under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099). 1.
Engine · 2026-10-06 · ODI 11769472
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 revealDesign choices linked to oil consumption in recent engines, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models currently have the highest engine share in their complaints.
