The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 284,505 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 473 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING25V0990002025-02-17137,256 affected
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.
ENGINE21V2590002021-04-13147,249 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
A 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.
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.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
203
2crashes3fires2injuries
POWER TRAIN
60
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
44
4crashes1fires2injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41
1crashes1fires1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
38
2fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
22
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9
1crashes1injuries
SERVICE BRAKES
6
AIR BAGS
5
5crashes3injuries
SEAT BELTS
5
Total complaints473
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“I was driving on the highway at 63 mph. I went to change lanes and pass the vehicle next to me so I gradually went up to 75 mph. Then there was an explosive metal sound and white smoke filled my cabin and under my hood. I could smell oil from inside the vehicle. I pulled over, opened the hood and…”
“To whom it may concern, I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 kia seltos (vin: [xxx]). My vehicle was previously serviced by kia in connection with a recall in 2021. Despite the recall-related repair being completed, the issue has not been resolved. My check engine light…”
“Engine problems. Car stop running and I had it towed to a local kia dealer in medford, oregon. They said the engine didn't have any oil even though it wasn't time for my next oil change per the mileage sticker. They said the engine has to be replaced. I'm waiting on kia's approval since it is…”
“Usually the car would be taken to a shop for an oil change and I did it myself last time and realized the oil was pretty low. I checked over the weekend and noticed the dip stick marked the oil as 2/3 full after waiting 10 minutes for it to cool down a bit. This is alarming because when I filled…”
“Multiple times the car has shut off while driving. It did receive the pnss sensor thing from the dealership 2 years ago. It has done this while my wife and kids were in the car in a busy roundabout. There are known engine issues with this model. Kia dealership is dragging their feet and “can’t…”
“Multiple times the car has shut off while driving. It did receive the pnss sensor thing from the dealership 2 years ago. It has done this while my wife and kids were in the car in a busy roundabout. There are known engine issues with this model. Kia dealership is dragging their feet and “can’t…”
“The car is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk due to the cars potential to break down, or catch fire, due to high volumes of oil consumption and leakage from the piston rings. This was part of a recall campaign (#sc336 piston oil ring), where we had two authorized kia…”
“The car is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk due to the cars potential to break down, or catch fire, due to high volumes of oil consumption and leakage from the piston rings. This was part of a recall campaign (#sc336 piston oil ring), where we had two authorized kia…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationAQ25001 Opened 2025-08-06 · closed 2025-12-18
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2021 Kia Seltos as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.