Kia · Seltos · 2021
2021 Kia Seltos
2
Recalls
317
Complaints
4/5
NCAP overall
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls and 317 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (120 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 15132
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2021 Kia Seltos page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 120 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2021 Kia Seltos reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Kia Seltos currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 317 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (120), engine and engine cooling (34), power train (27).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Kia Seltos
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 317
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 4/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 15132.
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 15132
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 25V099000February 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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 Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 21V259000April 13, 2021
ENGINE
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 Status
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.
Owner Complaints
317 totalENGINE
Apr 22, 2026
I own a 2021 Kia Seltos with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine (146 hp) and approximately 38,967 miles at the time of failure. On April 21, 2026, the vehicle began rattling during acceleration and stalling at stops with no warning lights of any kind. On April 22, 2026, my partner and I w...
Preview excerpt
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Apr 14, 2026
This has happened 3 other times. It just stalls out when stopped. Not to do its SMART thing but it clunks-like and turns completely off. Its a bit scarey. And now heat issues just like the last 2 summers. It has issues!
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Apr 7, 2026
On April 7, 2026, the vehicle experienced a 'quiet fade out' stall while in motion, resulting in a total loss of motive power. The dealership (DCH Kia of Temecula) confirmed cylinder scoring and referenced Techline Case 26022952. This failure is identical to the conditions descri...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Apr 2, 2026
This is supplemental information for my existing Complaint #XXX – 2021 Kia Seltos SC336 / 25V-099. Key facts and timeline: Purchased as Certified Pre-Owned on August 17, 2025 from Rairdon Kia of Burlington. Safety Recall SC336 / 25V-099 performed June 24, 2025 (mileage 61,378). ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Apr 2, 2026
My 2021 Kia Seltos S 2.0 Nu MPI suffered engine failure at highway speed •The car was found 3 quarts low on oil and Smith KIA Bellingham, WA performed maintenance previously. •Smith KIA dealer indicated the failure is likely tied to the known piston-ring defect. •The VIN lookup d...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle: 2021 Kia Seltos VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 71,728 Recall: NHTSA 25V-099 / Kia SC336 (piston oil rings) – Subsequent Repair Action SC336YZ On [XXX], while driving at highway speeds during a trip from Everett to Bellingham WA, the vehicle suddenly lost power, the check-engine l...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 29, 2026
Excessive oil consumption Engine damage or failure Ticking noise from the engine Loss of power when driving Rough idle, shaking the car is not able to be used, for safe.
ENGINE
Mar 27, 2026
On April 4th 2025 I received a letter concerning NHTSA Recall 25V099 and was asked to have dealership run diagnostics. On April 30th dealership says "YES" engine needs to be replaced. Two days later dealership calls me and says new software has arrived and they need to run diag...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 21, 2026
While driving engine shut off and car will not start. Garage states engine is seized up. It is same engine that Kia recalled
Showing 10 recent complaints from 317 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
Quick Compare
More Kia Seltos Years
2022 Kia SeltosCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r64c2023 Kia SeltosCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r42c2024 Kia SeltosCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r38c2025 Kia SeltosCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.8c2026 Kia SeltosCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2c
More 2021 Kia Models
2021 Kia TellurideAnother 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r306c2021 Kia SorentoAnother 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r214c2021 Kia SoulAnother 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r199c2021 Kia K5Another 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.6r140c2021 Kia ForteAnother 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r67c2021 Kia SportageAnother 2021 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r41c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Kia Seltos?
NHTSA has received 317 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2021 Kia Seltos has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV AWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 15132. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2021 Kia Seltos are engine (120 reports), engine and engine cooling (34 reports), power train (27 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.