2021 Kia Seltos Problems
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 328 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, with engine problems dominating the reports. Based on 328 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Kia Seltos has 328 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 Kia Seltos trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Kia Seltos Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Kia SELTOS SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
KIA SELTOS 2021 has 328 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems accounting for 234. Two recalls and 10 crash-related complaints are reported. Buyers should inspect the engine and transmission before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Seltos
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 328
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Kia Seltos problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Kia Seltos?
The 2021 Seltos is a risky choice due to the high number of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection and service history review.
Engine problems can lead to costly repairs and potential safety issues like stalling. Transmission and electrical faults also affect drivability and reliability.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher maintenance risk and who can verify a well-maintained vehicle.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking long-term reliability or who cannot afford unexpected repairs should avoid the 2021 Seltos.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Kia Seltos
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for unusual noises, stalling, or check engine light.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and any hesitation.
- Check all electrical systems including infotainment and sensors.
Before You Close the Deal
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic test-drive to check for transmission and drivetrain issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Kia Seltos, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Kia Seltos shows a high volume of engine-related complaints (234), followed by transmission (60) and electrical issues (44). With only 10 crash-related complaints and 2 recalls, the data suggests powertrain reliability concerns rather than safety defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2021 has the highest complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 234 of 328 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 60 complaints.
- Electrical faults are reported in 44 complaints.
- Engine Problems (234 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (60 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (44 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2021 Kia Seltos complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 234 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 60 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 44 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 43 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 6 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The infotainment head unit display system suffers from persistent firmware connectivity defects that cause severe system lag, complete screen freezing, and constant Bluetooth/phone disconnections. This directly compromises vehicle safety by rendering mandatory hands-free voice op…
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…
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that days after the engine oil was changed the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle as taken to the local auto service center who replaced the replaced the crank shaft sensor and camshaft sensor bu…
Kia Dealership did nothing with engine recall in 2025 they said nothing was wrong despite the oil consumption and engine noise that could be heard without using any tools, and then in March they would not honor the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty when both VVT solenoids failed, we …
While in the middle of driving on the highway, the vehicle has powered off then back on. The vehicle “slips” when revving up.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual knocking sound and the engine seized. In addition, several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, …
This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They offered to do a oil consumption test for $900. I've already read complaints about …
The engine catastrophically failed on an 45 mph road. There was no warning leading up to this incident at any time previously. The engine lost all power and the car shut off on this road. My husband was able to pull it over and tow it into a mechanic. The mechanic said the oil wa…
Engine seized and was smoking. No warning lights on dash until engine siezed and then it was ESC light that came on. Engine started smoking when seized. Checked oil and there was none however we had just had the vehicle in for a state safety inspection 2 weeks prior to this happe…
My car stalls in the middle of traffic. I took the vechile for diagnostics with a mechanic and was informed my piston rings were bad. Currently a recall in progress. I take my car in for recall of faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, or fire. The dealer…
My vehicle recently idled roughly and shut off at low speeds and while stopped at intersections on my way to work. I brought it to an authorized Kia dealership the very next day. After researching my VIN, I discovered Kia Safety Recall #SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099), which identi…
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…
*The end of March, my car suddenly started making an awful grinding noise, jerking, slowing down even with foot on excellerator. Towed to nearest Lia in Leesburg. Couldn't find anything wrong. Happened two more times didn't take in. Next time it happened in April towed in. *My en…
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). …
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!
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…
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…
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…
I have a Kia Seltos 2021 AWD EX 24,700 mi. that was recalled and new engine put in on April 12th 2025 to fix grinding noise that occurred 4 times the end of March starting on the 17th 2025. On Dec. 12th 2025 Grinding noise started again. Couldn't find anything wrong and told them…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
Safety recalls
2021 Kia Seltos recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Kia Seltos buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 328 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Seltos is a risky choice due to the high number of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection and service history review. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?▾
#1: Engine Problems (234 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (60 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (44 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Seltos?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Seltos?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Kia Seltos, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 328 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia Seltos. A major recall area is ENGINE. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Seltos?▾
The 2021 Seltos is a risky choice due to the high number of engine complaints. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection and service history review. Engine problems can lead to costly repairs and potential safety issues like stalling. Transmission and electrical faults also affect drivability and reliability. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Seltos reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.