Owners have reported 12 crashes, 5 fires and 8 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 KIA Seltos. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints145
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2021 KIA Seltos frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, leading to engine stalling, rough operation, and in some cases, complete engine failure. Typical symptoms include the engine shutting off unexpectedly, often accompanied by a lack of warning lights, and the need for frequent oil top-ups, even within standard oil change intervals. These issues are often reported to occur between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with at least one report of a crash and another of a fire, as well as instances of the vehicle losing power while driving, posing a risk of accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and verify whether any specific vehicle falls under relevant recalls or warranty coverages.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints61
POWER TRAIN
Owners report significant issues with the 2021 Kia Seltos' powertrain, primarily involving transmission failures and excessive oil consumption leading to engine problems. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as stalling, engine surging, and inability to shift gears, often occurring around 7,100 to 75,400 miles. Multiple owners describe situations where their vehicles lose power while driving, sometimes resulting in hazardous conditions like stalling on highways or in intersections. The excessive oil consumption is linked to piston ring defects, with several owners noting rapid oil depletion and engine knocking noises. These issues pose potential safety risks, including engine seizure and loss of control, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Owner complaints39
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2021 Kia Seltos, often associated with abnormal knocking sounds, stalling, and excessive oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention warning lights illuminating, engines seizing, and in some cases, vehicles catching fire. These issues are typically noted at mileages ranging from approximately 24,000 to over 110,000 miles. Safety implications include engine fires and sudden loss of power while driving, which can pose significant risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unresolved recall-related repairs.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with common complaints involving the infotainment system lagging, freezing, and causing distractions due to Bluetooth disconnections and backup camera failures. Multiple owners describe the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by engine shutdowns and a lack of acceleration, particularly at low speeds or during turns. These issues often occur in vehicles with mileage ranging from 40,000 to 82,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including a reported crash with injuries due to engine failure and a fire incident linked to electrical components. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical and engine-related issues, as they may impact vehicle safety and reliability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints30
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 KIA Seltos frequently report issues related to unintended acceleration, engine problems, and electrical malfunctions. Common symptoms include the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly, grinding noises, stalling, and various warning lights activating without clear cause. These issues often occur at mileage ranges around 24,000 to 33,000 miles, with some complaints noting problems shortly after engine replacements. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, one involving a fire, and loss of control due to unexpected acceleration or engine failure. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and the associated risks when considering this vehicle.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos frequently report failures in airbag deployment during crashes, with all five complaints involving such incidents. Common scenarios include frontal impacts with significant vehicle damage, such as collisions with other vehicles and deer, where airbags did not deploy despite substantial front-end damage. Additionally, one complaint describes a side impact from a large object where the side airbag similarly failed to deploy. These incidents often occur at highway speeds, approximately 45 to 60 mph, and have resulted in two reported injuries. The pattern of non-deployment during high-impact crashes is a critical safety issue that potential buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Kia Seltos report issues primarily related to unintended acceleration and stalling while in motion. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly even when the brake pedal is fully depressed, with two incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. Additionally, stalling is reported, where the vehicle suddenly loses power without warning, sometimes accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard. These issues are noted at mileages around 55,000 to 61,000 miles, with one case involving a new transmission being installed. Safety concerns are evident as unintended acceleration and stalling can lead to loss of vehicle control, posing risks of accidents.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 KIA Seltos report several issues related to vehicle operation and safety. Complaints frequently mention the car stalling unexpectedly, both when stopped and while driving at various speeds, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights, including the engine light. These stalling incidents are noted at mileage as low as 5,000 to 15,000 miles. Additionally, one owner reports the car locking in park and being unable to move, alongside instances where the speedometer incorrectly displays 0 mph while driving at highway speeds. Safety implications are present, as these issues occur during active driving, potentially leading to loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these symptoms when considering a used 2021 KIA Seltos.
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the 2021 KIA Seltos fuel system, primarily involving gas fumes, engine sputtering, and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. Common symptoms include smelling gas fumes both inside and outside the vehicle, engine sputtering, and the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, often accompanied by difficulty restarting. These issues appear at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing problems at 83,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control during operation, as the vehicle may shut off while driving, posing a risk of being stranded or obstructing traffic. Multiple owners describe repeated visits to dealerships without resolution, suggesting ongoing challenges in diagnosing and repairing these fuel system issues.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 KIA Seltos frequently report issues related to engine stalling and brake malfunctions. Complaints describe instances where the engine shuts off unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by the brakes and steering wheel locking, resulting in a temporary loss of control. These issues often occur around the 19,000-mile mark. In one case, the vehicle rolled backward on an incline, prompting the use of the emergency brake to avoid a collision. Safety implications include potential loss of control, although no crashes or injuries are reported in these complaints.
