2021 KIA Seltos other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 operations completely inoperable while driving, creating an intense electronic driver distraction. Furthermore, the system instability occasionally causes the central display screen to lag or fail to transition, impacting the reliability of the backup camera display. The manufacturer (Kia America) does not provide a functional consumer download path to patch the firmware build, and the local franchised dealer (Arapahoe Kia) explicitly refuses to service or update the component, leaving the vehicle with an ongoing electronic defect.

NHTSA complaint #11742548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

*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 engine was replaced in April of 2025. *Was fine until 12/10/25. Same grinding, etc. Was worse than before. Found out my 5 yr. warranty ended on 12/09/2025. Had it towed to Ocala Kia where I bought car. Updated software to what it was before replaced engine. Found out engine only had warranty for 1 year. That has expired. I thought I had purchased 5 year extended warranty when I bought out lease but I don't. So I don't know what I paid for. I do not feel confident that it is fixed nor do I trust dealer. *I have asked both dealerships to give me a written explanation on what they have tested for and dates and serial # on parts. I was told that info was only for dealer and won't let me know. I want to know if any damage to parts that were source of grinding. I have all or most of paperwork for service. I am taking car to another reputable auto repair to check it over for so I can decide to get rid of it. *I want to make sure it is on record that I have let you know that fixes haven't worked. Problem is sporadic and unpredictable. I cannot find out what they have checked. This was my last car. I like it but no longer trust it. [XXX] [XXX] CP [XXX] . I have sent in complaint before but never heard back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11732994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 to try harder. Said needed software update back to what it was before engine put in. My problem: I don't have the 5 year extended warranty that I thought I had. Never got papers about warranty of new engine which I don't think it is. No papers saying if they ever checked to see if parts affected by grinding had shown wear. Neither dealer where it was serviced had done this to my knowledge and won't give written proof. I never had a copy of any of the paper work I signed in front of me the 3 ½ hours in office. He would go over and tell me to initial or sign. Then didn't want to give me a paper copy but put on zip drive. I insisted on paper and about a ½ hour late he came with 28 pages of mostly size 6 font. I just wanted out. They have known this car has had issues since the day I bought it. I have called customer service dealer and corporate. According to paperwork Im not allowed to ask for a jury trial, go to arbitration or join a class action suit nor get reimbursed for repairs caused by defects. I went to Sr. vs. Crime and they tried to call to get paperwork and they didn't return calls. What options do I have left as the ods of needing repairs seem obvious. My car is worth nothing - bad reputation, and I don't feel safe driving it.

NHTSA complaint #11729425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My engine was replaced April 9. 2025 because of piston issues. I had taken it in a few weeks prior for terrible grinding noise, shaking, and slowing down. They didn't find anything wrong. It happened for a short time twice after and didn't take in as sporadic and would stop. Then it happened again for longer time. I had it towed to Kia again. During time in shop, I received a recall letter. Shop kept saying it would be done next day. After a few days I called and they said they were putting in an engine. I Picked it up and then two weeks before Christmas It started grinding sound and shaking etc. It was towed into Kia I bought from as my Kia roadside had expired a few days before. They ran diagnostic test and said they found nothing. I told they to try harder. Ran another test and supposedly according to some bulletin they upgraded some software back to what it was before engine replaced and the problem should be fixed. Only drove car 1 mile according to service papers I have. I have a 5 year old car with 24,000-25,000 mi. on and I am afraid to drive it. So far it has only happened when driving 45 mph or less. I will not drive it on turnpike or interstate. I want this recorded someplace so it is on the record for other with this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11719683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car makes a jumping/jerking movement & at times, something that seems like a misfire happens. All lights go on and the car will do that jerking issue & become un drivable. This happened to me on the road and I was afraid for my safety as I couldn’t get my car to a safe place immediately. Brought it to my mechanic and he gave me forms of a recall regarding 2021 Kia Seltos which is what I have.

NHTSA complaint #11715432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

my sensor does not work and does not detect the gas in tank car wont start or turn on

NHTSA complaint #11709746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING SOUND, VIBRATES, SLOWS DOWN. GRINDING SOUND IS LIKE GRINDING GEARS OR A SNOWPLOW SCRAPING PAVEMENT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN APRIL BECAUSE OF RECALL. I ONLY HAVE 23765 MILES ON IT BUT ORIGINAL 5 YEAR WARRANTY EXPIRED ON 12/09/2025. THE SAME NOISE STARTED AGAIN ON 12/10/2025 AND IT WAS TOWED TO DEALER I BOUGHT FROM ON 12/10/25. The master warning light came on 12/10/25 incident and some text. There was traffic so unable to read it and light went off.

NHTSA complaint #11705022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DEATH TRAP! Point blank~Engine will STILL Jerk, Skip, Not Do Anything Or even Shut Off Without Warning!!! The Driver's Screen will still Flash and go out but only once in a while now. Dealership didn't understand that. They told me Radio was Fine Now. I told them Screen Directly in Front of Driver's with Speedometer on it. IT'S HARD TO FIND GOOD HELP. EVEN HARDER, to FIND a SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE that YOUR KIDS CAN BE IN!!! 💯% 🎯 RUST {definitely} up under Near the License Plate Bracket. ALSO, the Windshield WIPERS STOP WORKING WHENEVER THEY CHOOSE!!! The Best part is, the Dealership CAN'T DO ANYTHING about ANY OF THIS. Why? Pretty much because KIA REDID the TEST so that ALL the Vehicles PASS Now. It makes it LOOK like the Engines are OK, when in Reality they are 💩. I bought this Vehicle 12-30-24 with 44,068 miles on it. My Daughter and I thought we were going to Die in it on 4-26-25. We didn't even have it a full 4 months Before We Found Out WE HAVE A LEMON from KIA. There were 3,310 Miles put on it. Come on... I was told there was No Way to NOTE My Account at the Dealership for the Different Times {Everytime} this NEGLIGENT 💩 STUFF Kept and Still Does Happening. That's OK. I just Hope and Pray for KIA's sake, that Nothing Ever Seriously Happens to Anyone because of How THIS 2021 KIA SELTOS VEHICLE Operates DEFECTIVELY in So MANY DIFFERENT WAYS that ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. IF they were Smart, they would REPLACE ALL OF THEM with a Brand New Vehicle to AVOID A POSSIBLE SERIOUS FATALITY. I only say this because that's what WE experienced more than once. We fear this Daily. We ended up with this Vehicle after our Honda CRV-EXL was Totaled by Someone running a Red Light. It was the OTHER PERSON'S FAULT, but after paying off car... Kia was all in could afford. I had NO Choice but to get this KIA. Being a Single Mom on Low Social Security Disability Income, I did what I had to do! I have to have a GOOD RELIABLE AWD VEHICLE to get to Doctors Appointments. THIS ISN'T ONE.

NHTSA complaint #11701384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has stop many times in highway running 55mph or 30 mph. It will completely stop my car has almost 15000 miles a 2021 kia seltos. I turned in my car to the kia dealershop to get check and they diagnosed a lot for so many things and have me pay to replaced the car’s battery. I had my 3year olf child when that happened The dealer just pushed it that it was the battery but its not. My car has only 15000 miles. they also ordered a pad crash main even whwn there was no accident happened. It is a critical safety of my component. For a very low milage car that has so many problem i think this is not good. The engine will stop when i pressed the brake and automatically refresed all warnings will show mainly engine light. it wont turn on when i pressed the button. It happen many times

NHTSA complaint #11685796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In January my husband was driving the Kia and it broke down. We took it to the mechanic and they said it was completely out of oil. Spent $5,000 on getting it fixed in a couple weeks later find out there's a recall. Took the Kia to the dealership in Ocala. They and told us there was nothing wrong with it and that they fixed it. It also makes noises when you turn the car on. to this day we still have to put oil in it almost every day. And it still makes a weird farting noise when you turn it on. I even asked mechanic in Ocala if it made that noise. He looked at me like a was stupid haha. And then I asked him what would happen if we still had to keep putting oil in it. He said we shouldn't have to.

NHTSA complaint #11683110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car just stopped working while driving on the road. It wouldn’t crank up/ the engine wasn’t operating and the car wouldn’t accelerate. It’s been over a year since my car hasn’t been working. I took it to the dealer and they said the engine wasn’t consuming the oil or something of that sort. No lights came on before it’s like it just went out. It has been inoperable ever since. This was June 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11681999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle having issues with A/C. Engine light comes on and gives code P0070 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A". Replaced A/C sensor and issue persists. Took to local mechanic who determined it was a circuit in the control module. Repairs should be covered under manufacture warranty. Car is currently at local Kia dealership for inspection. Dealership stated they might not cover, even though it is under warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11670083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have had this car for about two years. A year ago I was having issues with the car stalling, and the check engine light. I took the car in and it was "fixed". I have to get oil changes very frequently, and still have to top up my oil in between changes. I made my appointment for this current recall. While waiting for the recall, my check engine light came on. My car displays all of the symptoms of the issues in the recall. I took my car in for the appointment on April 28th. They told me they would update me the following day after the testing. Kia called to inform me that the next day that the recall is on "halt" and they have no further information. My car has been sitting at the dealership since 4/28 with no further information. They have not called to update again, I've had to call them. They also have not checked into the check engine light. My car is under warranty so I don't understand how they haven't checked into that regardless of the recall. When asked about a loaner car they state they don't have any, and provide no assistance with getting one.

NHTSA complaint #11658845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Kia released safety recall letters on 4/4/25 (SC336). I requested the recall service from my local dealership immediately and was scheduled for 5/19/25, then called back to inform me that Kia has paused the recall without any estimate of when it can be remedied. I called Kia customer care and was told not to drive the vehicle if I was concerned, with no guarantee to cover a rental car if I needed it, and that my solution was to either be without a vehicle or continue to drive it with the risk of "loss of drive power and/or fire, increasing the risk of crash and injury." This is completely unacceptable.

NHTSA complaint #11659009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received a recall letter for my Kia 2021 Seltos EX 2.0 dated 4-4-25 for piston oil ring and engine inspection. I checked my car in with a local Kia dealership on Thursday the 24th. Approximately, thirty hours later I received a call it passed inspection. On Friday I picked my car up and did my normal Friday laundry and went home. I’m talking about for the laundromat and my home maybe a total of three miles, if that, within the dealership. The car ran perfect as usual. On [XXX] I drove 15 miles to shop and dine out. On the way back my check engine light came on (solid) and the power was extremely poor and reduced. Didn’t think I was going to make it. I had planned on doing another stop before getting home, but had to pass and try to make it. My car ran perfect before this inspection and I did not want this inspection for fear something would go wrong, but felt I had no choice. So, I’m waiting to hear Kia say the inspection had nothing to do with your check engine issues. I understand Kia started its investigation in February 2025. I’m wondering if some of these investigations were done remotely by Kia? Strange during February I experienced a couple of glitches going on with my car while I was driving. First, the car did not recognize my seat belt was fastened in the driver seat. The fastened your seat belt icon flashed and that annoying ding noise went on for the duration of my drive, approximately thirty minutes or so until I got home. After it sat overnight it seemed to reset itself. Then, during this same month, I was taking care of my normal morning errands as usual. My start engine light flashed while driving, and that annoying ding noise again. The power reduced like my car was going to cut off getting through a green light. That straightened out immediately and there were no more issues with my car. Until this recent inspection. Do anyone know if Kia remotely inspected cars for the piston oil ring issue? Strange how after these glitches I received the recall letter. I’m just coming to lea

NHTSA complaint #11657040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Received a letter from KIA Headquarters stating a recall for piston oil rings and possibly engine failure. Inspection and software updates would take 1-2 hours, if replacing engine 8 or more hours. I made my appointment for today, arrived at Jone KIA in Bel Air, MD and am told that the letter is incorrect and I need to either leave my vehicle with them or reschedule. How many of the letters went out to owners and then we are told differently!

NHTSA complaint #11654825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving down the highway going 65mph when my car would not accelerate any more in the middle of the highway where the speed limit is 65. At one point I could not get it to go above 30mph. I pulled off to the side and when I tried driving off again my car would not accelerate. Towed to Kia, they did a software update thinking it was fixed. Picked my car up and drove 10 miles before it broke down on me again. Towed to a second Kia dealership, new transmission was put in. Picked it up 4 days ago, and it is stalling, and jolting when accelerating and the check engine light is on. It is at the 3rd Kia dealership, where I was just told I may need ANOTHER transmission replacement. I asked about the engine recall after getting an email from Kelly Blue Book about it. Kia said they did not know how to fix the recall yet and there was nothing they could do about it right now. I have been without my car for almost 2 months, and this is the 3rd Kia dealership trying to fix the issue at hand and not getting anywhere.

NHTSA complaint #11646358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Horn stopped working. This puts me and passengers at a safety risk as I am unable to alert other drivers and/or pedestrians to potential dangers that could result in reducing the chance of a crash. I am also unable to use the horn to ensure proper security of my car. As the horn also works for my alarm systems to indicate the vehicles locked status. I also cannot utilize the horn as an emergency warning when the panic button is pressed on a key fob. The problem was inspected and determined at my local shop. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. The horn stopped working on Jan 29, 2025

NHTSA complaint #11640700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hello, I received the anti theft software update on my Kia last year part of the nationwide recall. Today, I had to use my steel key to open the car door and when I did, it started ringing the alarm. The car was unable to start without pressing the open button in my key fob. I had to replace the key fob battery in order for me to get into my car and drive it. I have a steel key, not push to start.

NHTSA complaint #11614602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

You are driving with all windows up in Florida with the temperature outside from 70's to 90's Degrees with AC on cold and running and suddenly car displays the temperature outside -39 Degrees and the car starts blowing very hot air that fogs all windows within seconds and daughter is unable to see. Car has been taken to Kia of Leesburg, FL more than 5 times. Dealer has changed the temperature sensor and checked the wiring, but the vehicle is still doing the same. Daughter almost had 3 major accidents because of this with 3 year old in the car. Need NHTSA to investigate this and push KIA of America for resolution. Has happened multiple times and we have it on video.

NHTSA complaint #11580469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My vehicle appeared to restart itself (dashboard lights turned off and immediately turned back on as if the car had been started up) as I was a approaching a red stop light toward the end of a 1 hour/60 mile commute. This is the 3rd time since I've had my vehicle (purchased in October of 2020) that I've had an event like this occur while driving. Currently waiting service appointment, 2 weeks away 1st incident, within the 1st 6 months of ownership, cant remember the exact date: Vehicle appeared to restart as I turned left at a green light. 2nd incident: Vehicle appeared to restart itself whilst driving on highway (thankfully no traffic/other cars on the road at this time, but I was doing 70+mph at the time). Shortly after this incident, I called the local dealer to setup a service appointment about this issue. Service was unable to to replicate issue. They looked for whatever codes that might lead them to the source of the problem, but none found. Was told to monitor bring vehicle back in if it happened again. It's seems to look like some sort of electrical/computer glitch that causes the car to do this. It happens inconsistently (different driving conditons) and infrequently, but is a major safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11540858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY VEHICLE HAS SHOUT OFF ON ME 4 TIMES EITHER WHILE STOPPED AT THE LIGHT/ STOP SIGN . APPROACHING A LIGHT AND OR STOP SIGN WHILE SLOWING TO STOP. IT APPEARS TO BE THAT PART OF THE SYSTEM THAT SHUTS DOWN OR OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO CONSERVE GAS IS MALFUNCTIONING THIS CLEARLY BECOMES A SAFETY RISK DEPENDING ON WHERE THE CAR IS POSITIONED AT THE TIME OF THE SHUT DOWN, SLOWING TO MAKE TURN OR STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. AT THIS TIME I WILL BE REPORTING THIS ISSUE TO THE DESALERSHIP, THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY ANYONE AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT HERE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS ACTIVATED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF. At the time I did not think to copy the dates,times , mph or mileage of the vehicle but the information on the screen instructed me to put the vehicle in park to restart. this a very scary situation in traffic .

NHTSA complaint #11525393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car door flew open while I was driving. Car did not recognize that my door was open. The locking mechanism on the driver side of the vehicle seems to have given out. Cannot close driver side door.

NHTSA complaint #11494974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When driving long distance, (over 5 hours) all of the emergency lights and collision warnings appear on the dashboard. The traction control begins to activate on its own. In dry, good conditions with no rain, I believe it’s the drivers side front wheel that’s engaging traction control while at high speeds of 60-70 miles per hour. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealership and they attempted to replicate the issues but could not, they mentioned that another customer had the same issue, we left it with the dealership for about a week. Our safety was at risk due to the fact that the brakes are engaging sporadically at high speeds.

NHTSA complaint #11469317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This car was recalled for issues with oil piston rings receiving incorrect "coating" when made. Our car passed inspection to verify the recall issue didn't exist however the car was two quarts of oil LOW. After going through Kia's required oil consumption testing (no oil on ground by the way), we await Kia's decision on a full engine replacement on our 2021 car. Before bringing the car in it stalled unexpectedly in various scenarios, on freeway, going up hills, parking, and coming to a stop. Also the engine was making major noises, clicking, sounds like a diesel, and screeching noises when stopping. The safety issue of stopping was explained by service manager as due to lack of oil.

NHTSA complaint #11456106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I pulled up to a busy intersection which had a stoplight that had just turned red. As I was waiting there, all of a sudden my car just died. The engine stopped and no electrical was working either. There were no warning lights or messages at all. I tried to start it, but to no avail. The cars shifter was also locked in the drive position. I turned the hazard lights on as I was trying to figure out what was going on. My safety and the safety of my children, who were in the car at the time, was put at risk as drivers behind me were growing impatient as light turned green and I couldn’t move.There were no warning lights that went on prior to the car failing, or after i got the car started again. On about my fifth try of trying to start it, the car slowly started up again and I was able to pull into a nearby parking lot.

NHTSA complaint #11448413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Along with hundreds of others who have had their KIAS stolen, my 2021 Kia Seltos S was stolen on January 11th at approximately 3:30 p.m. from a busy Walgreens parking lot in Milwaukee Wisconsin. In under 5 minutes of being in the store, the back passenger small window was smashed and the car was accessed. My two kids backpacks and school laptops and my son's cell phone were in the vehicle as well when it was stolen.

NHTSA complaint #11447466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.