82 of the
768 complaints filed about the KIA Seltos
are about the transmission —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
82
Complaints
11%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
While driving normally at approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and spontaneous structural failure of the rear driver-side suspension and drivetrain. Without striking any road debris, potholes, or other vehicles, the entire driver-side rear wheel, wheel assembly, and structural axle components completely fractured and ejected from the moving vehicle. An eyewitness at the scene explicitly confirmed the nature of the failure, stating on video that they observed the 'entire rear axle just come right out' while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle sustained extreme structural damage, completely disabling it on a high-speed highway and creating an immediate, life-threatening situation. The vehicle is a low-mileage Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) unit with under 24,000 total miles on the odometer, indicating a severe manufacturing, material, or component fatigue defect rather than wear-and-tear. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently being held at a recovery yard and is fully available for inspection upon request. A formal defect investigation has been initiated with the manufacturer, and the insurance provider is inspecting the sheared axle and metal components for structural forensic analysis
NHTSA complaint #11754636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6L Turbo GDI is experiencing a severe safety hazard involving catastrophic internal engine failure. The vehicle aggressively consumes its oil supply, running critically low within 1 to 2 weeks. On July 6, 2026, a certified Kia dealership pressure-tested the engine and formally documented "NO EXTERNAL LEAKS," while confirming the spark plugs are entirely "OIL COATED" due to severe internal burning. The dealership noted on the invoice that the vehicle was "9,000 miles due" for service. I must explicitly clarify that this mileage gap occurred because the engine burns through its oil so rapidly that standard interval changes became meaningless; I was forced to continuously top off the engine manually out-of-pocket with store-bought oil just to keep it from running dry and seizing while driving. Otherwise, all other oil changes were consistently done at Kia dealerships, and this excellent service history was even explicitly acknowledged and noted by a Kia Consumer Care representative on a recorded line. Furthermore, the engine builds extreme crankcase blow-by pressure that actively forces oil vapor out of the oil filler cap. This defect creates an immediate risk of sudden engine seizure, highway stalling, or an engine bay fire. Kia Corporate Consumer Affairs has refused to authorize safety repairs or diagnostic testing under TSB ENG222, issuing a blanket denial while ignoring an imminent safety failure diagnosed by their own technician.
NHTSA complaint #11751424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Kia has been stalling, shaking, and just driving extremely badly for the past year. This day, I was driving on 55, and the car just stopped and stalled in the middle of highway near Berwyn, IL. This was extremely dangerous and could have honestly been life threatening. I pulled over, turned the car off and on, and was safely able to drive it to Berwyn Kia. Unfortunately, this was not the only time that this has occurred and I’m assuming will not be the last. In addition, I was charged $500+ to replace piston rings that were recalled on other models that were not recalled on my model, even though the same year was recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11748897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 recreate the issue.” (because it happens randomly) They ran “tests” and they all came back with “no issues.” Dealer states that they are waiting to hear back from the tech line at Kia. Service advisor said to me that they may just give me the car back because they can’t find anything wrong. And the “we would essentially have to wait for a complete component failure.” It is available to be inspected. There were no warnings at all and it has done it at random times in seemingly normal conditions. It receives routine maintenance and after my last oil change my mechanic (not from Kia) said that they found metal shavings in the oil and that there was only 1 qt of oil. And recommended that I talk to the dealer about engine replacement. The last time it shut off was June 4 and and it has been at the dealership since June 15th.
NHTSA complaint #11746505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between approximately 40-70 mph and has repeatedly occurred while driving on highways. On multiple occasions, the vehicle struggled to accelerate properly and would not respond normally to throttle input. During one occurrence, the vehicle had difficulty accelerating beyond approximately 55 mph while on the expressway. The shaking became severe enough that I feared mechanical failure could occur while driving. I was forced to pull off to the shoulder of the highway because I no longer felt it was safe. The inability to maintain speed and accelerate normally created a safety risk for both myself and surrounding traffic. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership six times for the same recurring issue. Repairs have included replacement of the ECU, catalytic converter, ignition components, fuel injectors, and other engine related components. Despite these repairs, the problem continues to return. The condition has been repoduced and documented by the dealership, and a manufacturer field technician was involved in the most recent diagnosis process. Most recently, after the vehicle was inspected and believed to be repaired, the check engine light illuminated again while the service manager was moving my vehicle to be washed inside of their garage, as I waited (today, June 11th 2026). The recurring loss of power, repeated check engine light events, and inability to permanently correct the defect raise significant safety concerns while operating the vehicle. I have all documentation in my notes, as well as the dealership repair documents.
NHTSA complaint #11743542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 dealers inspect and claim the car "passed" their test. Recently, we had a catastrophic engine failure due to the piston rings, where we feel the fix was insufficient given the failure point (piston rings). There were no warnings or symptoms prior to failure, when driving at a low speed the car stalled and the oil pressure warning light came on briefly. After that, we parked the car immediately and had it towed for inspection. Our concern is the fix was allegedly implemented in July 2025, but there is no note in our maintenance record that the fix was even implemented.
NHTSA complaint #11742348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 this engine locking up and people being seriously injured. I have to put oil in it every thousand miles or so. For a newer vehicle this is unacceptable and Kia should be taking care of this. This is absolutely going to get someone killed when their engine seizes. The transmission on this vehicle also has issues that have complaints littered through the message boards. KIA knows it's going to fail and get someone killed as well. They dont care as long as they get your money. Unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11737236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 described in the NHTSA Campaign 25V-099. The dealership is currently refusing to classify the repair as a Campaign Repair, which would include the mandated Lifetime Engine Warratny, and is instead attempting to process it as a discretionary 'Goodwill' repair to avoid federal safety requirements.
NHTSA complaint #11731052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine stalled at stoplight. Was able to restart and pulled into closest parking lot where it began idling hard. Check Engine light turned on. Checked oil and it was bone dry (no signs of oil leak/burning beforehand). After adding about a quart of oil, while in park I revved the engine slowly, but it would stall out if it went over 3000 rpms and idle even harder. My basic code reader popped for P0014 and P0017 (crankshaft/camshaft position). Had to have it towed to the local dealer for safety. 75,400 miles on it and my VIN has not been part of recalls. Requesting an investigation to include more VINs as these issues point to a prior recall resulting in engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11722774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shuddered into limp mode at a stop sign. Has a sever shudder that throws it into limp mode, loses ability to drive in reverse and then loses ability to drive at all. Has issues shifting gears while driving causing the engine to rev itself while driving. Vehicle has left me stranded on multiple occasions. Has nearly 75,000 miles and I've put just over 4,000 of those on it since acquiring it at the end of October/Beginning of November.
NHTSA complaint #11720054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In April 2025 my vehicle had a recall (1: SC336 or 25V099), I brought it into a Kia dealership, they said it failed the test, and needed a new engine (i was without a vehicle for weeks, dealership said they did not have any loaners until after 14 days). They then call back weeks later saying the test was faulty, and i could have my car back. They said to keep an eye on it if there are any issues regarding the recall to come back. One morning i started my car, and was driving luckily in a 30mph, my car started to shake, would not speed up/move much, the check engine light came on, almost coming to a complete stop in the middle of a busy road. I was able to move it to the side, turn it off for a bit, once turned back on it was fine. My father who has a background in automotive mechanics checked the oil and noticed there was barely in it- (although just having it been changed) which looks like the oil consumption is fast and going somewhere. I immediately took it to a Kia dealership and they said I would have to go through a whole oil consumption test but it would not be a guarantee fix for engine replacement due to me not going to a dealership, or oil change business. Although my father who changes it, has all the receipts of oil purchase and capability of changing it himself. My oil is changed always in the proper timeline/miles. Which i have a alert on my car to notify me of this. I have noticed the kia does not give an alert when there is "low" oil. I have to drive around with extra oil, and check it almost daily just incase. I am worried that it will stop again but on a busy highway and result in a accident. I am concerned that the recall test was faulty and is resulting in major car issues, for something that is not even that old. As of yesterday i turned my car on and it was shaking and the engine light came on. I have not turned it on since, i will be returning to the dealership today.
NHTSA complaint #11719832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Seltos had a recall in 2021 (recall number SC209) because the piston oil rings were not property heated which can result in engine damage. The problem was supposedly repaired in 2021, yet in 2026 at 50,000 miles I am having piston notice problems and the engine light is constantly lit. The car has stalled on several occasions. I am being told that my vehicle with only 50,000 miles needs a brand new engine block and transmission. The recall was a safety recall to prevent the engine from stalling, risk of a crash and increased risk of fire. Although the issues with my vehicle are clearly as a result of the piston issue which were supposed to have been fixed they obviously were not and I am now experiencing all issues of the recall and bad engine. Kia of Round Rock is refusing to make this repair correctly and are asking me to pay for the new engine and transmission because they say it is out of warranty. That being said, had the recall problem been correctly resolved in 2021 I would not be having these same problems will fall directly in line with the issues resulting in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11718721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Certified shop said my timing chain was going as well as other associated components. My car is always low on oil even when mileage has not been met. Found my car is part of piston ring recall. Dealership stated my car is not affected however the issues the shop found most certainly confirm my issue which is going to cost over $2k to fix is associated with this. Dealership not only says my car passed piston ring recall but wanted $175 to diagnose what has already been diagnosed and then another $175 on top of that to "dig into the engine". Check engine light came on and car began making noise and not running properly on 2/7/2026 on 2/9/2026 called independent service center and car was checked out and diagnosed on 2/11/2026. Found out this is likely recall related 2/12/2026. Car was looked at by dealership on 2/17/2026 and I was told the aforementioned. However magically the two other recalls on this vehicle were remedied but not this one.
NHTSA complaint #11718581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle is included in NHTSA Recall 25V099 / Kia SC336 for defective piston oil rings. The vehicle has experienced stalling, loss of power, knocking noises, and oil consumption. The engine behavior is unsafe and consistent with recall-related engine damage. Kia closed my case based on a dealer’s subjective noise judgment, but no mechanical engine testing (oil consumption, compression, or cylinder inspection) was performed. The recall remains incomplete and the vehicle continues to present a stalling and fire risk.
NHTSA complaint #11714627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I See recalls on transmissions but i don't see one on mine and it is having the same problems as the other Seltos not sure way it's not on a recall list
NHTSA complaint #11713997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob issues and has not been able to replicate anti-slip issue. Dealership currently has vehicle to attempt to replicate issue and to look into the remote car starter issue. This is unsafe because the car automatically shutters and feels uncontrolled slip comes on also causes issues when key fob consistently dies every other month and get alert, letting me know that the key fob has died. And while the remote car starter is not a safety issue, it is all tied in with the electrical issues that are happening. The issues started after the recall was added to my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11712117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Electrical control unit car just shuts off in drive completely goes black no matter what within seconds even on freeway going 70 mph car tune off loss of control then starts back up very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11706681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My vehicle was sent to the Kia dealership for service after a front-end collision there was minor body damage however the car wouldn't move so long story short a modular had to be replaced on the transmission there was multiple issues trying to program it I was told there was an issue with my computer they had to reach out to Kia manufacturer for help. I received my car back and while it was there for service I had them do an oil change I hadn't drove 300 to 400 miles and all of my oil was gone from my car when I called Kia they had me bring it back in couldn't find anything wrong with it and said they want to do a oil consumption after I had already documented oil that I had to put into the car three times in the week up until my appointment because every time I check the car it was empty of oil. Now Kia is telling me to drive a thousand miles on it so they can do an oil consumption however my check engine lights on my oil lights on and it is clearly burning extremely high amount of oil. So in caution of not blowing my engine I added oil to my car yesterday one quart and now my oil light is back on after maybe 20 miles of driving. Haven't gotten to 400 mi yet total out of the thousand Kia wants me to drive and my car has stalled at three red lights and cause me to miss out on two job opportunities. My car is a 2022 and has 62,000 miles on it. Everything I research shows there's piston recalls on the engines that are causing these exact problems that my car is having except there hasn't been a recall put into place for my specific year and make. The 2021 and the 2023 Seltos are listed, but my VIN number shows no recalls. The car has a horrible smell now it constantly smells like burning rubber or oil rather, exhaust stinks now. Car is not performing as you would expect a car would with that low of mileage in less than 3 years of ownership. And related to my accident the only issue was the modular on the transmission according to the mechanics everything else was ok
NHTSA complaint #11704100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Kia Seltos repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including in traffic and at stop signs. The vehicle has also had multiple electrical failures and an emergency brake malfunction. A few weeks ago, October 26th, while going through a Starbucks drive-through, My car completely stopped. I got stuck in the Starbucks line and multiple people had to help me push my car out of the drive through. I can get the name of the lady at the Starbucks and maybe her co-workers to collaborate if need be plus I have text messages with my family because I didn't know what to do. The vehicle has now been at Covina Kia for three weeks, and the dealership has refused to provide a diagnosis, repair timeline, or loaner vehicle. I called today to get an update and was told to expect a response or diagnostics in approximately 10 days. They won't even give me a rental car and I'm stranded without transportation. This is a serious safety hazard that could cause a crash. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and documentation of this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11702868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.