2021 Kia Seltos — Known Issues & Recalls

Your engine is consuming an unusual amount of oil between scheduled oil changes, and you're experiencing ticking noises from the engine along with rough idling and shaking. You've also noticed a loss of power while driving, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. This likely requires a complete engine inspection and possibly internal engine repair or replacement.

Your engine shut off while you were driving and the car won't start again. A mechanic has determined that your engine is seized up. This is the same engine model that Kia has issued a recall for.

I made a turn onto a highway. I got up to 45 MPH after my turn and my car stalled. It felt like a was reared ended, my car came to just about a complete stop.

My 2021 Kia Seltos (manufactured April 2020, ~94,000 miles) has the 2.0L Nu MPI engine affected by a known piston oil ring defect. Symptoms include piston noise, excessive oil consumption, rough idle, reduced power, and codes: P1327 (PNSS-detected knock), P0304 (cyl 4 misfire), P0017 (crank/cam correlation error).

On [XXX], check engine light came on with P1327 (PNSS piston noise detection). History includes SC209 recall in 2021 (inspection passed, PNSS software added Feb 2022). Now at 94,000 miles with misfire P0304 on cyl 4 and timing correlation P0017—dealer refuses full engine replacement under recall.

I had my car to a reliable mechanic who informed me of open recalls on my vehicle. The next morning, while I was driving, the engine started making a noise and I called a local Kia dealership. I was making arrangements to bring the car in for them to look at when the car stalled, and I got to the side of the road.

On 01/04/26, my vehicle’s Check Engine light came on and the engine was shaking. The next day, my mechanic diagnosed a P0301 code (cylinder #1 misfire), found signs of burning oil and cylinder damage in all cylinders, and noted the car had burned over 2 quarts of oil since the last oil change.

Your car won't start and is displaying a diagnostic code (P1327) that was specifically mentioned in a recall letter you received in April 2025. Your original dealership initially said the engine needed replacement but later cleared the recall after a software update, even though the same error code is now preventing your car from starting almost a year later with an expired warranty. The current dealership is refusing to help because you didn't purchase the vehicle from them, leaving you unable to get your car repaired.

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Seltos 2.0L. While driving, the engine made a continuous rattling noise, and the check engine light illuminated with code P0017 (Camshaft/Crankshaft Correlation). Upon inspection, I discovered the engine oil level was extremely low.

[XXX] Kia Seltos engine stalled and then stopped running. Driver attempted to turn engine over with no success. [XXX] The 2021 Seltos was towed to Kia in Jacksonville Nc.

Dealer has denied to look into recall claiming that it is part of a warranty extension when it is a safety recall due to the issues I am experiencing. The car began to stall not even a year into me owning the vehicle. I had barely had the car for 4 months, not even enough time for my first oil change and my car stalled on me in a parking lot as I was driving.

My 2021 Kia Seltos has experienced repeat internal engine damage related to oil consumption. An intake camshaft previously failed and was replaced by Kia. The vehicle has now suffered a second camshaft failure (exhaust cam) with dealer documentation of oil starvation.

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.

Engine stalled at stoplight. Was able to restart and pulled into closest parking lot where it began idling hard. Check Engine light turned on.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH up a slight hill, the vehicle shuddered significantly and failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light then started flashing.

Your engine failed to start and was found to be completely depleted of oil, which may be related to a known safety recall (SC336) involving defective piston rings. The dealership has had your car since March 14 but hasn't performed the required recall inspection or added oil, instead trying to charge you for diagnostic work you didn't request. Running the engine without oil could cause catastrophic damage and create a risk of engine failure, stalling, or fire while driving.

While driving at 50 MPH, your engine began emitting white smoke and then caught fire. You were able to pull over safely and the fire was extinguished, with no injuries reported. The dealer diagnosed that your engine was severely scorched and requires complete replacement. This issue is related to a known manufacturer recall (Campaign 25V099000) affecting engine cooling systems.

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.

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.