2022 Kia Seltos Engine Problems
28 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Engine Recalls (1)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Owner Complaints (28)
Your 2022 Kia Seltos lost power while accelerating and stalled in January 2025 at 44,000 miles, despite regular maintenance and no warning lights. The dealer determined the engine was out of oil, which caused engine damage that your warranty won't cover. Your engine appears to have burned through oil rapidly without any dashboard alerts or check engine light to warn you.
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Your 2022 Kia Seltos engine shut down completely three times while driving at highway speeds, creating a dangerous situation. The dealer found metal filings in your oil and says you need a complete engine replacement, but is refusing to cover it under warranty or recall because you don't have oil change receipts since January 2025, even though the problem matches a known recall. The repair will likely require a full engine replacement or rebuild to remove the metal debris and restore proper function.
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Your 2022 Kia Seltos may experience three serious engine and transmission issues: the engine unexpectedly shuts off at low speeds while displaying a "Push Engine to Start" warning, creating a collision risk; cruise control may cause unintended acceleration to dangerous speeds (80-100 mph) without driver input; and the transmission stutters at low speeds, causing the car to lurch forward. The dealership has been notified but hasn't yet reproduced or repaired these issues. Diagnosis may involve engine control module diagnostics, cruise control system testing, and transmission software updates or repairs.
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Your engine shut down suddenly while driving on a busy street with no warning signs, creating a dangerous traffic situation. Your battery also died around the same time, which was the only indication something was wrong. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the battery and electrical charging system to determine why both failed.
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Your car's oil level was reading low shortly after an oil change, which concerned you about a potential recall issue. The dealership inspected your engine but found no leak, then suggested you pay over $300 for an engine cleaning and oil test rather than addressing the low oil level as part of the recall service. You're worried about your safety since the dealership's explanation about the recall being a software fix didn't resolve your concerns about the low oil readings.
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Your car is displaying a P1327 error code, which is associated with recall 25V099 for this model year. However, your specific VIN hasn't been included in the recall list, even though you own a 2022 Kia Seltos with the same issue. You should contact Kia directly to confirm whether your vehicle qualifies for the recall repair or determine what diagnostic and repair steps are needed.
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Your transmission is overheating during normal driving, forcing you to pull over and wait 45 minutes for it to cool down, even though your car has only 25,000 miles. The dealership found no fault, but you've found similar reports from other owners on Kia forums mentioning the dual-clutch system and start-stop feature. This may require a transmission fluid flush, software update to the transmission control module, or replacement of the dual-clutch assembly.
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Your car is burning more than half a quart of oil every 1,000 miles and making a ticking sound, which are signs of faulty piston rings covered by a Kia recall. During the recall inspection, the dealer initially determined your engine needed replacement, but then changed their assessment and decided against it. The underlying oil-burning problem and ticking noise persist, meaning the recall repair wasn't completed. Resolving this will likely require engine work, which may include replacing the piston rings or the entire engine assembly.
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Your 2022 Seltos was part of a Kia engine recall, and you were initially told it needed a new engine after failing a test. Kia then issued an updated recall procedure and had you bring the car back for different testing; however, you still experience power loss when accelerating and driving uphill, despite being told the second test passed. Kia has pressured you to accept that the issue is resolved, but you believe the problem persists. Resolving this may require engine replacement, further diagnostic testing, or pursuing the recall through Kia corporate escalation.
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Your 2022 Kia Seltos has a recall (Campaign 25V099000) that's currently on hold at the dealer, and you've been waiting longer than expected for the repair. You've noticed that when driving uphill at around 45 mph, your car hesitates and doesn't respond properly when you press the gas pedal, and you're hearing unusual knocking sounds when the car is idling. The dealer hasn't yet diagnosed the problem, and no warning lights have appeared. Fixing this will likely involve the dealer completing the engine and cooling system recall work once it's no longer on hold.
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Vehicle went into dealer for safety recall on 4/15. I was notified on 4/16 that my vehicle failed the test and would need a new engine. I was given a rental car. They were unsure of time frame. Later found out that recall had been placed on hold. 5/13 contacted that new test protocol had been released and my car passed under new testing. No engine would be needed. I asked for documentation of both tests the fail and the pass. I was told they are unable to print this out for me as it all goes into the Kia database. No reasonable explanation was given as to what changed that made my vehicle pass, when it previously failed. This feels incredibly suspicious. Now I am just driving around in this car that may or may not have a problem, and the value of the vehicle could be effected, should i wish to get rid of it. I do not feel this was handled appropriately.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where an unknown sensor was replaced; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact informed the dealer of the recall, and the dealer acknowledged the recall and that the piston oil rings had failed; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had ordered the dealer not to perform the recall repair. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The contact was recently informed that the vehicle needed to be picked up from the dealer location because the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving at various speeds, but mostly while driving at slow speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required the contact to add a quart of oil to the vehicle every 2 to 3 days to reduce the frequency of the failure. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for recall repair, the local dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had put a hold on the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had ordered the dealer not to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The dealership is not honoring the recall or warranty. Car needed 3 quarts of oil and there is pressure from the oil fill cap when open while the engine is running. The dealership is Kia of Huntington - 1720 East Jerich Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11743; 631-546-0202
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer advised the contact that the manufacturer had placed the recall on hold. The contact stated that the engine was not replaced, and that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact that the recall had been stopped. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I took my Kia to Moritz Kia Alliance, Keller TX on 4/24/25 for the current recall and letting them know that my vehicle has experienced issues outlined in the recall notice (almost all of the oil was burned and we had to add a quart to get it to the dealership, car has lost power while driving, car has stalled). They tested in 4/25/25 and called to let me know that it failed the test and would require a new engine. I called on 4/29 to inquire about a loaner vehicle and the dealership notified me that KIA halted the test due to software issues and I was required to pick up my vehicle. I messaged KIA customer service who advised that the new software would be available 5/1. I did not pick up my car due to the issues I had experienced and did not feel safe driving it. Today 5/2 the dealership said that the second test failed but KIA has halted testing for a second time stating software issues. The dealership has had no concern for the safety of my vehicle and KIA appears to be halting testing and requiring individuals to drive these vehicles exhibiting potential recall related issues with no concern for the general public.
RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL EARLY APRIL 2025, SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL OF MY SELTOS AT THE WESTSIDE KIA DEALERSHIP IN KATY TX ON APRIL 14TH 2025 THE VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF. APRIL 16TH THEY UPDATED ME STATING THAT THE ENGINGE AND PISTON RINGS AT FAILED THE INSPECTION AND A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT WOULD BE NEEDED SO THEY ORDERED IT BUT SAID THERE WAS NO ETA ON WHEN IT WOULD BE COMPLETED. KIA CUSTOMER CARE SAID THE SAME THING, BOTH KIA CUSTOMER CARE AND THE DEALRSHIP SAID THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE PICKED UP BECAUSE THE RECALL COULD CAUSE COMPLETE ENGINGE FAILURE, FIRE, OR COULD CAUSE YOU TO CRASH. TODAY 5/1/25 I AM BEING TOLD THE RECALL IS ON HOLD EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE HAS FAILED THE INSPECTION THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE REPLACING THE ENGINE RIGHT NOW AND I AM BEING TOLD TO PICK IT BACK UP DESPITE IT NOT BEING FIXED. I INFORMED THEM AGAIN OF WHAT THE RECALL STATES AND THE SAFETY RISK AND KIA CUSTOMER CARE SAID I AM NOT OBLIGATED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT DUE TO THE RECALL BEING ON HOLD I NEED TO PICK IT UP AND I NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT. PRIOR TO ME TAKING MY VEHICLE IN I WAS GOING THROUGH OIL MORE FREQUENTLY AND MY MPG DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine keeps stalling and there’s a recall on the engines and I had to wait a month for dealership to say the recall isn’t the problem! How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I drive on the highway and busy street and my car will just stop or make smoke for oil reserve. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the number Ted that they hear the noises on my car. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? 2 months ago I started hearing a grinding noise, oil light came on irregular from oil consumption and metal shards in oil.
My Kia Seltos has a recall on the engine because the piston rings leak oil. My car is now losing massive amounts of oil and has damaged my engine. I brought car to dealership and they wanted me to go through my warranty and refused to honor the recall and kicked me out.
My 2022 Kia Seltos engine seized and Kia refused to fix the problem. This engine has a safety recall related to the engine and the manufacturer refuses to change the seized engine. We had to pay almost $6000 from our pocket to replace the engine as we need the car to go to work.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while accelerating, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust, with droplets of oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the piston rings had failed due to oil build-up and the accumulation of moisture inside of the cylinders and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); as the possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I bought this car for my daughter during her second year at IU Bloomington, IN. She called in a panic, saying the car hesitated and stopped. She also shared if she turns car off, the car will restart. I advised her to take it to the nearby KIA dealership for inspection. The mechanic, after a test drive, reported no issues and found no error codes using an OBD-II scanner. When my daughter returned home, I took the car for a test drive and noticed a clicking noise. I checked the oil and added three quarts of Valvoline full synthetic oil 0W-20. I'm disappointed with how she was treated at the dealership. I've learned that adding an oil additive every 1,000 miles is recommended for this common problem. Now that the car has 60,000 miles, the cost of oil is significant, and I won't be repurchasing a KIA. I also feel guilty about trading in this car and possibly passing on issues to another owner. I'm reporting this now due to the added costs and worry that others might not share their experiences.
A few months ago noise was coming from the engine. I could not find the noise so I just happened to check the oil level and it was down 3 quarts of oil. I put the 3 quarts of oil in and the noise stopped. Now it down almost another quart. I went to Taca Kia and talk to a lady that works in service told me it was normal for the SUV to burn a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. I never heard of a new car burning oil that much. I Heard that Kia put the wrong oil ring in some makes a models.
Engine is burning excessive oil have to add a quart every 3000 miles
My engine is malfunctioning. My safety has been at risk when I am driving on the highway 50 miles per hour and it just shut off, when turning the steering wheel to make a turn, the car will shut off and it has shut off while waiting at a red light. However, It will start back up after I switch the gauge into park and restart the car. I have taken my vehicle in to the Kia dealership, and they have taken pictures of the engine, to have it evaluated by the KIA headquarters. I am currently waiting for approval to change the engine to a new one.