Kia Seltos problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The main Kia Seltos problem is the engine: 2021 Seltos with the 2.0L engine were recalled for piston oil rings that may not be heat-treated (21V259), and 2021–2023 models for incorrectly made piston oil rings (25V099). Other recalls cover an overheating Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller and side curtain air bags that may deploy unexpectedly.

CarWhere lists 5 documented Seltos issues, including 4 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Seltos generations at a glance

Kia Seltos generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2021–20262021–2026Piston oil rings may be faulty and damage the engine (recall 25V099) · 2.0L piston oil rings may cause engine damage (recall 21V259) · Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller may overheat (recall 23V531) · Side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly (recall 23V830) · Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer
2027–present2027–presentNo widespread issue documented here

2021–2026 Seltos problems

Piston oil rings may be faulty and damage the engine (recall 25V099) (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
2021–2026
Years:
2021–2023
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can damage the engine and cause a stall or fire. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as needed and install piston-ring noise sensing (PNSS) software, free of charge. The 137,256-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Engine knocking or ticking
  • High oil consumption
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 25V099 (2025-02-17) · 137,256 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

2.0L piston oil rings may cause engine damage (recall 21V259) (2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
2021–2026
Years:
2021

The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can damage the engine. A damaged engine can stall, and oil leaking on hot exhaust parts can cause a fire. Dealers inspect and replace the engine if needed and install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software, free of charge. The 147,249-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Engine knocking or ticking
  • High oil consumption
  • Check-engine light or PNSS warning

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 21V259 (2021-04-13) · 147,249 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller may overheat (recall 23V531) (2023–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
2021–2026
Years:
2023–2024
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump can contain damaged components that make the pump overheat, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect and replace the controller as needed, free of charge. The 39,765-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Burning smell
  • Transmission or engine warning light

Check before buying

  • Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 23V531 (2023-07-31) · 39,765 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly (recall 23V830) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
2021–2026
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

A manufacturing error can make the side curtain air bags deploy without a crash. Dealers inspect and replace both curtain air bag modules as needed, free of charge. The 2,967-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 23V830 (2023-12-22) · 2,967 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer (2021–2022)

Major repair
Generation:
2021–2026
Years:
2021–2022
Powertrain:
All engines (key-start vehicles not factory-equipped with an immobilizer)

2021–2022 Kia Seltos models built without a factory engine immobilizer were targeted by theft methods spread on social media. Kia offers a free security software upgrade that blocks the ignition when the car is locked, and a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for added protection, both at Kia dealers. These model years are the ones the multistate immobilizer settlement lists for the Kia Seltos.

Symptoms

  • Damaged steering column trim or ignition cylinder
  • Vehicle starts with a mechanical key and has no push-button start

Check before buying

  • Enter the VIN on Kia's anti-theft support page (customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD) to see whether the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector applies
  • Look for the upgrade sticker or ask a Kia dealer to confirm the upgrade by VIN
  • Push-button-start vehicles have a factory immobilizer and are not part of this program

Sources: [5][6]

Related Seltos research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Seltos was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Kia build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years of Kia Seltos have engine problems?

Piston oil ring recalls cover the 2021 Seltos with the 2.0L Nu engine (21V259) and 2021–2023 Seltos models (25V099). Dealers inspect the engine, replace it if needed and install piston-ring noise sensing software, free of charge.

What is the Seltos PNSS software?

PNSS is Kia's Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software, installed under recalls 21V259 and 25V099. It is meant to detect engine noise linked to piston ring damage so the problem is caught early.

Why does Kia say to park the 2023–2024 Seltos outside?

Under recall 23V531, the Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump controller can overheat and cause a fire, so Kia advises parking outside and away from structures until the controller is inspected or replaced.

Is the Seltos part of the Kia theft problem?

The multistate immobilizer settlement lists 2021–2022 Seltos models not factory-equipped with an immobilizer. Kia offers a free software upgrade and ignition cylinder protector; check eligibility by VIN on Kia's anti-theft page.

How do I check a used Seltos for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a Kia dealer for repair orders, including proof the PNSS software was installed on 2021–2023 models. Recall repairs are free regardless of owner.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 25V099: Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 21V259: Improperly Heat-Treated Piston Oil Rings — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 23V531: Electric Oil Pump Assembly May Cause Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 23V830: Side Curtain Air Bags May Deploy Unexpectedly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. HK Multistate Immobilizer Settlement: eligible models and model years — HK Multistate Immobilizer Settlement
  6. Kia Anti-Theft Support Actions (software upgrade and ignition cylinder protector, VIN eligibility) — Kia America Customer Care

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.