Kia Seltos Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The Kia Seltos has 4 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2021–2024; the most recent is 25V099000 (Feb 17, 2025) for engine & cooling, covering 2021–2023 models. The 2024 model year has the most, with 2.
Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most Seltos recalls involve air bags (1), engine (1) and engine & cooling (1).
1 campaign carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning
- 23V531000 — powertrain / transmission (2023–2024): park outside, away from buildings, until repaired
Kia Seltos recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | air bags, powertrain / transmission | 2024 Seltos recalls |
| 2023 | 2 | engine & cooling, powertrain / transmission | 2023 Seltos recalls |
| 2022 | 1 | engine & cooling | 2022 Seltos recalls |
| 2021 | 2 | engine & cooling, engine | 2021 Seltos recalls |
Biggest Kia Seltos recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
Seltos model years: 2021
Seltos model years: 2021–2023
Seltos model years: 2023–2024
Seltos model years: 2024
All 4 Kia Seltos recalls (newest first)
Feb 17, 202525V099000Engine & cooling2021–2023
Component: Engine & cooling (engine, hard parts internal/mechanical)
Seltos model years: 2021–2023 · about 137,256 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 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.
Dec 22, 202323V830000Air bags2024
Component: Air bags
Seltos model years: 2024 · about 2,967 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
Jul 31, 202323V531000 PARK OUTSIDEPowertrain / transmission2023–2024
Component: Powertrain / transmission (automatic transmission, fluid/lubricant, pump)
Seltos model years: 2023–2024 · about 39,765 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Apr 13, 202121V259000Engine2021
Component: Engine
Seltos model years: 2021 · about 147,249 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
How to check if your Seltos has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any Kia dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2024 Kia Seltos recall check.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Seltos have?
4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Kia Seltos across model years 2021–2024. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 4. The 2024 model year has the most, with 2.
What is the latest Kia Seltos recall?
25V099000, filed with NHTSA on Feb 17, 2025: engine & cooling (engine, hard parts internal/mechanical), covering 2021–2023 Seltos models. The fix is free at Kia dealers.
What is the biggest Kia Seltos recall?
By vehicles covered, 21V259000 (Apr 13, 2021), a engine campaign covering about 147,249 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Seltos.
How do I check if my Kia Seltos has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any Kia dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised Kia dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the KIA SELTOS, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.