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2021 Kia Seltos recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2021 Kia Seltos. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Kia been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2021 Kia Seltos recalls, newest first

February 17, 2025NHTSA 25V099000137,256 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Summary
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.
Consequence
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 13, 2021NHTSA 21V259000147,249 vehicles potentially affected

Engine

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 369 complaints about the 2021 Kia Seltos with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Engine225
  2. Power train67
  3. Unknown or other46
  4. Electrical system44
  5. Engine and engine cooling42

Other Kia Seltos years

Other 2021 Kia models

Most recalled 2021 vehicles

  1. 2021 Ford F-150 (29 recalls)
  2. 2021 Lincoln Aviator (28 recalls)
  3. 2021 Ford Explorer (26 recalls)
  4. 2021 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (26 recalls)
  5. 2021 Tesla Model X (24 recalls)
All of 2021’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: engine and engine cooling, engine. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2021 Kia Seltos recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Seltos?
369 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.