2021 Kia Seltos Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
Worst 2021 Kia Seltos Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 185 | 2 | 3 | 37,222 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 57 | — | — | 17,312 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 39 | 1 | 1 | 4,133 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 36 | — | 2 | 60,504 mi | |
| Fuel System | 21 | — | — | 9,000 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | 22,567 mi | |
| Brakes | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 5 | 5 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module:Software | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Seltos. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Seltos
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~284,505 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Kia Seltos Years
2021 Kia Seltos — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Seltos reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Seltos?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Seltos?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Does the 2021 Kia Seltos have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Seltos?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Seltos reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Seltos
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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