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2021 Kia Seltos complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2021 record →

Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2022IN

CAR IS BURNING OIL AT AN UNUSAL RATE. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO KIA DEALER AND THEY KEEP DOING WHAT KIA TELLS THEM TO. EVERY TIME IS IS 1-2 AUARTS LOW JUST AFTER 1000K MILES. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 38K MILES ON IT AND HAD UNDER 36K WHEN STARTED TAKING IT TO THE KIA DEALER TO GET INVESTIGATED. THEY HAVE DONE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST; THEY HAVE DONE INTAKE CLEANER SERVICE AND IT IS STILL BURNING OIL. NOW, THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY ARE CONTACTING KIA TO SEE WHAT IS NEXT STEP. THE CAR IS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD WITH 38K MILES.

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2022NV

I changed the oil of my Kia Seltos EX (not turbo) at 14,750 miles and was alarmed to discover it was 1.5 quarts low. I proceeded to check the oil level every few weeks. Here are the results: 16,307: Needed to add 1 quart 17,100: Needed to add 3/4 quart 18,632: Needed to add 3/4 quart 19,348: Down 3/4 quart - I changed the oil Kia states that burning 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles is 'normal,' and thus has no plan to address the issue. This was never the case with the Hondas and Toyotas we have owned. At that rate you would run out of oil between service intervals and the engine would seize. I have read of several such cases on this site. I am recording this oil burning issue here to warn others of this unusual oil burn rate. You need to check your oil regularly and top it off between oil changes. I am also recording this here since my Seltos is not included in the current recall, but it is clearly having similar issues. The NTSA needs to expand this recall and get to the bottom of this issue. Kia needs to address this unacceptable oil burning issue in their engines.

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2022OH

The vehicle when stoped at a red light or even a stop sign and you go to accelerate it putters out and we have to turn the vehicle off and then back on again before we can move. This has been happing multiple times in the past few weeks. This is the vehicle my wife uses for work and to haul our children in. To make things worse the engine last night looked like it was smoking when she got home. So I opened the hood and checked the oil level and realized there is no oil. I replaced the oil and drove it to work today to see if anything happens only once did it stall out and made a crazy clicking high scratching noise. But when I arrived at work I checked the oil level and again no oil. I called Kia and was informed it’s not listed on the recall and the earliest they can get me in is 8/18. Okay all good but this is dangerous to drive and the oil is disappearing it could catch fire. All I got was it not on the recall list. I don’t care about that I care about blowing up on the highway!! It’s only got 25k miles. So now I have to call around and see who can get me in asap before this vehicle breaks down and I’m really screwed.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2022NH

When I start up my seltos after not driving it for hours the engine sputters to the point it almost dies. When I put it in reverse it will either stall or start bucking. And when in drive the transmission will get stuck in a specific gear until I manually shift it.

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2022IL

As I pulled into a busy road my car did not accelerate to speed. It got to approximately 20 mph and would not go any faster. The traffic I was pulling into was traveling at high rates of speed. There is a recall on this vehicle stating the same problem. I am being told my engine type is not listed. They are blaming lack of oil changes and low oil. There were no warning lights stating low oil. The car is equipped with such warnings.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Jul 8, 202210,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, an object fell from a vehicle ahead. The contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes, the Blind Spot Detection system returned the vehicle back into the lane and the vehicle struck the object causing damage to the front mid-section of the skid plate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission and fuel injectors had failed three times since owning the vehicle. Both parts were repaired twice under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 27, 2022IN

On our way to New York from Indiana when every light on the dash came on. The rpms shot up and down. Was able to coast off the highway IN Corsica IN. Car was towed to nearest kia dealership in Butler PA. The transmission went out on my car that has roughly 7100 miles on it. Dealership has ordered the transmission for replacement.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 15, 2022FL

When driving long distance, (over 5 hours) all of the emergency lights and collision warnings appear on the dashboard. The traction control begins to activate on its own. In dry, good conditions with no rain, I believe it’s the drivers side front wheel that’s engaging traction control while at high speeds of 60-70 miles per hour. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealership and they attempted to replicate the issues but could not, they mentioned that another customer had the same issue, we left it with the dealership for about a week. Our safety was at risk due to the fact that the brakes are engaging sporadically at high speeds.

Power Train
Filed May 30, 2022PA

Transmission fails at 25,000 miles I have no reverse, Transmission failed at highway speed almost lost control of the vehicle. Had no acceleration temporarily when I slowed down, transmission came back into drive but engine was sputtering. When I got home I realized I had no reverse. It’s a 2022 kia seltos SX all wheel drive 1.6 liter turbo model

Engine
Filed May 19, 2022MD

Engine Failure - Oil consumption - Piston issues - Scorched Engine At 24K miles noticed knocking from engine - called dealership took it in. Died in the parking lot of dealership. - Service tech said engine was super low on oil - but I was 500 miles away from oil change. Dealer started a consumption required by KIA - Had to drive vehicle in 1000 mile increments and bring it back each time. (Risking it dying on the road each time and risking my safety) 1st trip back oil 1 quart low - refilled and started 2nd round 2nd trip back oil 1 1/2 quarts low - kept car - cleaned pistons 3rd trip - almost did not make it back at 800 miles started acting up but dealer had no loaner cars and KIA said I would have to rent one and they may reimburse me. Get car into dealership - low again and this time they took the next step and engine was scorched. No warning lights ever went off the car just started making loud knocking noises and performance decreased. Now awaiting a new engine. Not only does a safety recall need to be issued for all KIA's (as this is evidently a known problem if you research) KIA needs to be required to re-evaluate their process of confirming the issue - 3 times they put my life at risk of the car stopping while driving. Unfortunately all of the paperwork from the dealer is the car which is in the shop awaiting the new engine on back order. Jones KIA - BelAir Maryland will have all service records.

Power Train
Filed May 9, 20224,700 milesNY

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the transmission began to rev uncontrollably as the steering wheel started shaking without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a gas station and called the dealer to have the vehicle towed. Once the vehicle was towed to the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer and the contact notified the manufacturer of the failure but the manufacturer offer no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.

Engine
Filed May 9, 2022OH

Let's start off with the minor stuff 1st my passenger seatbelt does not work secondly my hands free my hands free connection on my radio disconnect automatically on its own and won't let me reconnect it I bought a connected about a new phone thinking that was a problem it's not it's the car lastly lastly I Was driven down the road lost all power to my car it was all the oil in it I refilled the oil while stopping her again this time with no brakes could have caused a serious accident I took it to Kia for repairs the engine has failed

Service Brakes
Filed May 6, 2022NJ

2021 KIA SELTOS S - ISSUES 1. The engine was stalled in the road without notice. When I started the engine again, it is vibrating and shaking (05-04-2022) 2. Engine has strange knocking sounds. Car has struggle to move when pressing the pedal accelerator (05-05-2022). 3. Loss power on engine, brake was not working. Car run very slow 4. Engine light is blinking while driving from work to home. When I arrived home, car is not started (Laguardia Airport New York to Home in Hazlet NJ - 53miles) - (05-05-2022) 5. Car has only 19000miles. 6. Please note, the car has a recall on the piston ring that is not done. Vehicle Owner / Driver: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Power Train
Filed May 1, 2022GA

I drove my car less than a mile when the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard and issues with accelerating the vehicle started. The rpm needle moved when I pushed the gas but the car itself did not. Once the car was turned off it started but would not move or rev when the gas was pushed in any gear shift P, R, N, or drive. My car had just hit 17,880 miles when this issue occurred. This would have been a greater safety issue had I been on the road with other cars, there was no warning, or issues in the days previously with my 2021 KIA SELTOS. I’ve personally only driven it for about 8,000 miles as it was just recently purchased from a Hyundai-Kia dealership. The car was towed to Kia Service center and has been serviced for 32 days and counting. The manufacturer and dealership service center initially took majority of the time for diagnosis which included completing an oil change which was due, performing a technical service bulletin, and then a transmission tear down. About a week ago they ordered a clutch actuator. I was advised just recently this did not fix the issue so they’re now discussing a transmission replacement.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 29, 2022NV

Seatbelt fastened and while driving seat belt light will start flashing and beeping. Sometimes unfastening and refastening turns it off, other times it keeps flashing/beeping. Does not happen every time I am driving

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Apr 27, 202221,000 milesPA

The contact leased a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while his son was driving in traffic, he heard an abnormal banging noise and noticed smoke emerging from the engine compartment. The driver was able to pull off the road and exit the vehicle. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire. The driver did not sustain any injuries. There were no police reports filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000. VIN was not available. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000 (Engine).

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Apr 11, 202242,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the horn was inoperable and inaudible. The contact indicated that the failure was discovered while driving on the freeway when a commercial vehicle drove into the contact’s lane and the contact was unable to alert the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2022NY

My 2021 Kia Seltos lost pick up pulling out of parking lot at work. Limped it to a parking lot and had it towed to Kia. Spoke to service guy at Kia dealership today. He claims that my oil was low and dirty and needs to be changed every 4000 miles (manual says 7500). I told him this and he said thats only if I use full synthetic...says it on the sticker in window and receipt. Full synthetic was used. They will change the oil but they feel its an engine issue and since the shop that did my oil change did something wrong (according to them), it wont be covered by warranty. This is a 2021 with about 11000 miles. Oil change was done about 4500 miles ago. He claims that my warranty would not cover this due to low oil. Oh and not one warning light came on. NO OIL LIGHT, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I was reading about a recall that I never got a recall letter on because according to VIN # my car isn't included regarding improperly heat treated piston oil rings that causes engine damage and excessive oil consumption. Sounds like exactly what is going on with my car. I certainly cant afford a new engine out of pocket and don't believe I did anything that my warranty should be voided over. I need help!

Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2022IL

This car was recalled for issues with oil piston rings receiving incorrect "coating" when made. Our car passed inspection to verify the recall issue didn't exist however the car was two quarts of oil LOW. After going through Kia's required oil consumption testing (no oil on ground by the way), we await Kia's decision on a full engine replacement on our 2021 car. Before bringing the car in it stalled unexpectedly in various scenarios, on freeway, going up hills, parking, and coming to a stop. Also the engine was making major noises, clicking, sounds like a diesel, and screeching noises when stopping. The safety issue of stopping was explained by service manager as due to lack of oil.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2022PA

Car was put into park and the car kept moving,turned car off to stop This has happened 2 times.

Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2022MD

I was coming to a stop sign and I started hearing a knocking sound. My car flashed the check engine sign and then shut off with the battery and engine oil light flashing. It smelled like something was burning. I started drifting back so I had to pull the parking brake, put on my hazards and turn off my car. I tried to start it 2x without it turning over. On the third try, the car started and the lights on the dash resolved except the engine malfunction. I was unable to accelerate above 45 MPH on a busy highway and it eventually stalled out again for a second time in the middle of a highway. I was almost rear-ended twice. Same lights came on- engine oil, battery and check engine light. I turned it off and turned it back on- it reluctantly started and was shuttering the whole time. I was able to get it into a parking lot before calling KIA road side assistance. I had it towed to the nearest dealership who was supposed to look at it the next day, Di d not hear anything back until the 3rd day when I called. I was informed that they would not be able to look at it until the following week. I was able to get it towed to the dealership closest to home, where I purchased the vehicle. They looked at it and informed my that there was no oil in the engine and the the engine would need to be repaired. I never had an oil light come on until the vehicle stalled out. They are saying that because there was no oil in it, I was not keeping up with the maintenance and that it voids the warranty

Electrical System
Filed Feb 28, 2022SC

For the second time in the past month the car would not start. Appears to be due to a dead battery however the dealership has been unable to locate a problem. Looking online and it appears to be a issue that Kia is aware of but not owning up to. This is my wife's car and should she get stranded her personal safety could be at risk. The dealership did admit that there could be something like an electrical component that stays on and is causing the drain but they said it could take a long time to find it or they might never find it. The car has only 8700 miles on it. We recently saw a recall on other kias that are catching fire. Could this be a similar component that is draining our car battery?

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 20226,000 milesIL

The contact leased a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that with each failure, the oil level was low before the next scheduled oil changed. When the first failure occurred, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and oil was added. After the second failure, the dealer informed that contact that oil was discovered on the spark plugs and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced however, the failure occurred for a third time. After the third failure the contact took the vehicle to Gary Lang Kia (1121 State Route 31, Building 3, McHenry, IL 60050) and he was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer but had yet to be receive a response. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the last dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2022NY

My 2021 Kia Seltos shut off while I was driving it. This happened once in July 2021, I was at a stop sign and I attributed it to not driving it in a while and the extreme summer heat. But on January 31st, I had turned my car on, I let it “warm up” and then I started to drive. To my surprise, as I was driving my car shut off. It first felt like the gas pedal was hardly working then the car began to slow down and I had no control over the acceleration or breaks. Then, the check engine light, battery light, and oil light all appeared on my dashboard and the car came to a complete stop. And all functions on the car were not functioning. Fortunately, no other cars were around and I wasn’t injured. I was able to restart my car and drive back to a driveway with the engine sounding louder than normal and the only the check engine light on. From there, Kia towed my car to the dealership, ran a diagnostic check on the engine, checked the sparks plugs, drove it 25 miles. Since the problem didn’t occur while they had it, I have been informed “nothing is wrong with my car”. I called Kia customer service and was informed that despite the similar claims on this website, no recall or issue had been formally filed for kia to take care of. I questioned what the next steps would be and as of now I am left to continue to drive a car that shut off on me.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 2022NY

I pulled up to a busy intersection which had a stoplight that had just turned red. As I was waiting there, all of a sudden my car just died. The engine stopped and no electrical was working either. There were no warning lights or messages at all. I tried to start it, but to no avail. The cars shifter was also locked in the drive position. I turned the hazard lights on as I was trying to figure out what was going on. My safety and the safety of my children, who were in the car at the time, was put at risk as drivers behind me were growing impatient as light turned green and I couldn’t move.There were no warning lights that went on prior to the car failing, or after i got the car started again. On about my fifth try of trying to start it, the car slowly started up again and I was able to pull into a nearby parking lot.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 20, 20222,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while stopped, the fuel-saving system would turn off the engine however, whenever the brake pedal was released, the engine failed to immediately restart. The contact then had to turn off and restart the vehicle. The failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 14, 2022WI

Along with hundreds of others who have had their KIAS stolen, my 2021 Kia Seltos S was stolen on January 11th at approximately 3:30 p.m. from a busy Walgreens parking lot in Milwaukee Wisconsin. In under 5 minutes of being in the store, the back passenger small window was smashed and the car was accessed. My two kids backpacks and school laptops and my son's cell phone were in the vehicle as well when it was stolen.

Engine
Filed Jan 6, 202245,000 milesVT

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Altos. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic several times, he was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact also stated that the vehicle was making abnormal rattling sounds while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the piston-ring noise sensing software would be installed. The contact declined the installation of the software and advised the dealer that the piston rings or the engine should be replaced instead. The recall repair was not completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Steering
Filed Jan 4, 2022WI

Safety System Failure. MY CAR WAS STOLEN TODAY. Even with a Club on the steering wheel. it was gone in minutes. Why do thieves look for Kia's? Because they know they can steal them fast. Shame on you for not putting better practices in place to help prevent this, or deter them at least or slow down the process at minimal. My car is a 2021 with less than 5000 mi on it. How am I going to replace this with the money I will need down and the deductible if I need repaired? you should be held somewhtat repsonsible for your lack of theft precautions put in place.

Engine
Filed Dec 30, 2021IL

Im on my 2nd kia and im so over it. I have a 2021 kia seltos and i took it in for the recall and my scheduled maintenance for july 9th 2021, I scheduled my app a week out and i had been noticing my engine running strange off and on for awhile but its a new car so i thought i was being paranoid until i saw the recall. Then the day before my appointment the check engine light comes on. I checked the oil and it didnt even register on the stick, had my dad also check it to confirm! He added 2 quarts to it just to get me to the next day. Take it in and tell them my light has come on now and that its been running rough. When they call they say nothing, pick up my car they tell me nothing! The notes say the piston oil ring was performed? What was performed? It passed the recall test? What are they looking for? Why was my check engine light on?! And then i read in the notes that the oil was dirty and 3/4 of a quart below fill mark. It also says .i have a maintenance package on a new car..i take it in when im supposed to and only to kia. It also said cel is not on at this time and ran fault code "p0011- intake timing over advanced" stored as history and that they cleared dtc reset adaptive values and further diag will bbe required if dtc returns..no one seems concerened why i have a code stored in history or why the light was on one day and off another. It still sounds terrible most of the time and the oil level is magically decreasing and no signs of a leak took it in 10/6/21 and the

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 2021MN

The entire electrical system (display, gauges, exterior lights, etc.) resets while driving. This may be a one off or may happen several times in a few minutes. The engine never stops running, which is good as this happened in the interstate. In the dark, this could be dangerous as the headlights and taillights go out for a moment. I am not aware if this is easily replicated or if this poses issues to other systems.

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 2021IL

The car shut off completely while driving without warning. The car was restarted and the check engine light turned on.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 24, 2021MD

The car sometimes will be locked in park and unable to move. Sometimes the dashboard lights up with all error lights and auto shuts the car off in the middle of driving. Sometimes on the highway, the speed notifier goest to 0mph when I am going atleast 65-70mph.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2021NY

July 2021, While my son and daughter were driving the car engine shut off, the brakes, the gas pedal and steering wheel locked. The vehicle was on a slight incline and rolled backwards. My son quickly pulled the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle from going into the vehicle behind him. The vehicle was restarted and all the problems were gone. We brought the vehicle to the dealer. They checked and found nothing wrong and could not recreate the problem. At the same time the dealer performed the recall 21V259 (letter dated 6/11/2021) which was rectified by performing an engine vibration inspection which passed. At that time we also reported a ticking sound coming from the engine which the dealer stated is a normal noise from the injectors. A NY state inspection was also performed and passed.

Power Train
Filed Dec 21, 2021TX

TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. After approximately 17,700 miles the engine surged and the check engine light illuminated. After the vehicle was stopped, the transmission would no go into reverse. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealer service department, Diagnosis was transmission failure requiring complete transmission replacement.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 15, 2021CA

I took my car 4 times to the dealer telling them it shut off. N they refused to do more work on the car due to they could not recreate the incident. Means they went ahead and put me in danger.

Power Train
Filed Dec 11, 2021CA

My car Cutts off while driving especially when I’m Turning happening more frequently now it’s shuts off all dash lights come on and I have to put it back in park and start it up agian

Power Train
Filed Dec 2, 2021NH

Brand new car on Dec 2020. Second time with a transmission problem. Was repaired at 6500 miles in June of this year. Dealer replaced it with a re-manufactured one. At 9300 miles I was driving in cruise control at about 70 miles per hour for a couple hours and while going up a long hill the transmission started slipping again and rpms went from 2000 to 4000 while it was trying to shift. The car began to shudder just like back it june so I knew the transmission was going. I slowed down and pulled off highway as the transmission continued to slip and had no power to go above 20 mph. I saw a parking lot up the hill to pull over at to be more safe off the highway and the rpms went up to 6000 and barely moved car then it caught and lurched the car forward and I almost hit the sign in the parking lot. I waited over 3 hours for a tow truck and after car cooled it did move enough to get it near the tow truck to be pulled up on the flatbed. This car needs a beefier transmission or some kind of cooler or warning light to prevent accidents. When is it a lemon and due for recall??

Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2021CT

The engine shut off while driving.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 2, 2021WI

My car was stolen. No alarm sounded when window broken in front-passenger side. Car was locked and alarm set. It has come to my attention through various news outlets and via class-action lawsuit filed in Milwaukee, WI that there is a security flaw in Kia’s vehicles dating 2011-present.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 26, 2021NC

21V-259 recall for inconsistent heat treating process for piston oil rings. The dates for use of the recalled piston rings Nov 20,1019 -Oct 15, 2020. My Seltos was in production at the time the damaged oil rings were used. I took my Seltos in for the repair, MY VEHICLE WAS NOT repaired. A vibration test was done and a program update was installed to detect vibration. The vehicle still has the recalled damaged oil rings. The vehicle stalls out, runs rough and continues to worsen. The first engine start up is the worst for engine noise and running rough. I expressed my concerns to the dealership, a vibration test with program software uploaded isn't a repair. Asked when will then piston rings be replaced? They stated they didn't know of that any such repair and my car is repaired. Yet it still stalls, continues to runs rough and worsening, oil check has grit feelin it. So I guess I wait till the engine stalls causing a wreck or the vehicle ignites into flames. I'm scared to drive the car and financially stuck with it because no one is willing to do anything more than what's been done. This is not fair and shouldn't be an acceptable outcome for a safety recall, as the issue of safety has not been addressed.

Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2021WI

My locked Kia Seltos was stolen from my driveway while I was home. No alarm went off despite a broken window. This is a major problem with Kia/hyundai vehicles in Milwaukee where thieves are plugging in USB devices that start the car. Kia knows about the issue (look up news reports in Milwaukee) but is doing nothing to solve it. No recall! Now I have no car and Kia won’t compensate me at all.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 20217,350 milesMA

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the vehicle was okay to drive. The contact stated on 9/26/2021 while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was unable to reach a representative with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 7,350.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 24, 2021IN

The seatbelt holder clip on the back seat backrest does not retain seat bely when backrest is folded down so the seat belt gets caught in the backrest latch when returning backrest to upright. This causes damage to seatbelt which could compromise it during an accident.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 14, 2021WI

My vehicle was stolen by the Milwaukee KiA Boyz. Found damaged and will take up to 3 months to get parts due to number of KIAs being stolen. My car was taken at 915 am in my employee parking lot which is an assisted living and memory care community. We have kids scoping our parking lot and targeting cars. This has become a bigger issue than just a car being stolen. This is a personal safety issue as well as a community safety and risk issue

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2021CA

On June 21st I took my car to be inspected for a recall on the engine. I was told it would take 1-2 hours, it took a total of 6. When I picked up the car not one person explained to me what was done, if my car passed the inspection or if work was done. On July 11th my car stalled on a main street with my child in the car. The oil light, check-engine light and battery light all turned on. On July 13th I took my car back to Kia where they had it for 5 hours. They told me the car had zero oil in it and accused me of not getting frequent routine oil changes, although I have taken my vehicle for every single one, except for the one needed in about 700 miles. Instead of performing the oil change, they topped off the oil and stated I needed to drive it for another 1000 miles so they can examine it again and do that a total of 3 times. They admitted what my car is experiencing is signs of the recall, but they can not just request that I receive an engine replacement. When I mentioned the risk of the car catching on fire and my concerns, the service associate replied, "That is not likely to happen", as if that is supposed to make me feel better. My vehicle does not drive well and honestly, it is terrifying to drive, but it is my only car. Since leaving the dealer on the 13th, my car has a hard time making it to 40 MPH and the RPM sometimes goes to 6 while slowly trying to get to 40 MPH. It has stalled again and sounds very loud while running. My gas also gets used extremely fast, a ta

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 29, 2021NM

I purchased the vehicle in March 2021. Within a week I heard a tapping or vibrating noise from rear seat. Most recently while driving less than 10 mph over a speed bump or moving in line at a gas station I hear a grinding crunching kind of sound from the front of the vehicle. While driving on the interstate there's a weird vibration feeling on the gas pedal.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 21, 2021WI

Extreme design flaw, and security subpar security measures on this vehicle. My car was stolen last night because Kia's have been easy to steal. These design flaws are posing significant safety measures. Not to mention inconvenience to myself and others who have to deal with contacting insurance, getting a rental, and or finding a new car. This needs to be fixed asap. Vehicle theft for Kia and Hyundai have been up over 2500% since this time last year! Recall your cars and fix it!!!! Because of this I will never lease another Kia again.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jul 18, 2021OK

Spontaneously Burst into flames. Was completely destroyed. I’ll have to send pics if car tomorrow when I can get into the impound.

Engine
Filed Jul 1, 202124,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving very rough and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that there was no oil was present in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the failure was remedied. The contact later received a recall notification for the failure that had occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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