Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2021 Kia Seltos recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2021 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component2
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
Safety recalls2
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Feb 17, 202525V099000 | Engine and engine cooling: engine hard parts internal/mechanicalEngine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. DetailsHide details for campaign 25V099000
|
| Apr 13, 202121V259000 | EngineA damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 21V259000
|
Buying a used 2021 Kia Seltos? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure
Owner complaints by component376
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 231 | 61 |
| Power train | 68 | 18 |
| Electrical system | 48 | 13 |
| Unknown or other | 46 | 12 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 45 | 12 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 26 | 7 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 3 |
| Air bags | 6 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 2 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 1 |
8 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Engine and engine cooling
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, oil pressure, and charging system warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled.”
- Engine
“As I was driving my 2021 KIA SELTOS LX AWD, at approximately 45 mph, my car had stalled causing an injury to my facial area, specifically my nose.”
- Vehicle speed control
“RECALL EVASION & TIMELINE FRAUD REPORT Filing formal complaint against Kia America & Kia of Cerritos (CA) for evasion of mandate under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099). 1.”
Other Kia Seltos model years
- 20250 recalls13 complaints
- 20242 recalls46 complaints
- 20232 recalls46 complaints
- 20221 recall74 complaints
- 20212 recalls376 complaints
Other Kia models
- 2021 Sorento5 recalls275 complaints
- 2021 Soul2 recalls238 complaints
- 2021 Sportage2 recalls54 complaints
- 2021 Sedona0 recalls10 complaints
- 2021 Forte2 recalls69 complaints
- 2021 Telluride5 recalls370 complaints
- 2021 Rio2 recalls15 complaints
- 2021 Niro2 recalls12 complaints
- 2021 K56 recalls169 complaints
- 2021 Stinger5 recalls17 complaints
- 2020 Optima0 recalls153 complaints
- 2009 Spectra0 recalls114 complaints
2021 Kia Seltos recall questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Seltos have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Seltos. The most recent, 25V099000 (reported February 17, 2025), concerns engine and engine cooling. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Kia Seltos?
Engine is the most-reported component, named in 231 complaints out of 376 filed with NHTSA (61%). Across all complaints, owners reported 13 crashs and 6 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2021 Kia Seltos?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer.
Check a specific Kia by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Kia build sheet & window sticker guide.