Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal
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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.
45 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Kia Seltos cite engine and engine cooling, 12% of all 377 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.
“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. The contact stated that after waiting several minutes, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust camshaft and alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in July 2025, the vehicle was taken to a dealer and was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the vehicle had passed inspection and was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the highway and came to a stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with the assistance of a bystander. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact a week later that the vehicle was operable. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light was still illuminated, and the vehicle was barely operational and made abnormal sounds. The contact informed the dealer of the issues, and the vehicle remained at the dealer and was diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V259000 (Engine) or 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The recall repairs were previously performed. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to correct…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and there was no oil in the engine, and metal flakes were found in the camshaft. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft failure, timing failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,707.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number : 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that while the technician was attempting to start the vehicle, the engine seized, and the contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over, and the vehicle experienced engine failure. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The contact checked the oil, and there was no oil on the dipstick even though the vehicle had received an oil change two months earlier. The contact called a friend to top off the engine oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact was informed that the vehicle had been repaired in 2021 before owning the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 96,070.”
Showing 6 of 45 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.