2021 Kia Seltos power train problems
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Kia Seltos — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving normally at approximately 55 mph on the highway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and spontaneous structural failure of the rear driver-side suspension and drivetrain. Without striking any road debris, potholes, or other vehicles, the entire driver-side rear wheel, wheel…”
filed Aug 4, 2026
“My 2021 Kia Seltos 1.6L Turbo GDI is experiencing a severe safety hazard involving catastrophic internal engine failure. The vehicle aggressively consumes its oil supply, running critically low within 1 to 2 weeks. On July 6, 2026, a certified Kia dealership pressure-tested the engine and formally…”
filed Jul 19, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the…
SC199_OWNR_SP2_3 · Emissions · issued Feb 19, 2026
Power Train problems in other Seltos years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Seltos | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 Seltos | 4 | 9% |
| 2022 Seltos | 10 | 14% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Seltos
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.